With the rapid development of the new energy industry, the demand for lithium resources continues to rise. However, the vast majority of lithium is found in salt lake brines, which commonly exhibit a high magnesium-to-lithium (Mg/Li) ratio. The separation of magnesium and lithium is challenging and costly, forming a key technological bottleneck for the lithium extraction industry. Solvent extraction has gradually become the mainstream technology for lithium extraction from high Mg/Li brines due to its high separation efficiency, continuous operation capability, and strong adaptability.

Why is solvent extraction preferred for lithium extraction from high Mg/Li brines?

In high Mg/Li brines, the concentration of magnesium ions is often tens to hundreds of times higher than that of lithium ions, and their chemical properties are similar, making efficient separation difficult with traditional precipitation or adsorption methods. Solvent extraction, based on the distribution difference of the target ion between the organic and aqueous phases, enables selective extraction of lithium and offers the following notable advantages:

1.High selectivity: By selecting an appropriate extraction system, lithium can be efficiently and selectively extracted while effectively avoiding magnesium interference.
2.Strong adaptability: Solvent extraction method can handle brines of varying compositions and Mg/Li ratios, allowing flexible process adjustments.
3.Continuous operation: Solvent extraction method facilitates industrialized continuous production and is well-suited for large-scale lithium extraction projects from salt lakes.
4.High separation efficiency: Compared to adsorption methods, solvent extraction provides faster mass transfer, better separation performance, and higher lithium recovery.

CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor: The Core Equipment for Lithium Extraction via Solvent Extraction

In the lithium extraction process utilizing solvent extraction, the choice of extraction equipment directly affects separation efficiency, operating costs, and system stability. The CWL-M series centrifugal extractor, independently developed by Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction, is specifically designed for complex liquid–liquid extraction systems. It has been successfully applied in multiple high Mg/Li brine lithium extraction projects, becoming a trusted core piece of equipment for industry users.

When using the CWL-M centrifugal extractor for lithium extraction from brine, the process flow includes:
1.Extraction stage: Brine (aqueous phase) and extractant (organic phase) enter the CWL-M centrifugal extractor in a defined ratio. Within the high-speed rotational centrifugal field, the two phases are rapidly mixed and separated. Lithium ions are selectively extracted into the organic phase, while magnesium and other impurities remain in the raffinate for discharge.
2.Washing stage: The loaded organic phase is washed to remove entrained impurities, further enhancing lithium purity.
3.Stripping stage: The washed, loaded organic phase contacts the stripping agent, transferring lithium ions back into the aqueous phase to obtain a lithium-rich solution. The regenerated organic phase is returned to the extraction stage for continuous recycling.
The entire process is closed-loop and continuous, with a high degree of automation, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

Core Advantages of the CWL-M Centrifugal Extractor

1.High-efficiency mixing and separation: The high-speed rotation of the rotor generates strong centrifugal force, enhancing mass transfer between the two phases while achieving rapid phase separation. This is particularly suitable for high Mg/Li brines that are prone to emulsification and difficult to separate.
2.Wide applicability: Capable of handling high phase ratios (up to 50:1), meeting the extraction requirements of various brine compositions.
3.Compact footprint and excellent containment: The compact design occupies only about one-fifth of the area required by traditional mixer-settlers. Its fully enclosed structure prevents organic solvent volatilization, improving the production environment.
4.High degree of automation: Equipped with an intelligent control system for remote start/stop, online monitoring, and fault alarms, reducing manual intervention and ensuring stable operation.
5.Strong corrosion resistance: Key components are made of high-performance stainless steel and specialized engineering plastics, resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, making it suitable for the complex conditions of brine systems.

Facing the technical challenges of lithium extraction from high Mg/Li brines, solvent extraction is becoming the mainstream choice for salt lake lithium extraction projects due to its high separation efficiency, continuous operation, and strong adaptability. The CWL-M centrifugal extractor, as the core equipment for solvent extraction, helps enterprises overcome the magnesium–lithium separation bottleneck and achieve efficient lithium extraction, thanks to its high mass transfer efficiency, stable phase separation, and automated operation.

If you are planning or upgrading a brine lithium extraction project, welcome to contact Zhengzhou Tiei Extraction. We provide professional support for extraction testing, process design, and equipment selection, working with you to promote the efficient development and utilization of salt lake lithium resources.
Email: sales@tieiextraction.com
Whatsapp: +86 19069612820