Direct Lithium Extraction Process Design
The recovery process uses a cyclic direct-lithium-extraction scheme built around media contactors loaded with a proprietary molecular-sieve media, supported by continuously stirred reactors for adsorption. Supporting equipment includes pH and acidification reactors with agitators, numerous storage and surge tanks, an ultrafiltration and reverse-osmosis water treatment skid, a scrubber, and a steam de-superheater fed from the geothermal plant. The process is housed in a multi-level process structure within a prefabricated building, powered through a new pad-mounted transformer and controlled by a stand-alone Allen-Bradley control system.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials for Extreme Brine Conditions
ZAP’s engineering addressed extreme brine corrosivity and very high total dissolved solids, driving specialized materials of construction including Hastelloy, duplex stainless steel, and fiber-reinforced and lined piping. The high-seismic site also required corrosion-resistant concrete and lined containment throughout the facility.
Geothermal Plant Integration & Future Expansion
The demonstration plant integrates directly with the host geothermal power facility, drawing brine feed and returning depleted brine for reinjection. Provisions were also engineered for a future lithium hydroxide demonstration plant, supporting the client’s broader critical-minerals development program. The project demonstrates ZAP’s capability to execute a first-of-a-kind facility integrating novel extraction technology with an operating geothermal plant.
