CMI’s separations capability expands by reducing size

5-stage centrifugal contactor system at INL. Extended mixing sleeves and rotors shown below each unit.
5-stage centrifugal contactor system at INL.  Extended mixing sleeves and rotors shown below each unit.

CMI researchers at Idaho National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Achievement
New centrifugal contactors have been installed at INL to enable high-throughput solvent extraction with the potential to reduce costs via reducing equipment size.

Significance and impact
Centrifugal contactors reduce footprint and solvent inventory 100-fold compared to traditional mixer-settler technology. This capability could be a game-changer for many solvent extraction separation applications in CMI to significantly reduce CAPEX and OPEX.

Details and next steps

  • Centrifugal contactors have been proven in the nuclear industry.
  • Materials are corrosion resistant to aggressive conditions.
  • Efficiency can approach 100%.
  • Techno-economic analysis with Energy Fuels Resources and proof-of-concept flowsheet testing for Li recovery from brines with Rio Tinto Borax are planned.