LITHIUM EXTRACTION FROM DIENG GEOTHERMAL BRINE USING SOLVENT EXTRACTION – A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Agus Wahyudi; Andina Septiarani; Hairunnisa; Isyatun Rodliyah

doi:10.30556/imj.Vol26.No1.2023.1477

Authors

Agus Wahyudi R & D Centre for Mineral and Coal Technology
Andina Septiarani Testing Center for Mineral and Coal
Hairunnisa Testing Center for Mineral and Coal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Isyatun Rodliyah Testing Center for Mineral and Coal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30556/imj.Vol26.No1.2023.1477

Keywords:

lithium, solvent extraction, geothermal brines

Abstract

This preliminary study aims to obtain the lithium compounds from a geothermal brine through a solvent extraction. The brine samples were collected from PT Geodipa Energi Geothermal Power Plant in Dieng, Central Java, Indonesia. The ICP analysis was conducted to measure brine chemical composition. Brine’s lithium content was 62.73 ppm with the dominant impurities silica (Si), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and boron (B). Silica removal was conducted by centrifugation technic with the addition of flocculants, while calcium removal was achieved by adding sodium carbonate. The CYANEX® 936P was used for the extraction process and was diluted in kerosene (1:1 O/A ratio). The extraction pH was adjusted by adding 10% H₂SO₄ solution (acid condition) and 10% NH₄OH (alkaline condition). The optimum condition for lithium extraction was observed at pH = 11, with the highest lithium recovery of 90%. The eluate from the stripping process was then precipitated by adding Na₂CO₃ to produce lithium carbonate powder.

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