Hudson Freshwater diatomaceous earth (DE): The Ideal Local Filter Aid for Lithium Refining
- Earth & Clay
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Introduction: Why Filtration Matters in Lithium Production
Lithium demand is skyrocketing due to the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Efficient, high-purity lithium production is now more critical than ever. Whether you are operating a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) project, processing lithium brines, or converting spodumene to battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate, filtration is a key step in ensuring consistent recovery, purity, and operational efficiency.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) has long been the global standard for filtration in lithium processing, used for pre-treatment, resin protection, and final product polishing. Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE), sourced from freshwater deposits in Badgingarra, Western Australia, offers a sustainable, local alternative to imported DE or perlite-based blends.
This blog explores where and how Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE) fits into lithium refining, who should consider switching, and why local freshwater DE is an ideal substitute.
Stage 1: Brine Pre-Treatment and DLE Systems
Protecting Resins and Maximizing Recovery
In lithium brine operations, the first stage of refining involves clarifying brine before it enters DLE columns or ion exchange resins. Fine silts, colloidal silica, and trace organics can foul expensive resins, reducing lithium recovery and increasing maintenance costs.
Hudson DE advantages in Stage 1:
High porosity and uniform particle size for efficient filtration
Chemically inert material compatible with lithium brines
Freshwater origin reduces background salts and heavy metals
Improved resin protection increases recovery rates and reduces downtime
Applications include:
Precoat filtration
Body-feed filtration for DLE columns
Pilot testing and resin protection studies
Stage 2: Lithium Carbonate and Hydroxide Polishing
Achieving Battery-Grade Purity
After extraction or conversion from spodumene, lithium is refined to battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate (≥99.5–99.9% purity). Filtration at this stage removes:
Insoluble residues
Trace iron, magnesium, or aluminum
Fine particulates that can compromise final product quality
Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE) advantages in Stage 2:
Ensures consistent, high-quality filtration for battery-grade lithium chemicals
Reduces the risk of contamination from imported DE or mixed media
Supports sustainable, local supply and ESG compliance
Applications include:
Polishing of lithium hydroxide or carbonate solutions
Filtration of leach liquors in spodumene conversion
Chemical-grade purification before crystallization
Who Should Consider Substituting Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE)?
Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE) is most relevant for EPCs, process engineers, DLE technology providers, and lithium refining operators. Below is a table mapping the key stages, companies, and substitution opportunities:
Stage | Main Players | Current Filtration | How Hudson DE Adds Value |
Brine Pre-Treatment | Rio Tinto (Rincon), Allkem/Ganfeng JV, Eramet, Standard Lithium | Imported DE or perlite blends | Freshwater DE lowers salts, protects DLE resins, reduces fouling |
DLE Tech Providers | Sunresin, Summit Nanotech, Controlled Thermal Resources | DE in lab/pilot testing | Local DE improves resin protection and repeatability |
EPCs / Process Engineers | Aus/NZ/Global EPCs designing DLE/brine plants | Specify imported or generic DE | Hudson DE can be specified as local, sustainable, consistent |
Lithium Carbonate/Hydroxide Polishing | Covalent Lithium, Tianqi/IGO, Pilbara Minerals, Mineral Resources | Imported DE or chemical filter aids | Local freshwater DE reduces contamination, shipping costs, ensures consistent quality |
Battery-grade Converters | Chinese, EU, Korean refiners | Imported DE / Celite | Hudson DE provides traceability and high-purity alternative |
Why Hudson Freshwater diatomaceous earth (DE) is the Smart Choice
Feature | Benefit for Lithium Refining |
Freshwater sourced | Lower salts, heavy metals, and organics; ideal for DLE and chemical processing |
High porosity & uniform particle size | Efficient precoat and body-feed filtration; protects resin beds |
Local Australian supply | Reduced shipping costs, reliable supply, ESG advantages |
Chemically inert | Safe for brine, hydroxide, or carbonate processing |
Flexible grades available | Suitable for pre-treatment, body-feed, and polishing applications |
By using Hudson diatomaceous earth (DE), companies can reduce reliance on imported diatomaceous earth (DE) or perlite blends, protect expensive DLE resins, and improve battery-grade lithium quality — all while sourcing from a local, sustainable supplier.
Request a Sample Today
Hudson DE is ready for technical evaluation. We can arrange through our suppliers AusDE through Hudson Marketing sample packs of freshwater DE raw ore screened to <10mm
Enquire with us today and see why Hudson DE could be your preferred freshwater, local filter aid for lithium refining.
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