Lithoz to showcase ceramic 3D printed filtration technology at Formnext
The Separonics system created by Evove is used for lithium extraction
Through a partnership with Evove, a front-runner in advanced filtration, Lithoz will showcase the use of 3D printed technical ceramics in the Separonics filter membranes for lithium extraction—a technology with the potential to redefine energy and water usage in filtration systems worldwide. This showcase underscores the significant impact of Lithoz’s lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology in creating sustainable, cost-effective solutions for demanding industries.
Andrew Walker, Chief Commercial Officer of Evove, highlighted the economic and environmental significance of water recycling technologies, stating, “Water touches 60% of global GDP, and the ability to recycle even the most challenging of feeds is a lynchpin of the circular economy.” Lithoz CEO Dr. Johannes Homa also celebrates the breakthrough, remarking that such innovations are essential for sustainable industrial production.
Separonics—The future of filtration
Separonics, developed by Evove, is a cutting-edge ceramic filtration system designed for highly efficient lithium extraction. Leveraging Lithoz’s CeraFab S320 3D printer, these ceramic filter membranes embody a major technological advancement, combining durability with remarkable filtration performance. This collaborative achievement marks a significant step in industrial filtration, promising significant resource efficiency gains in an environmentally impactful field.
At the heart of this innovation is Lithoz’s CeraFab S320, a high-resolution 3D printer that produces ceramic components with unprecedented precision. The lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology behind the CeraFab S320 enables complete control over pore size and distribution, essential for the high-efficiency filtration systems required in lithium extraction. This capability gives the Separonics™ filter membranes both the design freedom and performance stability needed for rigorous industrial demands.
Lithoz’s LCM technology brings significant advancements to filtration by enabling the design of membranes with uniform pore sizes, enhancing both throughput and selectivity. This precision reduces energy and water waste, supporting resource-efficient filtration. Additionally, Lithoz’s design flexibility allows Evove to customize ceramic membranes to meet specific flux and selectivity requirements, catering to the complex demands of industrial filtration. The LCM process allows for intricate geometries, setting these ceramic membranes apart from traditional polymer options.
In industrial-scale applications, the filter module consists of 20 ceramic membrane segments, each 10 cm in diameter and 5 cm high, forming a full module of 1 meter in length. This design accommodates large-scale processing needs and highlights the scalability of ceramic 3D printing. Made from alumina, the ceramic materials demonstrate high resistance to heat and aggressive chemicals, ensuring durability and robustness for continuous operation in demanding environments.
Advantages of 3D printed ceramic filters
Ceramic filters are known for their exceptional durability, particularly in harsh environments with high temperatures and exposure to aggressive chemicals. This resilience leads to lower maintenance needs and reduced costs, which is especially valuable in industrial settings like lithium extraction and water treatment. Separonics™ ceramic membranes also contribute to energy efficiency, decreasing energy consumption by up to 80% while improving water recycling capabilities, which aligns with sustainable manufacturing goals. With their extended lifespan and minimal upkeep, they offer significant cost and energy savings compared to traditional polymer-based membranes.
The circular economy model prioritizes resource reuse and recycling, and Separonics supports this by enabling significant water recycling and reducing waste output. Additionally, by cutting down on energy usage, these ceramic membranes aid in global decarbonization efforts and reduce the environmental impact of essential industrial processes.
Attendees of Formnext 2024 can experience Evove’s filtration technology firsthand at Lithoz Booth C49, Stand 11.1. This showcase will demonstrate the capabilities of the CeraFab S320 and the Separonics membranes, providing insight into the future of ceramic filtration in industrial applications.
