PolyCera, a brand of PSP.US, Inc., a U.S.-based membrane technology firm, was selected for the second phase of the Salt Lake Lithium Extraction project in Tibet, China. The company announced that this expansion will increase the total treatment volume of the project to over 100,000 cubic meters per day.
Continuation of phase one in Tibet
The company explains that this development follows its involvement in the first phase of the project, where the membrane systems were used with a capacity of 1,900 cubic meters per hour. The selection for phase two was based on the system’s performance and feedback from project operators.
Phase two should be completed by June 2025 and is expected to add an additional 2,300 cubic meters per hour of capacity. PolyCera will provide a complete membrane solution, including filtration elements, pressure vessels, and structural racks.
Lithium extraction under harsh conditions
“In this project, PolyCera Hydro-UF membrane separates freshly formed magnesium hydroxide precipitates at a concentration of over 700 mg/L and pH ~13 from lithium-containing brine without pretreatment due to its superior chemical resistance and monolith module design. Moreover, the temperature of the salt lake brine is below 40°F, PolyCera membrane is operated at a lower operating pressure than that of a conventional membrane product because of its hydrophilicity and high water permeability,” said Jinwen Wang, Vice President of Product at PolyCera.
Company frames project as contribution to energy sector
The company asserts that the lithium extracted through this project will support the renewable energy sector, particularly for energy storage and electric vehicles. PolyCera positions the project as a scalable and environmentally responsible approach to addressing complex water and wastewater challenges globally. The project is said to integrate adsorption-separation technology and photovoltaic energy sources.
Background on PolyCera
The brand, founded in 2016, has developed the 3rd membrane material inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research, combining ceramic durability with polymer aff ordability. Its membrane technology is used in water and wastewater treatment across various sectors, including mining, oil and gas, zero liquid discharge (ZLD), and municipal water reuse.
