RECOVERY OF LITHIUM FROM DEAD SEA BRINES.

The recovery of lithium as lithium aluminate from Dead Sea brine and End brine (remaining after potash production) was investigated. In order to obtain high yields (90%) the End brine and the Dead Sea brine have to be diluted. The optimum pH range is 6. 8-7. 0 for End brine and 6. 6-7. 2 for Dead Sea brine. Ca(OH)//2 can be used instead of ammonia in order to raise the pH. The optimum reaction time is about 3 h. The optimum amount of AlCl//3 multiplied by (times) 6H//2O added is 30-40 g liter** minus **1 of brine. The best yields are obtained at room temperature and decrease with increasing temperature.