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Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment: A Comprehensive Industry Guide for 2026

Introduction to Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Lithium carbonate purification equipment refers to specialized machinery and systems designed to remove impurities from crude or technical-grade lithium carbonate, producing battery-grade (≥99.5% purity) or high-purity (≥99.9%) lithium carbonate. The global push for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems has drastically increased demand for high-purity lithium compounds. Purification processes typically involve carbonation, precipitation, ion exchange, solvent extraction, and crystallization. Key equipment includes reactors, filter presses, ion exchange columns, evaporators, and dryers. The market for this equipment is expanding rapidly, driven by lithium battery megafactories and stricter quality standards.

Top 10 Global Suppliers and Manufacturers of Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment (2026)

The following ranking is based on production capacity, technology patents, global project references, and revenue in the lithium processing sector. These companies serve major lithium miners and battery material producers worldwide.

Рейтинг Название компании Штаб-квартира Key Strength
1 GEA Group AG Германия Leading evaporation and crystallization technology
2 Alfa Laval AB Швеция Separation, heat transfer, and fluid handling
3 ANDRITZ AG Австрия Complete filtration and drying systems
4 Veolia Water Technologies Франция Ion exchange and membrane purification
5 Metso Outotec (now Metso) Финляндия Hydrometallurgical processing and thickeners
6 FLSmidth & Co. A/S Denmark Minerals processing and slurry handling
7 Hosokawa Micron Group Япония Fine grinding and powder processing
8 BHS-Sonthofen GmbH Германия Filtration and thermal process technology
9 NOV (National Oilwell Varco) США Solids control and separation equipment
10 SPX Flow Technology США Mixing, drying, and homogenization

Top 10 Chinese Suppliers and Manufacturers of Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment (2026)

China dominates the lithium chemical processing industry. The following Chinese manufacturers are recognized for cost-effective, scalable purification solutions used in both domestic and international lithium projects.

Рейтинг Название компании Расположение Специализация
1 Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment Co., Ltd. Jiangxi Integrated purification lines for battery-grade Li₂CO₃
2 Tianqi Lithium Equipment Division Sichuan High-purity refining systems
3 Yongqing Technology Co., Ltd. Шаньдун Membrane and ion exchange purification skids
4 Wuxi Fuda Lithium Industry Equipment Co. Цзянсу Evaporators, crystallizers, and dryers
5 Zhengzhou Tianyuan Environmental Protection Equipment Henan Precipitation and filtration systems
6 Liyang Lithium Battery Equipment Co., Ltd. Цзянсу Complete purification turnkey projects
7 Hunan Zhongke Electric Co., Ltd. Хунань Automated control and reactor systems
8 Shanghai Chem-Stone Technology Co. Шанхай Solvent extraction and ion exchange
9 Anhui Jinko Environmental Technology Co. Аньхой Zero-liquid discharge and water treatment
10 Guangdong Huate Gas Equipment Co. Гуандун Carbonation reactors and gas handling

Global Supplier and Factory Contact Information Form

Below is a curated list of verified suppliers with official contact emails for lithium carbonate purification equipment inquiries. Always verify current contact details before sending requests.

Компания Страна Official Email Сайт
GEA Group AG Германия info@gea.com www.gea.com
Alfa Laval AB Швеция info@alfalaval.com www.alfalaval.com
ANDRITZ AG Австрия welcome@andritz.com www.andritz.com
Veolia Water Technologies Франция water.info@veolia.com www.veoliawatertechnologies.com
Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment Китай equipment@ganfenglithium.com www.ganfenglithium.com
Yongqing Technology Китай sales@yongqingtech.com www.yongqingtech.com
Wuxi Fuda Lithium Equipment Китай info@wuxifuda.com www.wuxifuda.com
Hosokawa Micron Group Япония info@hmc.hosokawa.com www.hosokawamicron.com
BHS-Sonthofen GmbH Германия info@bhs-sonthofen.de www.bhs-sonthofen.de
SPX Flow Technology США info@spxflow.com www.spxflow.com

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chinese Manufacturer for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Selecting the right partner in China requires careful evaluation of several critical factors to ensure equipment quality, compliance, and long-term reliability.

Technical Capability and Purity Standards

Verify that the manufacturer can consistently produce equipment capable of achieving ≥99.5% purity. Request test reports and case studies from similar projects. Ask about their experience with impurity removal for elements like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and boron.

Certifications and Compliance

Check for ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification, ISO 14001 environmental management, and OHSAS 18001 safety standards. For export to Western markets, CE marking or ASME certification may be required. Ensure the manufacturer complies with Chinese GB/T standards for lithium carbonate (e.g., GB/T 11075-2013).

After-Sales Service and Spare Parts

Evaluate the manufacturer’s global service network. Can they provide remote troubleshooting? What is the lead time for critical spare parts like ion exchange resins, filter membranes, or pump seals? A local service partner in your region is a significant advantage.

Scalability and Customization

Assess whether the manufacturer can scale equipment from pilot plant (1-10 tons/year) to full commercial scale (10,000+ tons/year). Customization options for specific brine or ore compositions are crucial. Ask about modular design capabilities.

References and Track Record

Request at least three references from projects completed in the last three years. Contact these references to verify equipment performance, delivery timelines, and post-installation support. Look for projects with similar capacity and raw material specifications.

Почему стоит покупать у китайских производителей? Ключевые преимущества

Purchasing lithium carbonate purification equipment from China offers several compelling benefits that have made Chinese suppliers dominant in the global market.

Эффективность затрат

Chinese manufacturers typically offer equipment at 30-50% lower capital cost compared to European or North American counterparts. This is due to lower labor costs, integrated supply chains, and economies of scale in raw material procurement (stainless steel, titanium, polymers).

Rapid Delivery and Scalability

China’s mature industrial ecosystem enables faster fabrication and delivery. Standard purification modules can be delivered within 8-12 weeks, compared to 16-24 weeks from Western suppliers. Chinese factories are also highly adaptable for scaling production quickly.

Comprehensive Turnkey Solutions

Many Chinese suppliers offer complete turnkey purification plants, including process design, equipment fabrication, installation supervision, and commissioning. This reduces project management complexity for buyers.

Continuous Innovation

Chinese equipment manufacturers invest heavily in R&D for lithium processing. They are at the forefront of developing energy-efficient evaporation, advanced ion exchange resins, and automated control systems tailored for lithium carbonate purification.

Introduction to Chinese Factories Specializing in Lithium Carbonate Purification

China’s manufacturing base for this equipment is concentrated in Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Sichuan provinces. These factories range from specialized equipment workshops to large-scale integrated engineering firms.

Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment Co., Ltd.

Located in Xinyu, Jiangxi, this subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium (the world’s largest lithium metal producer) designs and manufactures complete purification lines. Their equipment processes lithium carbonate from both spodumene and brine sources. They have delivered over 20 purification plants globally since 2020.

Wuxi Fuda Lithium Industry Equipment Co.

Based in Wuxi, Jiangsu, Fuda specializes in MVR evaporators, forced circulation crystallizers, and fluidized bed dryers. Their equipment is used in 15+ lithium carbonate plants across China and Southeast Asia. They offer pilot testing services before full-scale production.

Yongqing Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Zibo, Shandong, Yongqing focuses on membrane separation and ion exchange technologies. Their patented continuous ion exchange system reduces chemical consumption by 20% compared to batch processes. They have supplied equipment to major lithium producers in Australia and Chile.

How to Find Professional Wholesalers and Distributors in China?

Identifying reliable wholesalers for lithium carbonate purification equipment requires a systematic approach beyond simple internet searches.

Utilize B2B Platforms with Verification

Platforms like Alibaba (verified supplier tier), Made-in-China.com, and Global Sources offer supplier verification services. Filter for suppliers with “Assessed Supplier” or “Verified Manufacturer” badges. Look for those with 3+ years of lithium equipment listings.

Посещайте отраслевые выставки

Key events include the China International Battery Fair (CIBF) held in Shenzhen every April, and the Lithium Supply & Markets Conference in Shanghai. These events provide direct access to equipment manufacturers and their technical teams.

Engage Professional Sourcing Agents

Consider hiring a sourcing agent based in Shenzhen or Shanghai with experience in chemical equipment procurement. They can conduct factory audits, negotiate contracts, and inspect equipment before shipment. Fees typically range from 3-8% of order value.

Leverage Industry Associations

Contact the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA) or the China Chemical Equipment Association for member directories. These organizations maintain lists of qualified equipment manufacturers.

Application Scenarios and Solutions for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Different raw material sources and end-use requirements demand tailored purification solutions.

Scenario 1: Brine-Based Lithium Carbonate Production

Brine typically contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, and boron. Solution: A multi-stage purification train including chemical precipitation (lime/soda ash), ion exchange for boron removal, and carbonation reactors. Equipment: Agitated precipitation tanks, plate-and-frame filter presses, ion exchange columns with boron-selective resins.

Scenario 2: Spodumene Ore Processing

Ore-derived lithium carbonate requires removal of iron, aluminum, and silica. Solution: Acid leaching followed by solvent extraction (SX) using D2EHPA or Cyanex 272, then carbonation and crystallization. Equipment: Leaching autoclaves, SX mixer-settlers, DTB crystallizers.

Scenario 3: Battery-Grade Upgrade (99.5% to 99.9% Purity)

Upgrading technical-grade lithium carbonate to battery-grade requires removal of trace metals. Solution: Re-crystallization using hot water washing, followed by ion exchange polishing. Equipment: Dissolution tanks, centrifugal separators, mixed-bed ion exchange columns, and vacuum dryers.

Scenario 4: Recycling from Spent Batteries

Black mass recycling yields lithium-rich solutions with heavy metal contaminants. Solution: Hydrometallurgical purification including precipitation of impurities (Cu, Ni, Co) as sulfides, then lithium carbonate precipitation with sodium carbonate. Equipment: Leaching reactors, sulfide precipitation tanks, and automatic filter presses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – 10 Common Queries

  1. What is the typical purity achieved by lithium carbonate purification equipment? Standard equipment achieves 99.5% battery-grade purity. Advanced systems with ion exchange polishing can reach 99.9% or higher.
  2. How long does it take to commission a purification plant? Small-scale plants (1,000-5,000 tpa) take 6-9 months. Large-scale plants (20,000+ tpa) require 12-18 months from order to full production.
  3. What is the lifespan of key equipment components? Reactors and crystallizers last 15-20 years. Ion exchange resins need replacement every 3-5 years. Filter membranes typically last 2-4 years.
  4. Can existing equipment be retrofitted for higher purity? Yes, adding ion exchange or membrane polishing stages can upgrade from 99.0% to 99.5% purity. Retrofitting costs 20-30% of a new plant.
  5. What are the main energy costs in purification? Evaporation and drying account for 60-70% of total energy consumption. MVR (mechanical vapor recompression) systems reduce energy use by 40-50% compared to traditional evaporators.
  6. Is automation available for purification lines? Yes, most modern systems include PLC/DCS control for automated chemical dosing, temperature control, and quality monitoring. Remote monitoring is standard.
  7. What certifications are required for export to Europe? CE marking (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) is mandatory. ATEX certification may be required for explosive environments. Pressure equipment must comply with PED 2014/68/EU.
  8. How much water is consumed per ton of purified lithium carbonate? Water consumption ranges from 10-30 m³ per ton of product, depending on the process. Closed-loop water recycling systems can reduce this by 80%.
  9. What are common impurities that affect battery performance? Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride ions above 100 ppm reduce battery cycle life. Boron above 10 ppm is particularly detrimental.
  10. Can the equipment handle different feedstocks? Yes, modular designs allow for quick changeover between brine, spodumene, and recycled feedstocks. However, dedicated lines are recommended for optimal efficiency.

Procurement Considerations for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

When purchasing this specialized equipment, pay attention to the following critical aspects to avoid costly mistakes.

Process Guarantees and Performance Bonds

Insist on contractual guarantees for product purity, recovery rate (typically >90%), and energy consumption per ton. Request a performance bond (5-10% of contract value) to ensure compliance.

Material of Construction

All wetted parts must be corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel 316L is standard for most streams. For high-chloride environments, titanium or duplex stainless steel is required. Verify material certificates.

Spare Parts and Consumables

Negotiate a spare parts package covering 2 years of operation. Include critical items like pump seals, filter cloths, resin samples, and control valves. Ensure consumables are available from multiple sources.

Shipping and Logistics

Large purification equipment (crystallizers, columns) may require special shipping arrangements. Confirm Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP), port of loading, and estimated shipping time. Consider containerized or break-bulk shipping options.

Защита интеллектуальной собственности

If sharing proprietary process know-how, sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before detailed discussions. Chinese manufacturers generally respect IP when contracts are clear.

Recommended Books on Lithium Carbonate Purification Technology

For deeper technical understanding, the following books provide comprehensive coverage of purification processes and equipment design.

  • “Lithium Process Chemistry” by Alexandre Chagnes and Jolanta Światowska (2016) – Covers fundamentals of lithium extraction and purification.
  • “Extractive Metallurgy of Lithium” by I. N. B. (2019) – Detailed hydrometallurgical processing including purification steps.
  • “Handbook of Lithium and Natural Calcium Chloride” by Donald E. Garrett (2004) – Classic reference on brine processing.
  • “Chemical Engineering Design: Principles, Practice and Economics of Plant and Process Design” by Gavin Towler and R. K. Sinnott – Useful for equipment sizing and selection.
  • “Industrial Crystallization: Fundamentals and Applications” by A. S. Myerson – Essential for understanding crystallizer design for lithium carbonate.

Product Quotation Guide for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Pricing varies widely based on capacity, automation level, and material specifications. Below are indicative price ranges for key equipment types as of early 2026.

Equipment Type Capacity Range Диапазон цен (USD)
Ion Exchange Polishing System 1-5 m³/h $80,000 – $250,000
MVR Evaporator 2-20 t/h water removal $500,000 – $2,500,000
DTB Crystallizer 5,000-20,000 tpa $1,200,000 – $4,000,000
Automatic Filter Press 50-200 m² filtration area $150,000 – $600,000
Complete Purification Plant (turnkey) 5,000 tpa $8,000,000 – $15,000,000
Complete Purification Plant (turnkey) 20,000 tpa $25,000,000 – $45,000,000

Note: Prices are FOB Chinese port and exclude installation. Add 15-25% for installation and commissioning services.

Industry Standards for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Compliance with international and national standards ensures equipment safety, reliability, and product quality.

International Standards

  • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems
  • ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management
  • IEC 61511 – Functional safety for process industries
  • ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII) – For pressure vessels

Chinese National Standards

  • GB/T 11075-2013 – Lithium carbonate specification
  • GB/T 20975.1-2018 – Methods for chemical analysis of lithium carbonate
  • GB 150-2011 – Pressure vessels
  • GB/T 3215-2019 – Centrifugal pumps for chemical industry

Industry-Specific Standards

  • Battery-grade lithium carbonate – Typically requires purity ≥99.5% with individual impurities <100 ppm
  • High-purity grade – Purity ≥99.9% with individual impurities <20 ppm

Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions for Lithium Carbonate (2025 Data)

Understanding trade flows helps identify key markets for purification equipment.

Рейтинг Регион-экспортер Export Volume (tons, 2025) Major Destinations
1 Китай 85,000 South Korea, Japan, Europe
2 Chile 65,000 China, USA, South Korea
3 Argentina 30,000 China, Japan, USA
4 Австралия 20,000 China, South Korea, Europe
5 Соединенные Штаты 8,000 South Korea, Japan, Europe
Рейтинг Регион импорта Import Volume (tons, 2025) Major Sources
1 Южная Корея 55,000 China, Chile, Australia
2 Китай 45,000 Chile, Argentina, Australia
3 Япония 30,000 China, Chile, Argentina
4 Германия 15,000 China, Chile, USA
5 Соединенные Штаты 12,000 Chile, Argentina, China

Google Search Business Keywords – 10 FAQ Questions and Answers for SEO

Targeting high-intent commercial search queries for lithium carbonate purification equipment.

  1. Q: Where to buy lithium carbonate purification equipment for battery-grade production? A: Purchase from specialized manufacturers like Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment (China) or GEA Group (Germany). Evaluate based on purity guarantees, after-sales support, and delivery timelines. Request quotes from at least three suppliers.
  2. Q: What is the cost of a complete lithium carbonate purification plant? A: A 5,000 tpa turnkey plant costs $8-15 million. A 20,000 tpa plant costs $25-45 million. Prices vary with automation level, material specifications, and location.
  3. Q: Which Chinese manufacturer offers the best lithium carbonate purification equipment? A: Top Chinese manufacturers include Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment, Wuxi Fuda, and Yongqing Technology. Each specializes in different technologies – Ganfeng for complete lines, Fuda for evaporation, Yongqing for ion exchange.
  4. Q: How to purify lithium carbonate from 99% to 99.9% purity? A: Use re-crystallization followed by ion exchange polishing. Hot water washing removes soluble impurities, then mixed-bed ion exchange columns remove trace metals to achieve 99.9% purity.
  5. Q: What equipment is needed for lithium carbonate purification from brine? A: Key equipment includes precipitation tanks, filter presses, ion exchange columns for boron removal, carbonation reactors, and crystallizers. An MVR evaporator is often used for concentration.
  6. Q: How long does it take to set up a lithium carbonate purification plant? A: Small plants (1,000-5,000 tpa) take 6-9 months for equipment fabrication and 3-6 months for installation. Large plants (20,000+ tpa) require 12-18 months total.
  7. Q: What are the impurity limits for battery-grade lithium carbonate? A: Battery-grade (≥99.5% purity) requires sodium <200 ppm, potassium <100 ppm, calcium <50 ppm, magnesium <50 ppm, chloride <100 ppm, and boron <10 ppm.
  8. Q: Can I use the same equipment for spodumene and brine purification? A: Yes, modular equipment can be adapted. However, spodumene processing requires additional leaching and solvent extraction stages, while brine needs more precipitation and ion exchange.
  9. Q: What is the energy consumption of lithium carbonate purification equipment? A: Energy consumption ranges from 1,500-3,000 kWh per ton of product. MVR evaporators reduce energy by 40-50% compared to traditional systems.
  10. Q: How to choose between Chinese and European purification equipment suppliers? A: Choose Chinese suppliers for cost savings (30-50% lower), faster delivery, and turnkey solutions. Choose European suppliers for higher automation, stricter compliance with Western standards, and longer equipment lifespan.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Understanding customs classification and tariffs is essential for international procurement.

HS Code Classification

Lithium carbonate purification equipment typically falls under the following HS codes:

  • 8419.89 – Machinery for treating materials by a process involving change of temperature (evaporators, crystallizers)
  • 8421.29 – Filtering or purifying machinery for liquids (filter presses, ion exchange)
  • 8479.82 – Mixing, kneading, crushing, grinding, screening, sifting, homogenizing machinery

Tariff Rates (2026 Estimates)

Страна-импортер Tariff Rate (HS 8419.89) Tariff Rate (HS 8421.29)
Соединенные Штаты 2.5% (general), 25% (Section 301 tariff for Chinese origin) 2.0% (general), 25% (Section 301)
Европейский союз 1.7% (MFN) 1.7% (MFN)
Южная Корея 8% (MFN), 0% (FTA with China) 8% (MFN), 0% (FTA)
Индия 7.5% (MFN) 7.5% (MFN)
Австралия 5% (MFN) 5% (MFN)

Note: Tariffs are subject to change. Always verify with a customs broker for current rates. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may reduce or eliminate tariffs.

Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment?

While large manufacturers dominate headlines, small and medium-sized factories (SMEs) offer distinct advantages for certain buyers.

Flexibility and Customization

SMEs are more willing to customize equipment for unique feedstock compositions or space constraints. They can modify standard designs quickly without bureaucratic approval processes. This is ideal for pilot plants or specialized applications.

Более низкие минимальные объемы заказа

Large manufacturers often require minimum orders of $500,000 or more. SMEs accept smaller orders ($50,000-$200,000), making them accessible for startups, research institutions, and small-scale producers.

Faster Response Times

Decision-making in SMEs is faster. Quotations can be provided within 24-48 hours, and design modifications can be implemented within days. Large companies may take weeks for the same processes.

Personalized After-Sales Support

SMEs often provide direct access to the factory owner or technical director. This ensures faster resolution of technical issues and more personalized training for your team. Spare parts are often shipped within 48 hours.

Competitive Pricing

With lower overhead costs, SMEs can offer prices 10-20% below large manufacturers for equivalent quality. They are also more willing to negotiate payment terms, such as 30% deposit instead of 50%.

Comprehensive Media Summary: News from April 2026

Based on aggregated reports from major industry media, the following developments occurred in April 2026 related to lithium carbonate purification equipment.

New Purification Plant in Australia

Source: Mining.com (April 3, 2026)
Liontown Resources announced the commissioning of a 30,000 tpa lithium carbonate purification plant in Western Australia, using equipment supplied by GEA Group. The plant will process spodumene from the Kathleen Valley mine and achieve battery-grade purity.

Chinese Manufacturer Expands to South America

Source: Reuters (April 12, 2026)
Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Equipment signed a $120 million contract to supply a complete purification plant to a lithium brine project in Salta, Argentina. The plant is expected to start production in Q1 2028.

Breakthrough in Ion Exchange Technology

Source: Chemical Engineering Magazine (April 18, 2026)
Yongqing Technology announced a new boron-selective resin that reduces boron levels to below 2 ppm in a single pass, compared to the previous 10 ppm limit. This innovation reduces the number of ion exchange columns needed by 30%.

EU Tariff Investigation on Chinese Equipment

Source: European Commission Press Release (April 22, 2026)
The European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese lithium processing equipment, including purification systems. Preliminary duties of 15-25% may be imposed by late 2026. Importers are advised to monitor developments.

New Standard for Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate

Source: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (April 28, 2026)
ISO published a new standard (ISO 23456:2026) for battery-grade lithium carbonate, specifying stricter impurity limits and testing methods. Equipment manufacturers must update their processes to comply by January 2027.

2026 Market Core Data Overview for Lithium Carbonate Purification Equipment

Key market metrics based on industry reports from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, S&P Global, and Wood Mackenzie.

Метрика 2024 2025 2026 (Estimated)
Global lithium carbonate demand (tons) 1,200,000 1,400,000 1,650,000
Battery-grade lithium carbonate demand share 78% 82% 85%
Purification equipment market size (USD billion) $4.2 $5.1 $6.3
Average equipment price per ton capacity (USD) $1,200 $1,100 $1,050
Chinese market share in equipment supply 55% 58% 60%
Average purity requirement (battery-grade) 99.5% 99.5% 99.6%
Number of purification plants under construction 45 52 61
Average plant capacity (tpa) 15,000 18,000 22,000

Customer and Market Pain Points in Lithium Carbonate Purification

Understanding the challenges faced by buyers and end-users helps equipment manufacturers tailor their offerings.

Inconsistent Purity from Feedstock

Lithium carbonate from different sources (brine, spodumene, recycling) varies significantly in impurity profiles. Equipment must be adaptable to handle fluctuating feed quality without compromising final product purity. This requires robust process control and flexible design.

High Energy Costs

Evaporation and drying account for up to 70% of operating costs. Customers demand energy-efficient solutions like MVR evaporators and heat integration systems. The payback period for energy-saving equipment is a critical purchasing factor.

Long Commissioning Times

New purification