Absorbent Aug 23rd, 2022 43-101: minutes & 1%; Pg 51
The following are key outcomes of the DLE testing since 2021:
E3 has tested a wider range of DLE operating conditions through which the ion exchange sorbents continue to exhibit high selectiv6bity for lithium over other contaminant ions.
These contaminant ions, which include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, strontium and boron, are present in the Leduc brine at significantly higher concentrations than lithium.
Throughout the batch testing, the sorbent has demonstrated long life and has consistently achieved lithium concentrations in the spent brine of less than 4 mg Li / L (corresponds to over 95% recovery for the Leduc Brine). Co-extraction of the impurities has been low and did not exceed 1% recovery to generate an eluant stream with low ratios of calcium, magnesium, strontium, sodium, potassium, and boron to lithium. In addition, the sorbent’s performance has been consistent from batch testing to flow column testing.
The absorption reaction kinetics of lithium extraction from brine onto sorbent and the subsequent lithium stripping from the sorbent into the eluate is rapid and occurs within minutes.