Simulated moving bed chromatography for lithium recovery from brines using aluminum-based adsorbents

A simulated moving bed separation system, comprising:

• a plurality of chromatography columns fluidly connected in series, the plurality of chromatography columns configured to perform a separation cycle of a brine mixture;
• wherein the separation cycle comprises:
• a first step of injecting the brine mixture into a first column and simultaneously withdrawing a lithium-rich product from a second column;
• and
• a second step of recirculating fluid throughout the plurality of chromatography columns fluidly connected in series;
• wherein the first step comprises a first period and the second step comprises a second period, wherein the first period is different than the second period.

A method of producing a lithium-rich product comprising:

• forming a system operating in a simulated moving bed chromatography mode by performing a separation cycle to recover lithium from a brine, the separation cycle comprising:
• loading a plurality of treatment columns with an adsorbent;
• conducting a first step of injecting a feed comprising a lithium-rich brine and injecting an eluent into a resin bed while simultaneously withdrawing an eluate and a raffinate, the raffinate comprising a spent brine;
• and
• conducting a second step of recirculating fluid through the plurality of treatment columns.