METHOD OF LITHIUM PRODUCTION Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: production of metal lithium by electrolysis. SUBSTANCE: method includes electrolysis of melt of lithium and potassium chlorides; separation of formed metal lithium from salt melt; removal of chlorine; maintaining of electrolyte level in bath. Novelty covers loading of ingots of contaminated metal lithium into electrolysis bath. Optimal conditions of process: loaded ingots weight-total weight of melt ratio of 1:(2.5-4.5); periodic loading of anhydrous lithium chloride into bath for maintenance of required level of electrolyte; subject to electrolysis is melt containing, %: KCl, 38-42; LiCl. 58-62; melt temperature of 450-500 C; current intensity of 18-25 kA. After separation of metal lithium, salts melt is recirculated into electrolysis bath. EFFECT: higher yield of metal with improved its quality due to reduced content of impurities. 6 cl, 1 tbl