The startup has developed a solvent extraction method for the separation and purification of substances, specifically targeting the rare metal recycling industry. This technology enhances productivity, increases separation capacity, and minimizes environmental impact during the recycling process.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for rare metals in high-tech industries is met with unstable supply chains reliant on imports, potentially hindering the progress of decarbonization efforts. Traditional rare metal recycling methods often lack the efficiency and purity required for direct reuse in advanced manufacturing.
Solution
Emulsion Flow Technologies offers an innovative solvent extraction technology, called "Emulsion Flow," for the separation and purification of rare metals from various sources, including recycled lithium-ion batteries. This technology streamlines the solvent extraction process, reducing it to a single "liquid transfer" step compared to the traditional three-step process of mixing, settling, and separation. The Emulsion Flow process enables the cost-effective recovery of high-purity rare metals, facilitating horizontal recycling where recovered materials are directly reintroduced into high-tech applications. This approach aims to establish a closed-loop economy for rare metals, reducing reliance on virgin resources and promoting a sustainable supply chain. The company also provides total support services, including plant design, manufacturing, installation, and technology licensing.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes companies involved in rare metal recycling, battery manufacturing, metal smelting, and chemical processing, as well as organizations seeking sustainable solutions for resource recovery and waste management.
Features
- Single-step solvent extraction process for simplified and efficient rare metal recovery
- High-purity separation enabling direct reuse of recovered materials in high-tech industries
- Applicable to a wide range of materials, including lithium-ion batteries, metal smelting byproducts, and chemical waste streams
- Technology originating from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency
- Potential for smaller plant footprints and lower operational costs compared to traditional solvent extraction methods
- Capability to process black mass from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries
- Support for both hub-and-spoke models with centralized processing and distributed pre-processing facilities