As is the case with many raw materials, lithium carbonate micronizing can be made more efficient by densifying the finely sized powders into granules. The industry-leading K.R. Komarek Roll Compactor, which takes the finely sized powders and compresses them into a solid shape for more efficient processing, has become the industry standard for lithium carbonate processors.
Compaction and granulation, while important to improving lithium carbonate micronizing efficiency, can be costly from both a capital and operational standpoint. This is primarily due to all the ancillary equipment that is typically needed to complete the compaction and granulation process. In addition to the cost, there is a great deal of processing space required to accommodate all of the equipment. A typical lithium carbonate compaction and granulation process will include: a mixer (water is added to help bind the material), a hammermill (compacted material must be reduced in size), and screens (undersize and oversize materials are removed from the product sent to the micronizing mill). All of these components add to capital outlay and operating energy costs.
However, new process innovations suggest a more streamlined option. These innovations change the way lithium processors are approaching the micronizing part of their process. Komarek, in conjunction with their allied partner Sturtevant, have developed a process that eliminates the ancillary equipment mentioned above and reduces the size of the needed roll compactor. This translates into huge cost savings both in capital spending and operational spending.
This improved process utilizes the Sturtevant Superfine Air Classifier to remove product size particles (d90 at 10-12 microns) ahead of micronizing (typical fines removal is 30%-40%). The remaining 60-70 percent (oversize from air classifier) is sent to the smaller sized roll compactor where it compacts the oversize into small compacted pieces. The compacted lithium is then fed to the industry’s most efficient air classifying mill, the Sturtevant FCM mill which micronizes the remaining material to a product spec of d90 at 10-12 microns. The two separate product streams (Classified product and micronized product) are then sent to the product silo.
The net result is a lithium carbonate micronizing process that consumes about half the energy (HP) of a traditional lithium carbonate compacting and micronizing process.
Chris Meadows
