Diatomaceous Earth Filtration: A Key Step in High-Purity Lithium Processing

Efficient filtration is a critical step in lithium processing. Removing fine particles, precipitates, and other impurities from lithium-rich solutions ensures the production of high-purity lithium for batteries, industrial applications, and chemical processes. One of the most effective filtration aids for this purpose is diatomaceous earth (DE).

Diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration for lithium processing ensures efficient removal of fine solids, maintaining solution clarity and optimizing refinery performance.

Why Filtration is Essential in Lithium Processing

Lithium solutions often contain suspended solids, colloids, and other impurities. Without proper filtration, these particles can:

• Reduce downstream processing efficiency

• Lower the purity of the final lithium product

• Cause equipment blockages and wear

Optimizing the filtration step is therefore crucial for maintaining solution quality and operational efficiency.

What Makes Diatomaceous Earth an Effective Filter Aid

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fossilized diatoms, offering a unique combination of high porosity, large surface area, and chemical stability. These properties make it an ideal choice for filtering lithium-bearing solutions.

Key benefits of DE filtration include:

• High Porosity: Captures fine particles while allowing liquid to pass through efficiently.

• Chemical Inertness: Does not react with lithium salts or common processing chemicals.

• Thermal Stability: Can withstand elevated temperatures often used in lithium processing.

• Flow Control: Forms a porous filter cake that maintains consistent flow and prevents clogging.

How DE is Applied in Lithium Filtration

DE can be used in multiple ways in lithium filtration setups:

• Pre-coating Filter Media: DE is applied to plates, leaf filters, or pressure filters to create a porous layer that traps particles.

• In-line Addition: Mixed directly with the lithium solution to improve filtration efficiency and reduce turbidity.

This method ensures:

• Clearer Lithium Solutions: Reduced turbidity for high-purity output.

• Higher Throughput: Consistent flow even with solutions containing high solid content.

• Extended Equipment Life: Less particulate load on pumps, valves, and downstream equipment.

Advantages Over Other Filtration Methods

Compared to conventional filtration techniques, DE offers:

• Superior removal of fine and colloidal particles

• Increased operational reliability and reduced maintenance

• A natural, sustainable, and cost-effective filtration solution

Conclusion

In lithium processing, diatomaceous earth filtration is a proven and reliable method to achieve high-purity lithium solutions. Its natural porosity, chemical inertness, and thermal stability make it an essential component in modern lithium refining operations.

By incorporating DE into your filtration process, lithium producers can improve solution clarity, optimize processing efficiency, and maintain consistent product quality.

Sample Availability

AusDE offers samples of both diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay for testing and trial applications:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Supplied as screened <10 mm powder, ideal for filtration, absorbent, and other industrial applications

• Attapulgite Clay: Available in a wider range of particle sizes; customers can request specifications to match their unique application requirements, from spill control to landfill lining or filtration

Testing samples firsthand allows industrial operators to:

• Assess absorbent and adsorbent performance

• Optimize particle size and composition for specific applications

• Explore opportunities for product innovation and customization

For sample requests or supply inquiries, contact AUSDE at hudson@hpgl.com.au or call +61 2 9251 7177.