Journal article
Flash calcination of fine spodumene concentrate in the Calix reactor
Minerals Engineering, Vol.246, 110392
2026
Abstract
A spodumene concentrate containing 6.0% Li 2 O with a size range of 90% passing 200 μm was calcined in Calix, Flash Calcination (CFC) pilot reactor, between 1050 • C and 1120 • C converting up to 88% of the α-spodumene to β-/γ-spodumene. In this reactor, finely ground material falls through an electrically heated, vertical shaft. Rapid conversion of α-spodumene to β-/γ-spodumene was achieved using this new furnace, though multiple passes, up to four were needed to achieve good conversion percentages simulating the increased residence time expected in a full scale system. When two different size fractions, 106 μm and +106 μm were treated under the same conditions (one pass, 1100 • C) there was minimal difference in the extent of conversion. Calcination led to an increase in surface area, a decrease in density, and a change in particle size distribution. The unit-cell expansion that occurs during the phase change from α-to β-/γ-spodumene resulted in an increase in the top-size of the particles, but the stresses from uneven expansion caused cracking and fragmentation of the spodumene which increased the amount of fines present. In the intermediate stages of conversion, this resulted in an increase in surface area as the particles become covered in cracks. Acid baking/water leaching of the calcined samples was performed using a standard set of conditions: 180% stoichiometric acid requirement, 250 • C for 1 h followed by 2 h of leaching in water at 50 • C. Lithium extractions correlated closely with the extent of spodumene conversion of the calcined samples as measured by chemical and XRD methods.
Details
- Title
- Flash calcination of fine spodumene concentrate in the Calix reactor
- Authors/Creators
- Rorie Gilligan - Murdoch University, Harry Butler InstituteMartin Wells - Curtin UniversityMatthew E. Boot-Handford - Calix Limited, Suite 301, Building 1, 20 Bridge St, Pymble NSW 2073, AustraliaAleks Nikoloski - Murdoch University, Centre for Water, Energy and Waste
- Publication Details
- Minerals Engineering, Vol.246, 110392
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Identifiers
- 991005883753107891
- Copyright
- Crown Copyright © 2026
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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