Unlock a deeper understanding of lithium extraction in our blog, where science and cutting-edge modeling bring sustainable solutions to life.
Setting the standard in efficient lithium extraction and recovery
OLI’s powerful simulation tools support efficient brine and hard rock extraction, seamless conversion to battery-grade lithium and robust recycling methods, enabling companies to master every step of the lithium lifecycle with confidence and precision.
Mastering the Complexities of Lithium Extraction and Recycling
The lithium industry faces critical challenges—from optimizing leaching efficiency to managing environmental responsibilities. Sustainable lithium production demands high recovery rates, reduced reagent usage, and robust recycling solutions. With precision chemistry models, companies are equipped to meet these challenges head-on, driving operational excellence and environmental leadership.
Overcoming barriers to efficient and sustainable lithium recovery
To meet the demands of sustainable, high-yield lithium production, lithium producers must excel in extraction, processing, and recycling. OLI’s powerful chemistry models cover every step of the lithium lifecycle—from efficient brine and hard rock extraction to battery-grade conversion and advanced recycling methods. These solutions enable companies to lead in lithium production, maximizing yield while prioritizing sustainable practices at each critical stage.
Extraction efficiency in DLE
Maximizing lithium recovery through brine extraction is challenging, operating far from equilibrium and heavily reliant on brine composition. OLI’s powerful thermodynamic and kinetic models establish a baseline simulation that encompasses process conditions, contact time, media type, and brine composition. This ensures that, once built, the process is clear and controlled, enabling planned changes to be made with accuracy and confidence rather than left to chance.
Product purity
High-purity Li₂CO₃ and LiOH fetch premium market prices, but impurities such as Na, K, Ca, Fe, and B can compromise value. The solution is to either eliminate these impurities or prevent contamination at the source. OLI delivers powerful solutions for both strategies—our advanced thermodynamic models anticipate impurity behavior, while our private databanking tools can be customized to specific operations. This best-in-class toolkit enables operators to consistently achieve the highest purity standards, securing product quality and market advantage.
Water management
In water-stressed extraction operations, reducing water use is essential for regulatory approval and operational success. Recycling process water can bring challenges like scaling, corrosion, and impurities. OLI’s world-leading software empowers plants to anticipate and prevent these issues, ensuring smooth, compliant operations and robust water management.
Battery recycling
Lithium recovery from black mass in batteries is a challenging frontier, with few recyclers achieving profitability. Each car battery, however, holds hundreds of dollars in recoverable lithium. OLI partners with pioneering recycling start-ups to establish hydrometallurgical separation processes that make lithium recovery economical, driving a more resilient lithium supply chain and advancing government goals for recycled metals in next-generation batteries.
Achieving Unmatched Efficiency in Lithium Extraction and Recovery
Commanding precision in lithium process simulation for unmatched results
OLI’s all-encompassing solution covers every stage of lithium’s lifecycle—from extraction to production to recycling. Powered by advanced thermodynamics, kinetics, and flowsheeting, OLI enables unparalleled control and precision. Our thermodynamics module provides accurate predictions for complex brine properties and ensures precise product yields for LiOH, Li₂CO₃, and LiPF₆. By integrating kinetics with thermodynamics, OLI optimizes DLE operations based on specific media characteristics. OLI Flowsheet completes the solution, combining these tools into a single, powerful package that functions as a digital twin or what-if tool to maximize product yield and operational efficiency.
Brine extraction
OLI’s powerful brine chemistry models enable producers to maximize lithium extraction, ensuring water is managed effectively and waste is minimized, setting a new benchmark in sustainable extraction.
Hard rock mining
Our advanced predictive modeling tools drive optimal yield in hard rock mining, managing environmental impacts and delivering excellence in resource utilization.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Technologies
OLI’s DLE simulations lead the way in efficiency, cutting reagent use, and enhancing recovery rates, empowering producers to achieve sustainable, high-performance lithium extraction.
Concentration and purification
Achieve unmatched purity and consistency in lithium production with OLI’s powerful chemistry models, essential for high-quality downstream applications.
Conversion to lithium hydroxide and carbonate
OLI’s models optimize conversion to lithium hydroxide and carbonate, securing high yields and exceptional product quality.
Battery-grade lithium production
OLI’s advanced models ensure the production of high-purity, battery-grade lithium, meeting industry standards with precision and reliability.
Wastewater management
Lead in sustainable lithium processing with OLI’s robust wastewater management models, designed to meet and exceed environmental standards.
Lithium-ion battery recycling methods. (Black mass).
OLI’s powerful simulations drive effective lithium recovery from black mass, setting new standards for resource sustainability and environmental conservation.
Challenges and advancements in lithium recycling
Leading the way in lithium recycling, OLI overcomes industry challenges and pioneers advancements that make lithium recovery more impactful, supporting a resilient circular economy.
Lithium de France enhances process design with OLI
Lithium de France, the first independent French operator of geothermal heat and lithium and a subsidiary of Arverne Group, develops projects for the synergistic production of geothermal heat and lithium.
"As we assess different options for extraction and processing, the use of a predictive thermodynamic model is very helpful to save time and to anticipate process constraints such as scaling. In this context, OLI offers unique hydrometallurgical process simulation solutions and excellent technical support allowing us to efficiently model the geothermal brines and lithium process flowsheets. OLI’s electrolyte thermodynamic property package is recommended to predict physical and chemical properties taking into consideration all the chemical elements that are present in the brines. We expect to continue using OLI software as we advance in the design of the process."
Lithium de France
Revolutionizing lithium extraction from the Andean flats to the Salton Sea with advanced thermodynamic analysis
As the global demand for lithium accelerates, extraction methods must evolve to keep pace with operational and environmental challenges. OLI Systems’ advanced thermodynamic modeling empowers users to evaluate extraction methods across diverse brine sources—from the Andean flats to the geothermal reservoirs of the Salton Sea. By precisely analyzing brine chemistries and optimizing process conditions, OLI’s tools deliver insights that enhance efficiency, mitigate scaling, and improve resource recovery. This case study highlights how our unique approach to chemistry modeling offers actionable data that drives more efficient lithium extraction, reducing environmental impact while boosting yield. Discover the scientific foundation behind successful lithium extraction, and see how OLI’s innovative solutions are setting new standards in sustainable resource management.
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
Command the future of lithium processing with OLI's advanced software suite
Seize new frontiers in lithium extraction and processing with OLI’s powerful chemistry modeling tools, purpose-built to elevate every stage—from complex brine extraction to purification and sustainable recycling. Grounded in scientific rigor and crafted to drive excellence, OLI’s software solutions empower you to achieve superior efficiency and reliability in lithium recovery.
OLI Studio: Stream Analyzer
Lead the way in lithium extraction with Stream Analyzer’s unparalleled precision. This tool allows you to master brine chemistry by modeling ion interactions, phase behaviors, and mixer simulations, delivering critical insights for confident decision-making and optimal results.
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OLI Studio: Corrosion Analyzer
Protect your operations with Corrosion Analyzer, designed to predict and combat corrosion risks that could impact lithium processing. This essential tool strengthens your process with proactive measures, ensuring equipment durability and seamless operations
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OLI Flowsheet: ESP
Take control with Flowsheet: ESP’s advanced simulation capabilities, allowing you to design and refine steady-state processes across multi-phase systems. From extraction to recycling, ESP gives you the power to troubleshoot complex workflows and maintain precise control, securing scalable solutions that set new standards in lithium processing.
Learn more
OLI Studio: Stream Analyzer
Lead the way in lithium extraction with Stream Analyzer’s unparalleled precision. This tool allows you to master brine chemistry by modeling ion interactions, phase behaviors, and mixer simulations, delivering critical insights for confident decision-making and optimal results.
Learn more
OLI Studio: Corrosion Analyzer
Protect your operations with Corrosion Analyzer, designed to predict and combat corrosion risks that could impact lithium processing. This essential tool strengthens your process with proactive measures, ensuring equipment durability and seamless operations
Learn more
OLI Flowsheet: ESP
Take control with Flowsheet: ESP’s advanced simulation capabilities, allowing you to design and refine steady-state processes across multi-phase systems. From extraction to recycling, ESP gives you the power to troubleshoot complex workflows and maintain precise control, securing scalable solutions that set new standards in lithium processing.
Learn more
Unleash the full potential of your lithium operations with OLI’s advanced solutions.
From precise extraction to cutting-edge purification, our tools empower you to lead every phase of the process with confidence, optimizing each step for maximum impact and sustainability. Take control of your lithium recovery and set the benchmark for efficiency and excellence in this critical industry.
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