LithiumX™ DLE Lithium Adsorbent
Selective lithium extraction from high-Mg/Li brines and geothermal fluids.
Lithium-selective adsorption medium for direct lithium extraction (DLE), designed for high-Mg/Li brines and geothermal fluids, preferentially capturing Li+ via lattice/selective sites for use in elution-regeneration cycles.
| Grade | XR-DLE-701 LithiumX™ Direct Lithium Extraction Media |
|---|---|
| Ionic Form | Lithium-Selective Adsorption (Inorganic / Hybrid) |
| Matrix | Inorganic / Hybrid |
| Structure | Macroporous / Granular |
| Suitable Conditions | Lithium extraction from high-Mg/Li brine / geothermal fluid · DLE adsorption-stage media · salt lake pilot and scale-up columns |
| Not Recommended (assess first) | Direct column feed of high-solids raw liquor (pre-treat required) · long-term service in strong-acid/strong-oxidant regeneration systems (special assessment required) |
| Particle Size · Packaging · Shelf Life | 0.3 - 1.2 mm · packaging and shelf life per grade TDS |
| Lithium capacity | Grade-dependent; confirmed by pilot test |
| Selectivity | Li > Na, K, Mg, Ca |
| Moisture retention | 40 - 55 % |
| Particle size | 0.3 - 1.2 mm |
| Operating pH | 5 - 9 |
| Max. operating temperature | 60 °C |
| Regeneration | Dilute HCl |
| Typical values for this grade family; contract values are set by the batch CoA/TDS. | |
| Documents | Download TDS / MSDS from the top of the page; CoA samples and third-party verification reports are available on request on request |
Parameters on this page are representative descriptions under typical test conditions and do not constitute a performance commitment; specific values are governed by the corresponding grade's batch CoA and TDS. Where operating boundaries are unclear, we recommend starting with a service assessment。
How direct lithium extraction works
A selective lithium adsorbent captures Li⁺ from brine while rejecting sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The loaded bed is eluted with dilute acid to produce a lithium chloride eluate, which is then concentrated and converted to carbonate or hydroxide. The selectivity is what makes the process economic: a non-selective resin would load the competing ions and need far more eluant.
Pilot protocol before scale-up
| Feed characterisation | Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, sulfate, chloride, TDS, pH, temperature |
|---|---|
| Loading | g Li per litre of bed at breakthrough |
| Selectivity | Li/Na, Li/Mg, Li/Ca separation factors |
| Cycle life | Capacity retention over 100+ cycles |
| Eluate | Li concentration, impurity profile, acid consumption |
Run the pilot at the same temperature and flow velocity as the intended plant. Brine composition changes seasonally; test at least two campaigns and treat the lower-capacity result as design basis.
Elution and water balance
Dilute hydrochloric acid is the common eluant. The eluate is acidic and dilute, so the downstream evaporation load matters as much as the resin capacity. Optimise the elution concentration and volume together: a stronger acid reduces volume but increases neutralisation cost and can shorten resin life.
Frequently asked
Can it treat geothermal brine?
Yes, provided the temperature and silica loading are within the adsorbent's limits. Silica scaling is the main risk; a pre-treatment step may be needed.
What lithium recovery can be expected?
Recovery depends on feed chemistry and the elution ratio; well-designed circuits exceed 90%. The pilot should report recovery per pass and per cycle, not a single headline number.