A 3D render of a full-scale BrineRefine system with 2 modules (4 reactors).

BrineRefine—Modular Chemical Reactor

Automated, fully packaged, flexible chemical reactor system 

BrineRefine Spec Sheet

BrineRefine is a smart, compact, and modular continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). It executes chemical reactions efficiently and with a high degree of precision. Combine BrineRefine with our other systems to maximize reverse osmosis recovery, remove contaminants-of-concern, or produce valued precipitates such as lithium carbonate. 

BrineRefine: Chemical Reactor Re-Invented

Whether in an industrial wastewater treatment chain or refining and producing battery-grade lithium products, BrineRefine optimizes whole processes with excellent controls, economics, intelligent automation, and reliability. It excels in addressing variability in water chemistry.

 

BrineRefine is designed with modularity, automation, and simple solids management at its heart. A continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) system, BrineRefine consists of modular, factory-built ISO skids with built-in redundancy and expansion capability.

Photo of a full-scale, 2-module, Saltworks BrineRefine plant
Full-scale BrineRefine plant with two modules

Application Examples

A simple process flow diagram for lithium processing and refining by Saltworks Technologies

BrineRefine removes impurities in lithium brines by precipitating metals, magnesium, or calcium. BrineRefine also produces lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and refines it to >99.9% purity. Our lithium infographic gives more information on the processing of lithium brines as produced by direct lithium extraction (DLE).

Process flow diagram showing how BrineRefine enhances reverse osmosis freshwater recovery

BrineRefine was originally developed to remove scaling ions in a precise modular package without the need for coagulation, flocculation, and large clarifiers. When partnered with XtremeUF, the combination minimizes footprint while protecting downstream RO membrane health. The package communicates with downstream assets such as reverse osmosis systems—optimizing performance and freshwater recovery and managing scaling risk.

 

Integrate with XtremeRO to achieve 50% less brine than conventional solutions, with concentrations up to 130,000 mg/L TDS.

Photo of a Saltworks engineer inspecting a BrineRefine system

BrineRefine can target and remove specific contaminants, such as cyanide, sulfates, or phosphates, avoiding the need for more complex and expensive treatment. Selectively removing one or two constituents of concern to meet a specific treatment or reuse goal is often the most cost-efficient approach, rather than treating an entire stream to freshwater standards.

A 3D render of a full-scale BrineRefine system with 2 modules (4 reactors).

As a modular and highly automated CSTR system, BrineRefine has broad applicability to many chemical processes. For unique projects with atypical challenges or opportunities, BrineRefine is customizable and adaptable. We have engineered BrineRefine to be a modular flexible platform. Our team is ready to take on your challenge, with pilot plants available to prove performance.

Photo of a BrineRefine pilot and testing unit
BrineRefine pilot and testing unit

Decrease Your Chemical Costs 

BrineRefine keeps treatment or production chains on specification. It avoids expensive and imprecise manual dosing by relying on automated controls, drastically reducing the need for operator intervention, maintenance, and monitoring. It incorporates a one-step, simple solids management system.

 

Reach out to our experts to discover how BrineRefine fits into your project.

Related Resources

Photo of a full-scale, 2-module, Saltworks BrineRefine plant
News

Modular & Intelligent Selective Contaminant Removal Solution Delivered

Saltworks is thrilled to help clients lower installation costs, reduce operational costs, and future-proof their plants. This was recently demonstrated through delivery of a modular ‘plug and play’ digitized BrineRefine and XtremeUF system to a client in the Middle East. Integrated in a compact and fully automated plant, BrineRefine and XtremeUF enable Saltworks’ industrial clients to target ions of value or concern with substantially reduced waste.

Photo of a Saltworks engineer testing and inspecting water in an industrial wastewater treatment process
Application

Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Heavy industry, manufacturing, and natural resource-based industries often use large volumes of water and generate wastewaters requiring treatment. Saltworks designs, builds, and operates industrial wastewater treatment plants with modern membrane, chemical, and thermal technologies that economically and reliably treat tough industrial wastewaters.

Photo of an electric vehicle with a lithium ion battery charging
Application

Lithium Extraction and Refining

Saltworks brings water mining expertise and advanced desalination technologies to our lithium clients, offering solutions for concentrating, refining, and converting low-grade lithium sources to battery-grade product. We offer higher purity and lower energy processing technology, that boosts yield, removes unit operations, and reduces cost.

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