Membrane technology provider PolyCera, a brand of PSP.US, has been selected for the second phase of the Salt Lake lithium extraction project in Tibet, China.
This contract will expand the treatment volume to more than 100,000m³ per day (m³/d).
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PolyCera will supply the complete membrane solution for this project, including elements, pressure vessels and racks.
Phase two, scheduled for completion by June 2025, will increase capacity by an additional 2,300m³ per hour (h).
It will boost the extraction of lithium, a key element for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles.
Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one, during which a membrane system with a capacity of 1,900m³/h was implemented.
PolyCera CEO Jianbo Wen said: “We are honoured by this continued trust and recognition of our technology’s capabilities.
“Winning the second phase of this project highlights PolyCera’s leadership in sustainable innovation, demonstrating our commitment to solving complex water and wastewater challenges globally.”
The project’s approach to lithium extraction, which leverages advanced adsorption-separation technology and photovoltaic energy, represents a scalable and sustainable response to global lithium shortages.
PolyCera vice-president of product Jinwen Wang said: “In this project, PolyCera Hydro-UF membrane separates freshly formed magnesium hydroxide precipitates at a concentration of over 700mg/litre and pH ~13 from lithium-containing brine without pre-treatment due to its superior chemical resistance and monolith module design.
“Moreover, the temperature of the salt lake brine is below 40°F in winter. PolyCera membrane is operated at a lower operating pressure than that of a conventional membrane product because of its hydrophilicity and high water permeability.”
In January 2025, China’s Commerce Ministry proposed new export controls on technologies used to manufacture battery components and process critical minerals such as lithium and gallium.
