Against the backdrop of rapid expansion in the global new energy industry, the development cycle, cost, and stability of lithium resource projects directly determine investment returns and market competitiveness. Traditional brine lithium extraction projects are generally characterized by long timelines, poor process adaptability, and inefficient supply chain coordination, typically requiring 18 to 24 months from design to commissioning. It significantly delays capital recovery and capacity deployment.
As a leading global provider of integrated brine lithium extraction solutions, BICHEM leverages its standardized design system and full-chain engineering expertise to compress the delivery cycle of full-plant projects to six months. By enabling faster commissioning, faster ramp-up, and faster monetization, we create predictable value for global clients and redefine industry benchmarks for project delivery.
Core lithium extraction technologies enable rapid delivery
BICHEM’s six-month rapid delivery is not simply achieved by compressing timelines, but is built upon a proprietary, mature, stable, and modular core technology system that eliminates cycle losses associated with process iteration, equipment adaptation, and commissioning ramp-up at the source.
With deep expertise in brine lithium extraction, we have developed a comprehensive technology matrix covering membrane-based extraction, adsorption-based extraction, solvent extraction, electrodialysis separation, and integrated utilization of brine resources. All core processes have been industrially validated and can be directly adapted to different types of brine conditions without requiring redevelopment or extensive on-site debugging.
Leveraging this full-spectrum technology portfolio, BICHEM has established three core lithium extraction pathways that balance high recovery efficiency, stable adaptability, and rapid deployment:
1. Membrane-based lithium extraction: Featuring proprietary high-efficiency catalytic hydrogel filtration membranes and a bypass RO membrane regeneration deep water treatment system, this process achieves lithium recovery rates exceeding 97%. It offers stable operation, high levels of continuous production, and low water consumption. Core membrane components and filtration equipment adopt standardized modular designs, enabling rapid on-site assembly and commissioning.
BICHEM’s membrane-based lithium extraction process
2. Electrodialysis (ED) lithium extraction: Designed for brines with high magnesium-to-lithium ratios and high impurity levels, this process uses an electric field to selectively transport lithium ions while efficiently removing boron and silica. Lithium loss is reduced to below 0.5%, resin costs decrease by 20%, and water recovery rates improve by 10 to 30%. By eliminating the need for large-scale evaporation processes, it significantly shortens the production chain.
BICHEM’s ED lithium extraction process
3. Diversified extraction pathways: By integrating adsorption coupled with membrane processes, solvent extraction, and gradient crystallization, this pathway adapts to various brine types, including carbonate and sulfate systems. Technologies such as open-cell foam glass-supported lithium-ion sieve adsorption systems, countercurrent solvent extraction systems, and high-purity lithium carbonate gradient crystallization enable equipment standardization, parameter modularization, and process visualization. Lithium recovery exceeds 98%, with battery-grade product purity, and process packages can be directly deployed with minimal technical cycle losses.
BICHEM’s solvent extraction process
"Module reuse" compresses design cycles
In traditional projects, the design phase alone typically takes 3 to 6 months. Based on extensive project experience, BICHEM has established an industry-leading standardized design system that reduces design time to one-third of the conventional model through “standardized core modules, lightweight customization for non-standard components, and digitalized design processes”.
BICHEM has developed standardized workflows covering P&ID design, equipment selection, process parameter control, installation, and commissioning. Core equipment, including lithium-sodium separation membrane filtration systems for lithium-rich brine, three-stage brine reaction pretreatment systems, and continuous RO concentration systems, has achieved standardized dimensions, unified interfaces, and integrated control, allowing flexible configuration based on production capacity requirements.
BICHEM’s digital design platform enables rapid completion of site adaptation, pipeline layout, and energy optimization, proactively avoiding on-site construction conflicts and equipment mismatch issues. This not only significantly shortens the design cycle but also ensures process stability and product consistency, enabling seamless transition from design to implementation and laying a solid foundation for six-month delivery.
Full-process refined management delivers three core values
The essence of rapid delivery lies in efficient coordination and proactive risk mitigation during project execution. BICHEM has built a full-chain engineering team covering design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and operation, and has developed an engineering management system characterized by front-end planning, parallel construction, closed-loop commissioning, and rapid delivery, effectively addressing inefficiencies in traditional projects.
This engineering management system includes:
1. Front-end planning: We leverage databases to quickly complete brine analysis, process matching, and capacity calculations, while proactively addressing challenges such as high magnesium-to-lithium ratios, high boron and silica content, and low-temperature environments.
2. Construction phase: We implement parallel workflows, with civil works, procurement, and pipeline prefabrication conducted simultaneously. Core equipment is pre-stocked, and modular lifting and rapid connections on-site significantly shorten installation timelines.
3. Commissioning phase: We establish standardized commissioning checklists and rapid response mechanisms. Supported by mature parameter libraries, multi-system linkage commissioning can be achieved with one-click activation, enabling rapid and stable production ramp-up, with lithium recovery and product purity meeting targets from the outset.
For global industry participants, BICHEM’s rapid delivery creates three core values:
1. Shorten investment payback periods and improves capital efficiency;
2. Capture market windows and accelerates capacity release to maximize returns;
3. Reduce overall costs, combining with BICHEM’s high-recovery, low-energy processes to achieve optimal lifecycle economics.
Conclusion
BICHEM’s rapid delivery model is not merely about speed, but about achieving a multi-dimensional balance among speed, quality, cost, and environmental performance. After commissioning, projects can stably produce high-end products such as battery-grade lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium chloride, with lithium recovery rates exceeding 98%, water recovery improved by 10 to 30%. The projects significantly reduced energy and chemical consumption, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.
From technological innovation to engineering transformation, from standard reconstruction to supply chain coordination, BICHEM breaks through long-standing cycle constraints in the brine lithium extraction industry. We provide integrated solutions characterized by rapid delivery, stable ramp-up, high returns, and low risk for global clients.
Looking ahead, BICHEM will continue to advance technological innovation and engineering capabilities, driving the industry toward greater efficiency, standardization, sustainability, and intelligence. By ensuring stable lithium supply for the global new energy sector, we aim to create greater value for industry participants and lead high-quality industry development.
