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Direct Lithium Extraction
End-to-End Sustainable Solutions Delivered by Experts in Resin Technology and Brine Treatment
Every brine is different and requires a unique treatment strategy to remove impurities. For direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, how efficiently and effectively impurities are rejected impacts cost across the lithium flowsheet. The path to scalable DLE is filled with uncertainties, but Ecolab can guide the way.
Ecolab experts offer in-depth experience testing and treating brines around the world, advanced lithium resin production capabilities and unmatched expertise with end-to-end process challenges. Our services span the DLE project lifecycle including process modeling, product and equipment selection, resin and water treatment solutions, and digital optimization with unique monitoring and modeling capabilities.
Helping You Achieve More Sustainable and
Efficient Lithium Production
The search for more sustainable and efficient lithium production has spurred the development of direct lithium extraction (DLE), a cutting-edge technological breakthrough that paves the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to lithium mining.
With the right approach, DLE offers several notable improvements from previous extraction methods.
- Water Preservation
Unlike evaporation processes, DLE significantly reduces water consumption by extracting lithium without the need for large evaporation ponds. The process can also return the brine to its source, minimizing ecological disruption. - Land Footprint
DLE technologies can be implemented with a much smaller physical footprint compared to traditional methods, which helps to preserve natural landscapes and reduce overall environmental impact. - Speed and Efficiency
DLE enables a faster production cycle, so lithium can be extracted within hours as opposed to the months (or years) required by evaporation ponds. This quicker response time helps meet evolving market demands.
Maximize Lithium
Minimize Water
Optimize Performance
The World Needs Lithium
The global demand for lithium is expected to quadruple over the next 10 years. To meet this demand,
we are helping advance current and new technologies.Learn more about current innovations and
how Ecolab is helping usher in a new era of lithium production.
Ecolab Brine Conditioning Program
Brine Conditioning Chemistry
- A tailored treatment plan for your brine. Our expert-designed program delivers the quality and quantity of brine you need for direct lithium extraction.
- Coagulants and Flocculants
- Antifoam
- pH Adjustment
- Filtration
- Ion Exchange Resins
In-Process Water Treatment
- RO Generation and Process Cooling Technology
- Membrane System Performance Monitoring
- Cooling Water Management
- Biofouling Control
- Automated Dosing Systems
Post-DLE Solutions
- Ion Exchange Resins
- Reinjection Well Scale, Corrosion and Biofouling Control
Ecolab Purolite™ Resins
Purolite™ Resins play a critical role in the DLE process. We offer a portfolio of technologies to assist in the path from brine to final product:
- Lithium extraction media manufacturing and co-development capabilities
- Industry-leading ion exchange resin for brine decalcification and impurity removal for both pre- and post- direct lithium extraction
- Vast experience in manufacturing both ion exchange and adsorbent resins
- Extensive research and development project experience
Optimal resin choice depends on the specifics of your plant operation, and Ecolab can help guide you to the best resin selection.
Featured Related Offering:
Geomizer: The World’s Premier Geothermal Modelling Software
Protect your most valuable assets through predicting your plant’s risk for scale, corrosion, and cleaning needs.
Featured Offerings Available Within the Brine Conditioning Program
Your Partner of Choicein DLE Solutions
- Navigating you through an evolving space with innovation, experience and adaptable technologies
- Maximizing lithium extraction by leveraging deep expertise with both unique brines and purification technologies
- Minimizing water use by applying technologies to efficiently manage and reuse water
- Optimizing system performance to help keep total cost of operations down and sustainability initiatives at the forefront
- Delivering advanced insights with state-of-the-art digital monitoring and modeling capabilities
- Trusted brine expert in geothermal plants with 60+ plants treated globally—driving efficiency and reliability in geothermal plants since 1986
- Purolite Resin™ experts with media manufacturing and co-development capabilities
- On-going research, innovation and development of solutions centered around DLE brine and resin interactions
- On-site service from trusted experts to deliver process optimization and support