Webinar on Extracting Critical Materials

Jul 10, 2024

Webinar on Extracting Critical Materials

Location: Co-Modular, Houston Date: Holiday Season

Introduction

  • Presenter: Mauric
  • Topic: Extraction of Critical Materials

Background

  • Demand Increase: Due to clean energy tech & high-tech devices
    • Minerals, metals, and rare elements essential
    • Demand outstrips supply
  • DOE Table: Criticality of materials in terms of energy and supply risk
    • Materials include Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Magnesium

Co-Modular Extraction Technology

  • Presenter: Don (BS in Chemical Engineering, MBA)
    • Experience: 30+ years in extraction processes, design, and optimization
  • Supporting Presenter: Brendan (BS in Chemical Engineering)
    • Experience: 15+ years in extraction applications, process development, design, and startup

About Co-Modular

  • Joint Venture: Coke/Base Chemicals
  • Experience: 40+ years in the chemical processing industry
  • Industries Supported: Special chemicals, Mining, Metals, Pharmaceuticals
  • Core Capabilities:
    1. Process Engineering: F1 and F2 stage separations, extraction technology
    2. Pilot Plant Facility: 5000 sq. ft., proof of concept, selection, and scale-up
    3. Modular Projects: Offsite modular construction

Poll Questions

  1. Familiarity with Liquid-Liquid Solvent Extraction: Majority familiar
  2. Application in Critical Materials Extraction: Many not familiar

Extraction Overview

  • What is Liquid-Liquid Extraction?
    • Mixing feed and solvent to transfer solute
    • Phases: Extract and Raffinate
    • Key Factors:
      • Distribution Coefficient: Solute concentration in extract/raffinate
      • Extraction Factor: Distribution coefficient × solvent-to-feed ratio
      • Separation Factor: Distribution coefficients of various components

Types of Extraction Systems

  • Mixer Settlers: Traditional method, good for high flow rates, large floor space required
  • Extraction Columns:
    • Shay Column: Efficient, best for non-fouling systems
    • Car Column: Best for emulsifying systems, handles high solids content

Process Examples

  1. Copper Solvent Extraction
  • Steps: Extraction and stripping
  • Benefits: Reduced solvent requirement, small footprint
  1. Cobalt & Nickel Recovery
  • Steps: Series of extraction and stripping
  • Benefits: Efficient separation and recovery of cobalt and nickel

Pilot Testing

  • Importance: Guarantees performance, tests interface behaviors, and optimizes efficiency
  • Facility: Houston, extensive analytical capabilities
  • Testing Example: Filament recycling, elimination of water entrainment

Q&A Highlights

  • Solids Handling: Nozzles for side filtering solids at the interface
  • Energy Requirements: Low for columns (1-5 hp for shay/car columns)
  • Maximum Flow Rates: 650-700 GPM for shay columns, 400-450 GPM for car columns
  • pH Monitoring: Adjusting aquous streams, using pH probes

Conclusion

  • Contact: contact@co-Modular.com
  • Next Steps: Availability of webinar recording and slides