Alternatives for removing silicon from lithium hydroxide solutions at the Lithium Chemicals Plant

What we are looking for?

At the SQM Lithium Chemicals plant, the challenge of managing the presence of silicon in the lithium hydroxide solution must be addressed. This phenomenon becomes critical during the evaporation phase. The main impact of silicon is that it causes silicate scaling, which reduces process efficiency, subsequently lowering the production rate, shortening the operational cycle, and increasing the frequency and duration of maintenance. Additionally, the presence of silicon above customer specifications leads to quality rejections of the final product.

A technological solution is required to remove silicon from the lithium hydroxide solution to prevent the formation of scaling and ensure the quality of the final product, which will optimize operational continuity and production costs.

This is the composition of the brine entering the heat exchangers:

How will we evaluate your solution?

The success of the solution will be evaluated primarily based on the reduction of silicon and the preservation of lithium in the solution, as these factors directly impact product quality and process efficiency.

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We are expecting to find

Physical methods such as reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration.

Chemical processes like adsorption and ion exchange.

Advanced techniques such as electrocoagulation and the use of catalytic ceramic media.

Industry

Chemical and Mining

Markets

Chile, with projects in Australia and China.

Revenue

US$10.711 billion in 2022

Employees

6.997

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Venture Client step by step

Applications

September 2 to October 17

Finalists selection

November 3 to December 5

Value Proposition Days

December 16 to 19

Proof of Concept Implementation

2026