A numerical investigation for lithium extraction from the seawater using hydrodynamic and electromagnetic fields effects in multi-S-shaped channel

In this study, the separations of the soluble equal concentrations of high concentrate ions in seawaters and lithium ions are investigated, numerically. At the outlet of the S-, SS-, and SSS-shaped channels, the solution is lithium concentrated, by removing other ions. Electromagnetic force is used for this separation procedure. For this simulation, a numerical model of this process has been developed based on the finite volume method, computational fluid dynamics, and Lagrangian trajectories tracking method. For optimization of operational parameters including the electromagnetic field intensity and inlet fluid velocity, the genetic algorithm approach has been used in a homemade code in MATLAB software. It is observed that these channels enter different force directions on these ions and provide a balance between the electric and magnetic forces to control their movement. It is obtained that all of the impurities are removed in an optimum condition of a triple S-shaped electromagnetic channel, except potassium ions, and the percentage of lithium ions is increased from 20% at the inlet to 55% at the outlet, in an acceptable pressure drop of the passing fluid flow.