TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules – Future Pathways
Helium, Lithium, and Trace Metals Extraction
Forum 17 | Hall 10 - SAUDI ENERGY Technical Programme 3
15
October
09:30
10:45
UTC+3
The evolution of global energy systems toward renewable and clean energy technologies, as well as the continued electrification of many industry sectors, particularly transportation, are creating significant new demand for helium, lithium, and trace metals. This session will explore the global resource base of these elements and the current and emerging technologies to extract these resources.
Objectives/scope:
Lithium is a critical element for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage. Global demand for lithium is expected to far outpace supply within the decade, as traditional production methods struggle to meet the demand. The traditional extraction process pumps brines into large evaporation ponds, requiring 12–18 months to concentrate lithium. This method requires a large land use that is impractical to quickly meet the demand. In addition, this traditional approach is geographically limited and consumes a large amount of water resources. At the same time, oil and gas operations produce vast volumes of brine “produced water” with dissolved lithium. Globally, hundreds of millions of barrels of produced water are generated daily, yet virtually none of the lithium in this wastewater is recovered. Tapping into these unconventional lithium sources could boost supply while recycling a waste stream, aligning with industry sustainability goals. This abstract presents a new chemical process to directly extract lithium from such brines and produced waters efficiently, providing an innovative route to increase lithium production.
Methods, procedures, process:
Recent innovations have led to the rise of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies that offer a more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional evaporation-based methods for extracting lithium from brine and produced water. DLE approaches including adsorption, ion exchange, and solvent extraction enable direct lithium recovery from complex brines. This transition marks a crucial shift in lithium extraction approaches. In this context, our focus is on developing a and designing a system to extract lithium from low-concentration brine and produced water sources.
Results, observations, conclusions:
This study centers on the development of a porous materials system with integrated process for investigating lithium extraction mechanisms and addressing the challenges posed by low-concentration lithium in brines and produced water. The engineered materials system with integrated process demonstrates enhanced lithium adsorption performance compared to conventional materials systems particularly under low lithium concentration conditions.
Novel/additive information:
The improvement in Li-extraction process is attributed to the unique structural characteristics, tailored composition, optimized morphology, and increased surface area of the porous material system. These features promote more effective interfacial interactions with lithium ions in complex brine matrices. This porous materials system with integrated DLE processes not only boosts extraction efficiency but also supports a more sustainable and scalable approach, aligning with global sustainability and resource security goals.
Lithium is a critical element for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage. Global demand for lithium is expected to far outpace supply within the decade, as traditional production methods struggle to meet the demand. The traditional extraction process pumps brines into large evaporation ponds, requiring 12–18 months to concentrate lithium. This method requires a large land use that is impractical to quickly meet the demand. In addition, this traditional approach is geographically limited and consumes a large amount of water resources. At the same time, oil and gas operations produce vast volumes of brine “produced water” with dissolved lithium. Globally, hundreds of millions of barrels of produced water are generated daily, yet virtually none of the lithium in this wastewater is recovered. Tapping into these unconventional lithium sources could boost supply while recycling a waste stream, aligning with industry sustainability goals. This abstract presents a new chemical process to directly extract lithium from such brines and produced waters efficiently, providing an innovative route to increase lithium production.
Methods, procedures, process:
Recent innovations have led to the rise of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies that offer a more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional evaporation-based methods for extracting lithium from brine and produced water. DLE approaches including adsorption, ion exchange, and solvent extraction enable direct lithium recovery from complex brines. This transition marks a crucial shift in lithium extraction approaches. In this context, our focus is on developing a and designing a system to extract lithium from low-concentration brine and produced water sources.
Results, observations, conclusions:
This study centers on the development of a porous materials system with integrated process for investigating lithium extraction mechanisms and addressing the challenges posed by low-concentration lithium in brines and produced water. The engineered materials system with integrated process demonstrates enhanced lithium adsorption performance compared to conventional materials systems particularly under low lithium concentration conditions.
Novel/additive information:
The improvement in Li-extraction process is attributed to the unique structural characteristics, tailored composition, optimized morphology, and increased surface area of the porous material system. These features promote more effective interfacial interactions with lithium ions in complex brine matrices. This porous materials system with integrated DLE processes not only boosts extraction efficiency but also supports a more sustainable and scalable approach, aligning with global sustainability and resource security goals.
The accelerating global energy electrification has driven surging demand for lithium resources, while conventional lithium mining faces dual constraints of resource availability and environmental concerns. In response, international energy giants (including Saudi Aramco, Sinopec, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Shell, and BP) are actively diversifying into lithium extraction technologies to address energy transition challenges. Notably, oilfield-associated brines represent underutilized lithium reserves, exemplified by a Sinopec-operated gas field in Sichuan Basin where brine lithium concentration reaches 124 mg/L (2.5× industrial grade threshold). However, the economic viability of brine lithium extraction is severely hindered by high Mg2+/Li+ ratio and the challenging separation of Mg2+/Li+ ions with minimal size difference (0.1 nm).
To overcome this barrier, we developed a novel nanofiltration (NF) membrane with exceptional Mg2+/Li+ selectivity. Through nucleophilic substitution and epoxy ring-opening reactions, we engineered a polyamide membrane featuring high-density positive surface charges and sub-nanometer pore tuning. This design synergistically combines Donnan exclusion and size-sieving mechanisms, achieving stable positive charge retention across pH 3-10. The optimized membrane demonstrates remarkable performance: 30% LiCl rejection (permeation preference), 99.3% MgCl2 rejection, and 50 LMH water flux at 0.5 MPa. The Mg2+/Li+ selectivity reaches 167, 16× higher than commercial DOW NF270 membranes (< 10) and surpasses most literature values. Applied to Dongtai Jinaier Lake brine, our two-stage NF-concentration-precipitation system produced 99.4% pure Li2CO3, approaching battery-grade specifications (99.5%).
This technology offers dual advantages of green fabrication and industrial scalability, compatible with existing spiral-wound membrane production lines at comparable costs. Industrial-scale 8040 membrane elements will be prototyped in 2025, with pilot validation planned in Sinopec oilfields. Our solution provides an efficient pathway for lithium recovery from global oilfield brines, supporting energy companies’ low-carbon transition strategies
To overcome this barrier, we developed a novel nanofiltration (NF) membrane with exceptional Mg2+/Li+ selectivity. Through nucleophilic substitution and epoxy ring-opening reactions, we engineered a polyamide membrane featuring high-density positive surface charges and sub-nanometer pore tuning. This design synergistically combines Donnan exclusion and size-sieving mechanisms, achieving stable positive charge retention across pH 3-10. The optimized membrane demonstrates remarkable performance: 30% LiCl rejection (permeation preference), 99.3% MgCl2 rejection, and 50 LMH water flux at 0.5 MPa. The Mg2+/Li+ selectivity reaches 167, 16× higher than commercial DOW NF270 membranes (< 10) and surpasses most literature values. Applied to Dongtai Jinaier Lake brine, our two-stage NF-concentration-precipitation system produced 99.4% pure Li2CO3, approaching battery-grade specifications (99.5%).
This technology offers dual advantages of green fabrication and industrial scalability, compatible with existing spiral-wound membrane production lines at comparable costs. Industrial-scale 8040 membrane elements will be prototyped in 2025, with pilot validation planned in Sinopec oilfields. Our solution provides an efficient pathway for lithium recovery from global oilfield brines, supporting energy companies’ low-carbon transition strategies
Helium, a strategic element with unparalleled properties, is indispensable across a vast array of modern applications, ranging from critical medical imaging technologies and advanced scientific research to the burgeoning fields of space exploration and, increasingly, clean energy initiatives. Its unique characteristics, including its low boiling point, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, make it irreplaceable in numerous high-tech sectors. Consequently, global demand for this noble gas has experienced a sustained and significant increase over the past decades.
The primary commercial source of helium is natural gas reservoirs, where its concentration typically remains remarkably low, often less than 1%. The conventional industrial approach to helium extraction from these reservoirs generally involves a multi-stage process. This typically begins with energy-intensive cryogenic distillation, which separates bulk components, followed by more refined purification steps utilizing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) processes. While cryogenic distillation excels at large-scale separation, adsorption processes offer a compelling and often more economically viable alternative for smaller-scale helium production, and can even be employed independently for purification purposes, presenting a less capital-intensive pathway compared to their cryogenic counterparts.
This present work delves into the feasibility and optimization of a standalone PSA process for the efficient separation of helium. Our investigation employs a detailed mathematical model of the Skarstrom cycle, a well-established PSA configuration. A key aspect of this study is the comparative analysis of two distinct and widely used adsorbent materials: zeolite 13X and activated carbon. Furthermore, we explore the process performance across two significantly different feed compositions, specifically 47% and 85% helium, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the PSA unit's adaptability and efficacy under varying input conditions.
For each adsorbent and feed composition, the Skarstrom cycle is rigorously optimized. Our multi-objective optimization strategy aims to simultaneously maximize critical performance indicators: product purity, recovery, and productivity. Concurrently, a significant emphasis is placed on minimizing the overall energy consumption of the cycle, a crucial factor for economic viability and environmental sustainability. Beyond the foundational Skarstrom cycle, we have also considered and modeled more complex cycle configurations, such as 6-step cycles incorporating pressure equalization steps, to further enhance efficiency and performance. The results derived from these optimization studies are particularly encouraging, suggesting that both zeolite 13X and activated carbon exhibit remarkably similar performance characteristics for helium separation. Crucially, our findings indicate that it is entirely achievable to produce Grade 3 to Grade 5 helium (corresponding to purities of 99.9% to 99.999%) using a relatively simple, four-step, single-stage PSA cycle configuration, with even higher efficiencies possible with the more advanced cycles. This outcome underscores the potential of PSA technology to contribute significantly to the global helium supply chain, particularly for applications requiring high-purity helium. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing helium recovery and contributing to the strategic supply of this vital element.
The primary commercial source of helium is natural gas reservoirs, where its concentration typically remains remarkably low, often less than 1%. The conventional industrial approach to helium extraction from these reservoirs generally involves a multi-stage process. This typically begins with energy-intensive cryogenic distillation, which separates bulk components, followed by more refined purification steps utilizing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) processes. While cryogenic distillation excels at large-scale separation, adsorption processes offer a compelling and often more economically viable alternative for smaller-scale helium production, and can even be employed independently for purification purposes, presenting a less capital-intensive pathway compared to their cryogenic counterparts.
This present work delves into the feasibility and optimization of a standalone PSA process for the efficient separation of helium. Our investigation employs a detailed mathematical model of the Skarstrom cycle, a well-established PSA configuration. A key aspect of this study is the comparative analysis of two distinct and widely used adsorbent materials: zeolite 13X and activated carbon. Furthermore, we explore the process performance across two significantly different feed compositions, specifically 47% and 85% helium, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the PSA unit's adaptability and efficacy under varying input conditions.
For each adsorbent and feed composition, the Skarstrom cycle is rigorously optimized. Our multi-objective optimization strategy aims to simultaneously maximize critical performance indicators: product purity, recovery, and productivity. Concurrently, a significant emphasis is placed on minimizing the overall energy consumption of the cycle, a crucial factor for economic viability and environmental sustainability. Beyond the foundational Skarstrom cycle, we have also considered and modeled more complex cycle configurations, such as 6-step cycles incorporating pressure equalization steps, to further enhance efficiency and performance. The results derived from these optimization studies are particularly encouraging, suggesting that both zeolite 13X and activated carbon exhibit remarkably similar performance characteristics for helium separation. Crucially, our findings indicate that it is entirely achievable to produce Grade 3 to Grade 5 helium (corresponding to purities of 99.9% to 99.999%) using a relatively simple, four-step, single-stage PSA cycle configuration, with even higher efficiencies possible with the more advanced cycles. This outcome underscores the potential of PSA technology to contribute significantly to the global helium supply chain, particularly for applications requiring high-purity helium. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing helium recovery and contributing to the strategic supply of this vital element.
Sayed Alireza Hosseinzadeh Hejazi
Speaker
Assistant Professor
Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic)
Helium, a strategic element with unparalleled properties, is indispensable across a vast array of modern applications, ranging from critical medical imaging technologies and advanced scientific research to the burgeoning fields of space exploration and, increasingly, clean energy initiatives. Its unique characteristics, including its low boiling point, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, make it irreplaceable in numerous high-tech sectors. Consequently, global demand for this noble gas has experienced a sustained and significant increase over the past decades.
The primary commercial source of helium is natural gas reservoirs, where its concentration typically remains remarkably low, often less than 1%. The conventional industrial approach to helium extraction from these reservoirs generally involves a multi-stage process. This typically begins with energy-intensive cryogenic distillation, which separates bulk components, followed by more refined purification steps utilizing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) processes. While cryogenic distillation excels at large-scale separation, adsorption processes offer a compelling and often more economically viable alternative for smaller-scale helium production, and can even be employed independently for purification purposes, presenting a less capital-intensive pathway compared to their cryogenic counterparts.
This present work delves into the feasibility and optimization of a standalone PSA process for the efficient separation of helium. Our investigation employs a detailed mathematical model of the Skarstrom cycle, a well-established PSA configuration. A key aspect of this study is the comparative analysis of two distinct and widely used adsorbent materials: zeolite 13X and activated carbon. Furthermore, we explore the process performance across two significantly different feed compositions, specifically 47% and 85% helium, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the PSA unit's adaptability and efficacy under varying input conditions.
For each adsorbent and feed composition, the Skarstrom cycle is rigorously optimized. Our multi-objective optimization strategy aims to simultaneously maximize critical performance indicators: product purity, recovery, and productivity. Concurrently, a significant emphasis is placed on minimizing the overall energy consumption of the cycle, a crucial factor for economic viability and environmental sustainability. Beyond the foundational Skarstrom cycle, we have also considered and modeled more complex cycle configurations, such as 6-step cycles incorporating pressure equalization steps, to further enhance efficiency and performance. The results derived from these optimization studies are particularly encouraging, suggesting that both zeolite 13X and activated carbon exhibit remarkably similar performance characteristics for helium separation. Crucially, our findings indicate that it is entirely achievable to produce Grade 3 to Grade 5 helium (corresponding to purities of 99.9% to 99.999%) using a relatively simple, four-step, single-stage PSA cycle configuration, with even higher efficiencies possible with the more advanced cycles. This outcome underscores the potential of PSA technology to contribute significantly to the global helium supply chain, particularly for applications requiring high-purity helium. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing helium recovery and contributing to the strategic supply of this vital element.
The primary commercial source of helium is natural gas reservoirs, where its concentration typically remains remarkably low, often less than 1%. The conventional industrial approach to helium extraction from these reservoirs generally involves a multi-stage process. This typically begins with energy-intensive cryogenic distillation, which separates bulk components, followed by more refined purification steps utilizing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) processes. While cryogenic distillation excels at large-scale separation, adsorption processes offer a compelling and often more economically viable alternative for smaller-scale helium production, and can even be employed independently for purification purposes, presenting a less capital-intensive pathway compared to their cryogenic counterparts.
This present work delves into the feasibility and optimization of a standalone PSA process for the efficient separation of helium. Our investigation employs a detailed mathematical model of the Skarstrom cycle, a well-established PSA configuration. A key aspect of this study is the comparative analysis of two distinct and widely used adsorbent materials: zeolite 13X and activated carbon. Furthermore, we explore the process performance across two significantly different feed compositions, specifically 47% and 85% helium, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the PSA unit's adaptability and efficacy under varying input conditions.
For each adsorbent and feed composition, the Skarstrom cycle is rigorously optimized. Our multi-objective optimization strategy aims to simultaneously maximize critical performance indicators: product purity, recovery, and productivity. Concurrently, a significant emphasis is placed on minimizing the overall energy consumption of the cycle, a crucial factor for economic viability and environmental sustainability. Beyond the foundational Skarstrom cycle, we have also considered and modeled more complex cycle configurations, such as 6-step cycles incorporating pressure equalization steps, to further enhance efficiency and performance. The results derived from these optimization studies are particularly encouraging, suggesting that both zeolite 13X and activated carbon exhibit remarkably similar performance characteristics for helium separation. Crucially, our findings indicate that it is entirely achievable to produce Grade 3 to Grade 5 helium (corresponding to purities of 99.9% to 99.999%) using a relatively simple, four-step, single-stage PSA cycle configuration, with even higher efficiencies possible with the more advanced cycles. This outcome underscores the potential of PSA technology to contribute significantly to the global helium supply chain, particularly for applications requiring high-purity helium. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing helium recovery and contributing to the strategic supply of this vital element.
The accelerating global energy electrification has driven surging demand for lithium resources, while conventional lithium mining faces dual constraints of resource availability and environmental concerns. In response, international energy giants (including Saudi Aramco, Sinopec, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Shell, and BP) are actively diversifying into lithium extraction technologies to address energy transition challenges. Notably, oilfield-associated brines represent underutilized lithium reserves, exemplified by a Sinopec-operated gas field in Sichuan Basin where brine lithium concentration reaches 124 mg/L (2.5× industrial grade threshold). However, the economic viability of brine lithium extraction is severely hindered by high Mg2+/Li+ ratio and the challenging separation of Mg2+/Li+ ions with minimal size difference (0.1 nm).
To overcome this barrier, we developed a novel nanofiltration (NF) membrane with exceptional Mg2+/Li+ selectivity. Through nucleophilic substitution and epoxy ring-opening reactions, we engineered a polyamide membrane featuring high-density positive surface charges and sub-nanometer pore tuning. This design synergistically combines Donnan exclusion and size-sieving mechanisms, achieving stable positive charge retention across pH 3-10. The optimized membrane demonstrates remarkable performance: 30% LiCl rejection (permeation preference), 99.3% MgCl2 rejection, and 50 LMH water flux at 0.5 MPa. The Mg2+/Li+ selectivity reaches 167, 16× higher than commercial DOW NF270 membranes (< 10) and surpasses most literature values. Applied to Dongtai Jinaier Lake brine, our two-stage NF-concentration-precipitation system produced 99.4% pure Li2CO3, approaching battery-grade specifications (99.5%).
This technology offers dual advantages of green fabrication and industrial scalability, compatible with existing spiral-wound membrane production lines at comparable costs. Industrial-scale 8040 membrane elements will be prototyped in 2025, with pilot validation planned in Sinopec oilfields. Our solution provides an efficient pathway for lithium recovery from global oilfield brines, supporting energy companies’ low-carbon transition strategies
To overcome this barrier, we developed a novel nanofiltration (NF) membrane with exceptional Mg2+/Li+ selectivity. Through nucleophilic substitution and epoxy ring-opening reactions, we engineered a polyamide membrane featuring high-density positive surface charges and sub-nanometer pore tuning. This design synergistically combines Donnan exclusion and size-sieving mechanisms, achieving stable positive charge retention across pH 3-10. The optimized membrane demonstrates remarkable performance: 30% LiCl rejection (permeation preference), 99.3% MgCl2 rejection, and 50 LMH water flux at 0.5 MPa. The Mg2+/Li+ selectivity reaches 167, 16× higher than commercial DOW NF270 membranes (< 10) and surpasses most literature values. Applied to Dongtai Jinaier Lake brine, our two-stage NF-concentration-precipitation system produced 99.4% pure Li2CO3, approaching battery-grade specifications (99.5%).
This technology offers dual advantages of green fabrication and industrial scalability, compatible with existing spiral-wound membrane production lines at comparable costs. Industrial-scale 8040 membrane elements will be prototyped in 2025, with pilot validation planned in Sinopec oilfields. Our solution provides an efficient pathway for lithium recovery from global oilfield brines, supporting energy companies’ low-carbon transition strategies
Objectives/scope:
Lithium is a critical element for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage. Global demand for lithium is expected to far outpace supply within the decade, as traditional production methods struggle to meet the demand. The traditional extraction process pumps brines into large evaporation ponds, requiring 12–18 months to concentrate lithium. This method requires a large land use that is impractical to quickly meet the demand. In addition, this traditional approach is geographically limited and consumes a large amount of water resources. At the same time, oil and gas operations produce vast volumes of brine “produced water” with dissolved lithium. Globally, hundreds of millions of barrels of produced water are generated daily, yet virtually none of the lithium in this wastewater is recovered. Tapping into these unconventional lithium sources could boost supply while recycling a waste stream, aligning with industry sustainability goals. This abstract presents a new chemical process to directly extract lithium from such brines and produced waters efficiently, providing an innovative route to increase lithium production.
Methods, procedures, process:
Recent innovations have led to the rise of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies that offer a more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional evaporation-based methods for extracting lithium from brine and produced water. DLE approaches including adsorption, ion exchange, and solvent extraction enable direct lithium recovery from complex brines. This transition marks a crucial shift in lithium extraction approaches. In this context, our focus is on developing a and designing a system to extract lithium from low-concentration brine and produced water sources.
Results, observations, conclusions:
This study centers on the development of a porous materials system with integrated process for investigating lithium extraction mechanisms and addressing the challenges posed by low-concentration lithium in brines and produced water. The engineered materials system with integrated process demonstrates enhanced lithium adsorption performance compared to conventional materials systems particularly under low lithium concentration conditions.
Novel/additive information:
The improvement in Li-extraction process is attributed to the unique structural characteristics, tailored composition, optimized morphology, and increased surface area of the porous material system. These features promote more effective interfacial interactions with lithium ions in complex brine matrices. This porous materials system with integrated DLE processes not only boosts extraction efficiency but also supports a more sustainable and scalable approach, aligning with global sustainability and resource security goals.
Lithium is a critical element for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage. Global demand for lithium is expected to far outpace supply within the decade, as traditional production methods struggle to meet the demand. The traditional extraction process pumps brines into large evaporation ponds, requiring 12–18 months to concentrate lithium. This method requires a large land use that is impractical to quickly meet the demand. In addition, this traditional approach is geographically limited and consumes a large amount of water resources. At the same time, oil and gas operations produce vast volumes of brine “produced water” with dissolved lithium. Globally, hundreds of millions of barrels of produced water are generated daily, yet virtually none of the lithium in this wastewater is recovered. Tapping into these unconventional lithium sources could boost supply while recycling a waste stream, aligning with industry sustainability goals. This abstract presents a new chemical process to directly extract lithium from such brines and produced waters efficiently, providing an innovative route to increase lithium production.
Methods, procedures, process:
Recent innovations have led to the rise of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies that offer a more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional evaporation-based methods for extracting lithium from brine and produced water. DLE approaches including adsorption, ion exchange, and solvent extraction enable direct lithium recovery from complex brines. This transition marks a crucial shift in lithium extraction approaches. In this context, our focus is on developing a and designing a system to extract lithium from low-concentration brine and produced water sources.
Results, observations, conclusions:
This study centers on the development of a porous materials system with integrated process for investigating lithium extraction mechanisms and addressing the challenges posed by low-concentration lithium in brines and produced water. The engineered materials system with integrated process demonstrates enhanced lithium adsorption performance compared to conventional materials systems particularly under low lithium concentration conditions.
Novel/additive information:
The improvement in Li-extraction process is attributed to the unique structural characteristics, tailored composition, optimized morphology, and increased surface area of the porous material system. These features promote more effective interfacial interactions with lithium ions in complex brine matrices. This porous materials system with integrated DLE processes not only boosts extraction efficiency but also supports a more sustainable and scalable approach, aligning with global sustainability and resource security goals.
