Lead recycling firm Aqua Metals has successfully performed test runs on the second iteration of its program to create the Aquarefining electrolyzer package for its equipment supply and licensing offerings.
The program consists of three iterations classified as V1.25a, V1.25b and the final iteration, V1.25L, the latter of which will be used to create the US firm’s final package.
This second iteration of the program aims to reduce build and operating costs and increasing uptime and throughput of its technology.
The core improvement in V1.25b is a larger single tank/frame assembly. That replaces the previous version that required multiple components, while also serving as the frame for the electrolyzer.
Aqua Metals says the new configuration should allow for the electrolyzers to run for months at a time with lower build, labour, operating and maintenance costs.
As the Company now prepares for V1.25L, additional runs of the second iteration will be performed to validate the improvements. The V1.25L program is to finish in the first quarter of 2021.
In August, the company received $5 million from its insurance provider following a fire last December that caused ‘significant’ damage to the Aquarefinery area of its Nevada, US, plant.
Along with this payment, the company has now collected $20 million in insurance proceeds. $13 million of these proceeds have been paid to the company with the remaining used to pay of a loan with the Veritex Bank.