Aquatech, based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has made a significant stride in the lithium processing industry by acquiring Koch Technology Solutions’ (KTS) direct lithium extraction (DLE) business. This acquisition marks the integration of KTS’s Li-Pro Lithium Selective Sorption (LSS) technology and extensive intellectual property (IP) portfolio into Aquatech’s PEARL™ process technology platform. The addition of KTS’s Li-Pro LSS technology enhances Aquatech’s existing process flowsheet IP, strengthening their lithium conversion and crystallization capabilities. The PEARL platform now stands as the sole commercially proven end-to-end solution for lithium processing, covering extraction, purification, and refining processes to produce high-purity battery materials for electric vehicles (EVs) and utility-scale electricity storage systems (ESS).
By combining upstream and downstream lithium processing, Aquatech aims to provide modularized process solutions at scale, offering project owners a reliable and efficient approach that mitigates process risks, expedites project timelines, and reduces overall lithium production costs. The availability of Li-Pro LSS under technology licensing as part of the PEARL full flowsheet offerings further solidifies the platform’s comprehensive capabilities in the lithium processing arena.
The transition of ongoing lithium extraction projects utilizing Li-Pro technology, including licenses, agreements, and performance guarantees, to Aquatech underscores the company’s commitment to advancing innovation in the field. Notable projects encompassed in this acquisition include KTS’s collaboration with Standard Lithium Ltd. in the Smackover Formation, where they have demonstrated exceptional operational performance, achieving an average lithium recovery rate exceeding 95%. Additionally, licensing agreements with Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, for the South West Arkansas project, highlight the strategic importance of these advancements in the US lithium market.
Dave Dotson, President at Koch Engineered Solutions, expressed confidence in Aquatech’s ability to scale and commercialize the Li-Pro LSS technology effectively, emphasizing the value it brings to the lithium industry. This sentiment was echoed by Garrett Krall, Critical Minerals & Lithium Business Leader at Koch Technology Solutions, who emphasized Koch’s continued interest and investments in technologies driving progress in the lithium minerals and lithium battery sectors.
Venkee Sharma, Executive Chairman at Aquatech, emphasized the importance of streamlining fragmented technology offerings to enhance project efficiency and reduce time-to-market, particularly in critical minerals production. The integration of Li-Pro into the PEARL technology platform addresses these industry challenges by offering a comprehensive solution that covers both upstream and downstream lithium processing technologies.
As Aquatech welcomes the KTS Li-Pro team into its fold, the focus remains on further developing and optimizing the Li-Pro LSS technology as both a standalone offering and an integral component of the PEARL platform. With over 45 years of experience in scaling commercially proven technologies, Aquatech is well-positioned to propel the evolution of Li-Pro LSS and drive innovation in the lithium processing landscape.
In conclusion, Aquatech’s acquisition of KTS’s direct lithium extraction portfolio signifies a significant milestone in the lithium processing industry, paving the way for enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and accelerated project timelines in lithium production. The integration of Li-Pro LSS technology into the PEARL platform sets a new standard for comprehensive flowsheet solutions, positioning Aquatech as a key player in advancing lithium processing technologies.
Key Takeaways:
- Aquatech’s acquisition of KTS’s Li-Pro LSS technology enhances their PEARL platform, offering an end-to-end solution for lithium processing.
- The integration of upstream and downstream lithium processing streamlines project timelines and reduces production costs.
- Aquatech aims to provide modularized process solutions at scale, bolstering project bankability and efficiency.
- The inclusion of Li-Pro LSS technology under technology licensing expands the offerings of the PEARL platform, catering to diverse project requirements.
Tags: upstream, downstream
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