SWA Lithium Forms Strategic Alliance with Koch Technology Solutions
SWA Lithium, a collaborative venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, is excited to share recent developments regarding its South West Arkansas Project. This significant initiative has led to a licensing agreement with Koch Technology Solutions LLC to use its advanced Li-Pro Lithium Selective Sorption (Li-Pro LSS) technology at the project's commercial facility.
Details of the License Agreement
This licensing agreement extends over the span of the first phase of the South West Arkansas Project and includes an option for future phases. The agreement promises several benefits, ensuring that the joint venture can effectively harness Koch’s cutting-edge technology.
Key Advantages of the Partnership
The license grants SWA Lithium the rights to employ the Li-Pro LSS technology not only for the initial phase but also for subsequent phases of the project. Some noteworthy considerations of this agreement include:
- Utilization rights of Li-Pro LSS for later project phases.
- Technology performance guarantees that ensure lithium recovery levels and contaminant rejection efficacy.
- Technical assistance from Koch for a seamless integration of the Li-Pro LSS technology into the design of the plant.
- A commitment for continuous joint development of the technology specifically in the Smackover Formation.
- Ongoing technical support during the commissioning and startup phases.
- Structured payment plans tied to project milestones.
- Opportunities for continued collaboration aimed at refining the technology.
Expert Insights on the Agreement
Dr. Andy Robinson, Standard Lithium's Director and COO, articulated the meaning of this agreement, emphasizing the extensive collaboration with Koch’s team over more than two years. He noted that the Li-Pro LSS technology has been successfully scaled up and tested, allowing the joint venture to confidently commit to its deployment at a commercial scale, backed by Koch’s performance guarantees.
In alignment with this, Garrett Krall from Koch Technology Solutions highlighted the significance of this licensing agreement as a crucial step towards establishing direct lithium extraction as a sustainable and economically viable process to meet rising demand for lithium.
Performance of the Commercial-Scale DLE Column
In addition to the licensing agreement, Standard Lithium has reported excellent operational outcomes from its commercial-scale DLE column at the Demonstration Plant. This testing, which has been running since March, utilizes a Li-Pro LSS unit identical to those designated for the South West Arkansas Project.
Technical Performance Highlights
Over the operational period, the commercial-scale DLE column has exceeded many expected benchmarks, particularly in lithium recovery and impurity rejection:
- Lithium recovery efficiency reached 95.4% during a rigorous four-month operational stretch, processing a significant inflow of brine.
- Impressive impurity rejection rates were documented, including:
- Sodium at 99.9%
- Calcium at 99.6%
- Magnesium at 99.2%
- Potassium at 99.7%
- Boron at 95.4%
- The technology has successfully completed close to 10,000 operational cycles overall, with specific results indicating over 725 cycles conducted by the commercial-scale unit alone.
- More than 24 million gallons of brine have been processed at the Demonstration Plant, showcasing the project’s extensive operational capacity.
About Standard Lithium and Its Partners
Standard Lithium is recognized as a frontrunner in lithium development, focused on leveraging sustainable practices across its portfolio of lithium-brine properties throughout the United States. Its flagship initiatives are situated in the high-potential Smackover Formation. The company is committed to responsible production approaches while emphasizing technological advancements in direct lithium extraction.
In collaboration with Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing its South West Arkansas Project and exploring other promising prospects in East Texas. The joint venture significantly enriches the company’s capability to respond to the increasing global lithium demand.
The Role of Koch Technology Solutions
Koch Technology Solutions plays a vital role in this partnership, providing a wide range of technologically advanced solutions. With a focus on direct lithium extraction among other areas, Koch aims to optimize customer investment and enhance manufacturing processes for better efficiency and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SWA Lithium Project?
The SWA Lithium Project is a joint venture focused on lithium extraction, leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable production in South West Arkansas.
Who are the primary partners in the project?
The main partners are Standard Lithium and Equinor, with Koch Technology Solutions supplying critical extraction technology.
What technology is used in the SWA project?
The project utilizes the Li-Pro Lithium Selective Sorption technology developed by Koch Technology Solutions.
What performance guarantees does Koch provide?
Koch guarantees high levels of lithium recovery and significant impurity rejection rates as part of the technology deployment.
Why is lithium extraction important?
Lithium extraction is vital for producing batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, contributing to a sustainable future.
