Development of Alkaline Decomposition of Lepidolite Concentrate by Melting with Calcined Soda and Melt Comprehensive Sulfuric Acid Treatment

Experimental research is conducted for recovery of lithium from lepidolite. A method is developed for alkaline decomposition of lepidolite based on melting with calcined soda and subsequent melt granulation with water. Lepidolite activated in this way is thoroughly and comprehensively broken down by sulfuric acid. In addition, kinetics are studied for reaction of the granulate obtained with sulfuric acid. It is established that the granulate sulfatization reaction with sulfuric acid proceeds in a diffusion region that makes it possible fundamentally to select equipment formulation for sulfatization.