Method and Apparatus for Solar Evaporation of Salt Solutions

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method and device for the solar evaporation of salt solutions to extract valuable materials such as lithium salts. The process uses an evaporator system where the salt solution is distributed over a specially designed, conical or pyramidal evaporating body by a rotating distributor, maximizing exposure to sun and wind, enhancing evaporation rates, and enabling selective crystallization of different salts. The system reduces area requirements and can operate efficiently even outside extremely arid regions, making extraction of salts more flexible and economical.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Extraction of lithium salts from brine in regions where large evaporation ponds are not feasible
• Salt production from seawater or natural brines for food or industrial use
• Recovery of minerals from saline wastewater or industrial effluents
• Water purification or desalination by solar-driven evaporation and crystallization
• Resource extraction in remote or mountainous regions with limited infrastructure
• Processing of brine from geothermal or mining operations

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly higher evaporation rates than traditional pond technology, allowing for efficient brine concentration even in less arid climates
• Reduces land requirements due to the vertical or compact design, enabling use in areas where flat, expansive land is unavailable
• Improved selectivity and control over the crystallization of different salts, supporting the extraction of valuable minerals
• Lower infrastructure, transportation, and energy costs compared to large-scale pond operations
• Flexible and modular setup allows for easy scalability, relocation, or use in remote and rugged terrains
• Simple, robust construction can be adapted using locally available materials, supporting rapid and low-cost deployment
• Reduced risk of environmental disturbance compared to large open ponds, and reduced risk of leakage or contamination

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and to a device for solar evaporation of salt solutions that are used to obtain valuable materials such as lithium salts. According to the invention, the method for solar evaporation of salt solutions by means of at least one evaporator comprising an evaporating body and a receiving device for salt solution is directed in such a way that the salt solution to be evaporated is guided onto a rotating distributor having a horizontal plane of rotation and from there is distributed radially directly or by means of an impact cylinder onto the upper part of the evaporating body having drain surfaces angled outward, the surface of said evaporating body being exposed to solar heating and to the wind, so that as the salt solution runs down on the surface of the evaporating body, the salt solution gives off water vapor to the environment, that the solution arriving in the lower part of the evaporating body is collected by the trough- or groove-shaped receiving device arranged at the lower part of the evaporating body for further processing or is fed back to the distributor for further evaporation, and that a more or less large amount of salt is precipitated on the surface of the evaporating body and in the receiving device depending on the degree of saturation of the solution.