Lanran Tech’s BPED Technology Transforms Lithium Refinement in Yichun
Yichun, celebrated as the “Lithium Capital of Asia,” boasts the world’s largest lithium mica reserves, making it a global hub for lithium salt production. However, the low grade of its lithium ore (Li₂O content of 1.23% to 5.90%) and the presence of impurities such as fluorine, aluminum, and silicon have traditionally posed significant challenges for refinement, driving up costs and complicating extraction. Through cutting-edge solutions like bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED) from Lanran Tech, these challenges are being effectively addressed, revolutionizing the lithium salt industry in the region.
The region’s largest lithium salt producer, partnered with Lanran Tech to implement BPED technology in its latest facility, enabling the production of 10,000 tons annually of battery-grade monohydrate lithium hydroxide. Commissioned on December 26, 2021, the project relies on BPED to refine crude lithium carbonate from spodumene and external sources, setting a new standard in cost-efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
Lanran Tech’s BPED technology lies at the core of this innovative process. By dissolving crude lithium carbonate into lithium sulfate solution, refining it, and using BPED to convert it into lithium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, the facility achieves unparalleled efficiency. The sulfuric acid is recycled back into the dissolution stage, ensuring a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource utilization.
Key advantages of Lanran Tech’s BPED technology include:
Efficiency Through Innovation: BPED simplifies the traditionally complex production process, offering a shorter route to high-quality lithium hydroxide.
Clean and Automated Operations: The system ensures a clean, well-organized production environment with advanced automation for seamless operation.
Lower Production Costs: Despite the challenges of low-grade raw materials, BPED significantly reduces costs compared to conventional methods.
Consistent Product Quality: The process consistently delivers battery-grade monohydrate lithium hydroxide that meets stringent industry standards.
Lou Yontong, Chairman of Lanran Tech, remarked on the project’s success: “This project exemplifies how Lanran Tech’s BPED technology enables industries to unlock the potential of challenging resources like low-grade lithium ore. By integrating innovation with sustainability, we are helping partners achieve operational excellence and meet the demands of a rapidly growing market.”
With Lanran Tech’s BPED system, the company has successfully stabilized the production of 10,000 tons annually of battery-grade monohydrate lithium hydroxide. This achievement not only strengthens Yichun’s position as a global leader in lithium salt production but also demonstrates the transformative potential of Lanran Tech’s advanced technologies in overcoming the limitations of low-grade lithium resources.
Lanran Tech’s contributions to this project are a testament to its leadership in water treatment and resource recovery solutions. The company’s innovative BPED technology is redefining lithium refinement, providing scalable, sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
About Lanran
Lanran Tech is a global leader in water treatment and resource recovery technologies, specializing in advanced ion-exchange membrane and electrodialysis systems. With expertise spanning waste recycling, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), lithium battery recovery, and more, Lanran Tech delivers innovative solutions that empower industries to achieve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Learn more at www.lanrantech.com.
