2025-03-15
The global lithium market is booming, driven by the demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.
Aligned with Clear Edge’s mission to make the World Safer, Healthier, and More Productive, we focus on enhancing renewable energy applications and sustainability. Despite growing demand, the lithium market faces supply constraints and production bottlenecks. Producers seek ways to improve process efficiency and achieve the highest purity levels. Clear Edge was invited by a leading hard rock lithium producer to conduct onsite filter fabric testing, aiming to enhance lithium purity without compromising productivity.
THE CHALLENGE
Improving lithium purity levels without introducing bottlenecks in the production process is a complex challenge.
Achieving high product purity is critical, but filtration improvements often negatively impact other aspects of the process, such as throughput. Our task was to enhance purity without reducing productivity. To tackle this challenge, we established a benchtop testing program that allowed us to evaluate the performance metrics of various filter fabrics in real time. We used slurry directly from the equipment feed to ensure accurate results. Our ultimate aim was to select a filter fabric that would improve end-product purity and process efficiency.
THE SOLUTION
We arrived onsite equipped with customized filtration test equipment.
Clear Edge’s team conducted onsite tests with customized filtration equipment to evaluate different filter fabrics. The lab-scale tests provided technical data on filter fabric performance. Site engineers, under Clear Edge’s supervision, tested for:
We pre-screened fabric based on filtrate clarity (NTU). Our coated fabric showed promise in fine particle retention and filter efficiency. Due to low slurry solids, multiple cycles were tested for each fabric type, including coated, mono/multi, and multi/ multi fabrics. The results indicated improvements in filtrate clarity and flow rates, identifying the best-performing fabrics.
THE RESULT
Our rigorous testing process allowed us to conclusively determine which filter fabric would perform best in the given application.
By initially narrowing down the fabric selection and then focusing on the best performing options in detail, we provided a comprehensive set of results that were invaluable to the client. The fabric selection not only proved effective but also demonstrated test methods and measurements that onsite engineers could adopt for future reference. This approach proved invaluable, leading to invitations for Clear Edge to perform similar tests at other process filtration stages and additional sites.
Based on the results achieved, Azurtex™ 2.0 emerged as the standout performer. The testing showed that Azurtex™ 2.0 could reduce the average NTU value from 2.25 and 3 for mono/multi and full multi fabrics, respectively, down to 1.5. This significant improvement in filtrate clarity was accompanied by increased filtration flow rates. As a result, Azurtex™ 2.0 coated fabric was ordered, installed on the target filters, and is now running exceptionally well. This success not only underscores the effectiveness of Clear Edge’s testing and filtration solutions but also reinforces our commitment to advancing the lithium production industry through innovative and sustainable practices.
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