Lithium-bearing spodumene ore is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. As spodumene naturally occurs in alpha form (α-form), it must be processed into beta form (β-form) in order to be amenable to lithium extraction. This conversion is known as decrepitation.
THE DECREPITATION PROCESS
Decrepitation of spodumene ore is an essential shattering of the ore’s crystal structure. This shattering is brought on through calcination, a high-temperature thermal treatment carried out in a rotary kiln.
Calcination causes decrepitation at temperatures between 1,075 and 1,100º C. During this time, temperature control is essential to avoid undesirable formations that occur at slightly higher temperatures.
CUSTOM DECREPITATION KILNS
Rotary kilns are diverse thermal processing devices that can be configured in numerous ways to suit the needs of a given application. In decrepitation, the rotary kiln is typically of the direct-fired configuration, meaning the material and products of combustion are in direct contact.
FEECO rotary kilns are custom engineered and fabricated around the unique characteristics of the feedstock to yield an optimal processing solution.
SERVICES
As a leader in advanced thermal processing methods and equipment, FEECO is able to offer comprehensive support for every aspect of the decrepitation process, from concept to optimization. In addition to custom equipment design and manufacturing, our services include:
BATCH/FEASIBILITY AND PILOT-SCALE TESTING
The FEECO Innovation Center is a unique testing facility where we can test your material at both batch and pilot scale in order to work out process variables and design commercial-scale units, as well as scale up the process.
Feasibility/Proof of Concept: An initial, non-witnessed batch testing phase in which the possibility of creating a product is explored.
Proof of Product: A more in-depth batch testing phase in which more time is spent determining whether a product can be made to desired specifications.
Proof of Process: A continuous testing phase that aims to establish the equipment setup and parameters required for continuous production of your specific material.
Process/Product Optimization: An in-depth study to optimize your specific material’s characteristics and/or production parameters in an industrial setting.
PROCESS TRAINING
Our extensive experience in processing hundreds of materials and derivatives leaves us unmatched in industry knowledge. Our Process Engineers travel the world to train our customers on their unique production line.
PARTS & SERVICE
The FEECO Customer Service Team provides comprehensive services to keep your equipment and process running reliably and efficiently. This includes:
- Process optimization
- Audits and inspections
- Spare parts
- Maintenance procedures
RESOURCES
DECREPITATION ARTICLES
A Look at US Lithium Production
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Growing Competition in the Electric Vehicle Market Increases Demand for Lithium
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BROCHURES
Rotary Kilns Brochure
Mining & Mineral Processing Capabilities Brochure
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