Effect of ultrasonic waves on lithium recovery from saponite

In this study, solid waste clay from the boron mineral enrichment facility in the Kütahya Emet region of Turkey was used. Chemical analysis of the solid waste determined that the fraction below 0.5 mm grain size contained 1830 ppm lithium. In the first part of the study, mechanical activation of the sample was achieved using an ultrasonic homogenizer and the obtained samples were leached. In the second part, the samples, which were thermally activated by roasting in a muffle furnace, were further mechanically activated using an ultrasonic homogenizer. The obtained samples were leached with 0.4 M sulfuric acid. In order to evaluate the effect of the methods on lithium recovery, lithium recovery efficiency and optimum conditions were investigated. After thermal activation at 900°C using a 1/1 ratio salt/solid waste sample mixture, the samples were mechanically activated using ultrasonic waves (100% amplitude equal to 400 KW, duration of 5 min). Finally, in the leaching process of the samples at a 0.4 M sulfuric acid concentration, lithium passing into the solution was obtained with 96% efficiency and it was determined that 74 ppm lithium remained in the solid phase.