Summary
- SLB’s lithium production process proven at demonstration plant in Nevada
- Process is 500 times faster than conventional methods, using only 10% of the land, less water, and chemicals
- Results show 96% recovery of lithium from brine at operational rates
- Process includes advanced impurity treatment and concentration technologies
- SLB’s goal is to accelerate lithium production sustainably for today’s market.
Article
Oilfield services company SLB, also known as Schlumberger, has successfully demonstrated its lithium production process at a large scale at its plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The plant integrates direct lithium extraction, concentration, and conversion technologies to produce lithium from brine 500 times faster than conventional methods, using only 10% of the land and fewer water and chemical reagents. The company claims a 96% recovery rate of lithium from brine at operational rates.
SLB’s process includes advanced impurity treatment and concentration technologies to produce high-purity lithium carbonate or hydroxide. After processing and separating the lithium, the spent brine is returned to its source with a reduced lithium concentration. The entire process, from extracting lithium from brine to converting it to technical-grade lithium carbonate, takes only a few hours, compared to the 18 months required by evaporation methods with a lower recovery rate of 50% or less.
Gavin Rennick, President of SLB’s New Energy business, emphasized the importance of lithium in enabling electrification and the need to accelerate its production without harming the environment. The demonstration plant in Clayton Valley showcases SLB’s unique integrated approach to producing scalable quantities of lithium quickly, economically, and sustainably to meet current market demands.
SLB’s innovative approach to lithium production not only surpasses conventional methods in terms of speed and efficiency but also minimizes the environmental impact by using less land, water, and chemical reagents. The company’s focus on high purity lithium carbonate or hydroxide ensures quality output for various applications in the electrification industry.
The successful demonstration of SLB’s lithium production process in Nevada paves the way for the company to expand its operations and meet the growing demand for lithium in the market. By incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, SLB aims to establish itself as a leading player in the lithium production industry, contributing to the advancement of electrification and sustainable energy solutions.
Overall, SLB’s demonstration plant in Clayton Valley represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards sustainable lithium production. By demonstrating faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly methods of extracting and processing lithium, SLB is poised to make a positive impact on the industry and support the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
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