Top 10 Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate Brand & Manufacturers

What is Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

Industrial grade lithium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula Li₂CO₃. It is a white, odorless powder that serves as a crucial raw material in a wide range of industrial applications. While it shares the basic chemical composition with other grades of lithium carbonate, industrial grade is tailored to meet the requirements of non - battery - specific industries, having a relatively lower purity compared to battery - grade lithium carbonate, but still maintaining strict quality standards for its intended uses.

History of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

The history of lithium carbonate production dates back to the discovery of lithium in the 19th century. Initially, the applications of lithium carbonate were limited. However, as industrial processes advanced, especially in the fields of glass, ceramics, and metallurgy, the demand for industrial grade lithium carbonate grew. With the development of extraction and purification technologies from lithium - bearing minerals like spodumene and lithium - rich brines, the production scale of industrial grade lithium carbonate has continuously expanded over the past few decades. This has enabled it to play an increasingly important role in various industrial sectors around the world.

Purpose of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Glass and Ceramic Industry: In glass manufacturing, it acts as a flux, reducing the melting point of raw materials and improving the clarity and strength of the glass. In ceramics, it helps in controlling the firing process, enhancing the color and texture of ceramic products.
• Metallurgical Applications: It is used as a deoxidizer and flux in metal smelting, particularly in the production of certain alloys. For example, in the smelting of copper and nickel, it helps remove impurities and improves the quality of the final metal products.
• Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a key starting material for the production of other lithium - based chemicals. These include lithium - containing catalysts used in various chemical reactions, as well as lithium - based salts for different industrial applications.
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: In the production of lithium - bromide - based absorption refrigeration systems, industrial grade lithium carbonate is used as a precursor to produce lithium bromide, which is a crucial component in these energy - efficient cooling systems.
• Lubricating Grease Production: It is used in the manufacture of lithium - based greases, which offer excellent lubrication properties, high - temperature stability, and water resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of mechanical applications.

Principle of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Chemical Reactions in Applications: In glass and ceramics, its fluxing action is based on its ability to react with silica and other components in the raw materials. By forming low - melting - point eutectics, it enables the glass or ceramic to be formed at lower temperatures. In metallurgy, it reacts with oxygen and impurities in the molten metal, forming slag that can be easily separated, thus purifying the metal.
• Production Principles: When produced from lithium - bearing minerals, the minerals are first processed through methods like roasting and acid - leaching to extract lithium ions. These ions are then reacted with a carbonate source, such as sodium carbonate or carbon dioxide in the presence of appropriate reaction conditions, to precipitate lithium carbonate. The chemical reaction can be simply represented as 2Li⁺ + CO₃²⁻→Li₂CO₃↓.

Features of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Relatively Lower Purity: Compared to battery - grade lithium carbonate, industrial grade has a lower purity level, usually around 98% or slightly lower. However, this is sufficient for its industrial applications and also makes it more cost - effective for large - scale industrial use.
• Good Chemical Stability: It exhibits stable chemical properties under normal industrial conditions, allowing it to be used in various chemical processes without decomposing or reacting undesirably with other substances prematurely.
• Controlled Impurity Levels: Although it has a higher impurity content compared to battery - grade, the levels of key impurities such as iron, aluminum, and heavy metals are still strictly controlled to ensure the performance of the products in which it is used.
• Adjustable Particle Size: Manufacturers can adjust the particle size of industrial grade lithium carbonate according to the specific requirements of different industries. For example, a finer particle size may be required for some chemical synthesis applications, while a coarser size could be suitable for certain metallurgical processes.[!--empirenews.page--]

Types of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Based on Source:
  • Mineral - Derived: Lithium carbonate produced from lithium - bearing minerals like spodumene or lepidolite. This type may have unique impurity profiles based on the composition of the original mineral.
  • Brine - Derived: Extracted from lithium - rich brines found in salt lakes or underground brine deposits. Brine - derived lithium carbonate often has a different production process and may have different impurity levels compared to mineral - derived products.
• Based on Particle Characteristics:
  • Fine - Powder Grade: With a very fine particle size, suitable for applications that require high - surface - area contact, such as in some high - performance catalysts or certain chemical synthesis processes where rapid reaction rates are needed.
  • Coarse - Powder Grade: Having a relatively larger particle size, which is more suitable for applications like metallurgy, where the material needs to be easily handled and mixed with other substances in a bulk - scale process.

Precautions for using Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Handling Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses, as it can be an irritant to the skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of dust, as it may cause respiratory discomfort.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, and well - ventilated area. Keep it away from moisture, acids, and strong oxidizing agents. Moisture can cause the lithium carbonate to absorb water and potentially change its properties, while reactions with acids and oxidizing agents can lead to chemical hazards.
• Compatibility in Industrial Processes: Before using it in any industrial process, ensure its compatibility with other raw materials and chemicals involved. Incompatible substances can lead to unwanted reactions, product quality issues, or even safety hazards.

Things to consider when purchasing Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Purity and Impurity Levels: Ensure that the purity level meets the requirements of your specific industrial application. Check the impurity levels, especially of elements that could affect the performance of your end - product. For example, if you are using it in glass manufacturing, high levels of certain metals may discolor the glass.
• Particle Size and Distribution: Consider the particle size and its distribution according to the process requirements. A uniform particle size distribution can ensure better mixing and reaction efficiency in industrial processes.
• Source and Production Method: The source (mineral - or brine - derived) and production method can affect the quality and cost of the product. Different sources may have different impurity profiles, and the production method can influence the consistency of the product quality.
• Supplier Reputation and Reliability: Choose a supplier with a good reputation for consistent quality, timely delivery, and reliable after - sales service. A reliable supplier can help you avoid production disruptions due to supply shortages or quality issues.
• Cost - effectiveness: Compare the prices of different suppliers while considering the quality and performance. A lower - priced product may not always be the best choice if it leads to lower - quality end - products or higher production costs in the long run.

Terms of Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

• Purity Percentage: The proportion of pure lithium carbonate in the product, usually expressed as a percentage (e.g., 98% purity means 98 parts of lithium carbonate per 100 parts of the total product).
• Impurity Profile: A detailed list of the types and amounts of impurities present in the lithium carbonate, including elements like iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), sodium (Na), and others. This profile is crucial for assessing the suitability of the product for specific industrial applications.
• D₅₀ Particle Size: A measure of the median particle size, where 50% of the particles in the sample are smaller and 50% are larger. It is an important parameter for evaluating the physical characteristics of the product, especially in processes where particle - size - related factors such as mixing and flowability are important.
• Bulk Density: The mass of the lithium carbonate per unit volume when it is in a loose, bulk state. This parameter affects storage and transportation requirements, as well as its handling in industrial processes.[!--empirenews.page--]