Separation and extraction method and mixture for battery impregnation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separation and extraction method and a mixture for impregnating a battery. The method involves prematurely discharging a battery while simultaneously recovering valuables from the battery. The separation and extraction method includes an immersion step of immersing the battery in water containing a polypeptide. During immersion of the battery in the polypeptide-containing water, lithium and other substances precipitate from the battery into the water. The polypeptide captures the precipitate in the water and causes it to precipitate. Because the precipitate contains valuables such as lithium, the separation and extraction method enables the recovery of valuables from the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation and extraction method capable of recovering valuable substances from storage batteries and a mixture for impregnating storage batteries. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles use batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries to power their wheels. When the battery's charge and discharge capabilities degrade due to age, the battery is recycled as spent. With the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, a large number of spent batteries are generated (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-1916 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Storage batteries contain various valuables, such as lithium and nickel. Therefore, there is a desire to recover these valuables from used batteries. One method for recovering valuables from used batteries is to crush the batteries, then separate and recover the metal materials. However, crushing a battery while it is still charged can cause electric shock. Therefore, charged batteries are typically discharged by connecting them to a load, such as a light bulb, before being crushed. However, this method takes time to discharge the battery.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a separation and extraction method and a mixture for impregnation of a storage battery, which can discharge a storage battery prematurely while recovering valuable substances from the storage battery.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the separation and extraction method of the present invention includes an immersion step of immersing the battery in water containing the polypeptide.

[0011] Alternatively, in the immersion step, the polypeptide may be added to the water before the battery is added.

[0012] Alternatively, in the immersion step, the polypeptide may be added after the battery is added to the water.

[0013] Alternatively, the separation and extraction method may further include a step of adding a brine solution of sodium chloride to water, and in the immersion step, the battery may be immersed in water containing sodium chloride.

[0014] Alternatively, the separation and extraction method may include: a pulverization step of pulverizing the battery removed from the water after the immersion step; a metal separation step of separating metal materials from the pulverized battery; and a re-immersion step of immersing the separated metal materials in water containing the polypeptide.

[0015] Alternatively, the polypeptide may be polyglutamic acid.

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a mixture for impregnating storage batteries, which is prepared by containing a polypeptide in water and is used to impregnate storage batteries.

[0017] Furthermore, the mixture for impregnating a storage battery may further contain sodium chloride.

[0018] Alternatively, in the mixture for impregnating a storage battery, the polypeptide may be polyglutamic acid.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to discharge a storage battery in advance while recovering valuables from the storage battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a separation and extraction system for performing the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the voltage of the immersed storage battery.

[0023] Figures 3A-3B This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in water not containing polyglutamic acid and the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid. Figure 3A Present the measurement results in a table. Figure 3B The measurement results are represented by a graph.

[0024] Figures 4A-4B This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in a salt water containing no polyglutamic acid and the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in a salt water containing polyglutamic acid. Figure 4A Present the measurement results in a table. Figure 4B The measurement results are represented by a graph.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the separation and extraction method according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figures 6A-6E This is a diagram conceptually explaining the brine step to the separation and extraction step in the separation and extraction method. Figure 6A Indicates the brine process, Figure 6B Indicates the separation and extraction agent feeding process, Figure 6C and Figure 6D Indicates the battery input process, Figure 6E This represents the separation extract obtaining step.

[0027] Figures 7A-7E This is a diagram conceptually explaining the steps from the pulverization step to the separation and extract re-obtaining step in the separation and extraction method. Figure 7A Indicates the crushing process, Figure 7B Indicates the metal sorting process, Figure 7C and Figure 7D Indicates the re-immersion process, Figure 7E It represents the process of separating and extracting.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the separation and extraction method according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Figures 9A-9E This is a diagram conceptually illustrating the brine step to the separated extract obtaining step in the separation and extraction method according to the second embodiment. Figure 9A Indicates the brine process, Figure 9B Indicates the battery input process, Figure 9C and Figure 9D Indicates the separation and extraction agent feeding process, Figure 9E This represents the separation extract obtaining step.

[0030] Explanation of symbols

[0031] 40: Battery DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the invention. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid duplication of description. Elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings.

[0033] (First embodiment)

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a separation and extraction system 1 for performing the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, configurations and processes related to the first embodiment will be described in detail, while descriptions of configurations and processes not related to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0035] Vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are equipped with batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, to supply power for driving the wheels. The voltage of these batteries is, for example, 100V or higher. When the battery's inherent charge and discharge capabilities deteriorate due to factors such as its lifespan, it is collected as spent. A separation and extraction system 1 is a system for recovering various valuables from these collected spent batteries.

[0036] The separation and extraction system includes a separation and extraction tank 10, a sediment recovery pipe 12, a dehydration device 14, a circulation filtration device 16, a suspended matter acquisition unit 18, a suspended matter recovery pipe 20, a gas recovery pipe 22, a gas recovery device 24, a gas storage tank 26, a crusher 28, a separator 30 and a re-immersion tank 32.

[0037] The separation and extraction tank 10 is a hollow container. It contains water, sodium chloride, and a polypeptide. Specifically, the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 contains the sodium chloride and the polypeptide. The water in the separation and extraction tank 10 is maintained at, for example, room temperature. Here, room temperature is 20°C ± a predetermined temperature. This predetermined temperature is, for example, set within a range of 5°C to 15°C.

[0038] Specifically, the polypeptide is polyglutamic acid. Hereinafter, the polypeptide will be described as polyglutamic acid. Figure 1 In the diagram, sodium chloride is labeled as NaCl, and polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide, is labeled as PG.

[0039] Here, spent batteries are sometimes collected in a charged (or recharged) state. Therefore, when recovering valuables from spent batteries, the batteries must be discharged to a predetermined voltage or lower to prevent electric shock from the batteries. This predetermined voltage serves as a criterion for determining the end of discharge. For example, the predetermined voltage can be set to the voltage of an auxiliary battery (e.g., 13V) or the voltage of a dry cell battery (e.g., 2V).

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the used battery 40 in the separation and extraction system 1 is housed in the separation and extraction tank 10 and immersed in the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. The battery 40 is housed in a manner that the entire battery 40 is immersed in water. In addition, the battery 40 may be housed in a manner that a portion of the battery 40 is immersed, in which case the battery 40 is housed in a manner that at least the terminals on both sides exposed to the outside are immersed. In addition, the battery 40 may be placed directly on the bottom surface of the separation and extraction tank 10, or may be placed in the separation and extraction tank 10 via a support such as a pedestal. In addition, in Figure 1 In the figure, the marking of the supports is omitted.

[0041] An openable and closable lid 42 is provided at the vertically upper portion of the separation and extraction tank 10. When the lid 42 is opened, the battery 40 can be inserted into and removed from the separation and extraction tank 10. When the lid 42 is closed, the separation and extraction tank 10 is sealed. Furthermore, water, sodium chloride, and polyglutamic acid can be placed into the separation and extraction tank 10 through the lid 42 or other inlet ports.

[0042] Hereinafter, the mixture containing the polypeptide in water with which the battery 40 is immersed will sometimes be referred to as a battery-immersion mixture. The battery-immersion mixture may also be composed of the polypeptide and sodium chloride in water. An example of the polypeptide in the battery-immersion mixture is polyglutamic acid. Specifically, in the separation and extraction system 1, the battery-immersion mixture and the battery 40 are contained within the separation and extraction tank 10.

[0043] When the battery 40 is immersed in the water in the separation and extraction tank 10, the terminals of the battery 40 are short-circuited by the water. Therefore, the battery 40 is discharged through the water.

[0044] Furthermore, the water in separation and extraction tank 10 contains sodium chloride. Specifically, the water is an aqueous solution containing dissolved sodium chloride, namely, brine. The concentration of the brine is set to a saturated concentration, for example. Brine has a higher electrical conductivity than water without dissolved sodium chloride. Therefore, battery 40 discharges more quickly with water containing sodium chloride (brine).

[0045] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the voltage of the immersed battery 40. The dashed line A10 shows the transition of the voltage of the battery 40 immersed in water containing no sodium chloride. The solid line A12 shows the transition of the voltage of the battery 40 immersed in water containing sodium chloride.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown by the dot-dash line A10, for the battery 40 immersed in water not containing sodium chloride, the voltage can be set to below the specified voltage (the voltage considered to be the end of discharge) in about 48 hours, although it depends on the amount of storage. Figure 2 As shown by the solid line A12, the storage battery 40 immersed in water containing sodium chloride can reduce the voltage to a predetermined voltage (a voltage regarded as the end of discharge) or less within 24 hours, although it depends on the amount of stored electricity.

[0047] Furthermore, when the battery 40 is immersed in water or salt water, the voltage of the separation tank 10 is extremely low. Therefore, even if a person touches the separation tank 10 while the battery 40 is immersed, no electric shock will occur. In other words, the battery 40 can be discharged safely.

[0048] return Figure 1If the battery 40 is immersed in water, water seeps into the battery 40 through gaps in the battery 40 frame. This causes various components of the battery 40, such as lithium, to precipitate into the water. Depending on the type of precipitate, the precipitate may either suspend in the water or settle. The precipitate may include substances ionized by water or newly generated through a hydrolysis reaction with water.

[0049] As described above, the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 contains polyglutamic acid. Polyglutamic acid has the function of agglomerating impurities in the water. Therefore, when the battery 40 is immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid, the polyglutamic acid captures precipitates that have precipitated from the battery 40 into the water. Furthermore, by capturing the precipitates, the polyglutamic acid precipitates along with them. Therefore, even precipitates suspended in the water or ionized precipitates can be captured and precipitated by the polyglutamic acid.

[0050] Hereinafter, the precipitated substance may be referred to as a precipitate. The precipitate includes not only substances precipitated by being captured by polyglutamic acid, but also substances directly precipitated without being captured by polyglutamic acid. Figure 1 In the figure, the sediment is indicated by hatching.

[0051] In addition, sodium chloride contained in water does not hinder the collection and precipitation of precipitates by polyglutamic acid contained together with sodium chloride.

[0052] Furthermore, precipitates from the battery 40 immersed in water are concentratedly precipitated within a short, predetermined time period from the start of immersion. Furthermore, once the predetermined time has elapsed, precipitation of the precipitates is substantially complete. The predetermined time depends on the type and size of the battery 40, but is, for example, approximately 10 hours. After discharge is complete and precipitation of the precipitates is substantially complete, the battery 40 is removed from the separation and extraction tank 10.

[0053] In addition, polyglutamic acid (PG) does not hinder the discharge of the battery 40 by water. Figures 3A-3B This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in water not containing polyglutamic acid and the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid. Figure 3A Present the measurement results in a table. Figure 3B The results of the measurement are shown in a graph. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example, 0 hours of the elapsed time indicates the start time of the impregnation of the battery 40. In addition, the elapsed time indicates the time from the start time of the impregnation of the battery 40. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In some cases, the battery 40 immersed in water containing no polyglutamic acid is referred to as sample A, and the battery 40 immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid is referred to as sample B. Figure 3BIn the figure, square marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site X of sample A, and cross marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site Y of sample A, which is different from measurement site X. Circle marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site X of sample B, and triangle marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site Y of sample B.

[0054] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the voltage of battery 40 at measurement sites X and Y of sample A and sample B both began to decrease approximately 3 to 4 hours after the start of immersion, and the voltage continued to decrease over time. Furthermore, at measurement sites X and Y of sample A and sample B, the voltage of battery 40 dropped below 20 V after 8 hours.

[0055] Thus, the battery 40 (sample B) immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid (water+PG) has a voltage drop similar to that of the battery 40 (sample A) immersed in water not containing polyglutamic acid (water), so polyglutamic acid does not hinder the discharge of the battery 40 by water.

[0056] Furthermore, even if polyglutamic acid (PG) is contained in water (salt water) containing sodium chloride (NaCl), the discharge of the storage battery 40 by the water (salt water) containing sodium chloride is not hindered. Figures 4A-4B This is a diagram showing an example of measurement results of the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in a salt water containing no polyglutamic acid and the voltage transition of the battery 40 immersed in a salt water containing polyglutamic acid. Figure 4A Present the measurement results in a table. Figure 4B The results of the measurement are shown in a graph. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example, 0 hours of the elapsed time indicates the start time of the impregnation of the battery 40. In addition, the elapsed time indicates the time from the start time of the impregnation of the battery 40. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In some cases, the battery 40 immersed in the salt water containing no polyglutamic acid is referred to as sample C, and the battery 40 immersed in the salt water containing polyglutamic acid is referred to as sample D. Figure 4B , square marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site X of sample C, and cross marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site Y of sample C, which is different from measurement site X. Circle marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site X of sample D, and triangle marks indicate the measurement results of measurement site Y of sample D.

[0057] like Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, while there is a difference in the initial voltage of battery 40 between Samples C and D, the voltage of battery 40 at measurement sites X and Y of Sample C and Sample D drops sharply to below 3V after one hour from the start of immersion. Furthermore, the voltage at measurement sites X and Y of Sample C and Sample D shows a trend of decreasing over time after more than one hour from the start of immersion. Furthermore, the voltage at measurement sites X and Y of Sample C and Sample D drops below 1.0V after eight hours from the start of immersion.

[0058] Thus, since the battery 40 (sample D) immersed in the salt water (water + NaCl + PG) containing polyglutamic acid shows a voltage drop similar to that of the battery 40 (sample C) immersed in the salt water (water + NaCl) not containing polyglutamic acid, polyglutamic acid does not hinder the discharge of the battery 40 caused by the salt water.

[0059] Back to Figure 1 A sediment recovery pipe 12 is connected to the vertical lower portion of the separation and extraction tank 10. The sediment recovery pipe 12 is connected to a dehydration device 14. The sediment generated in the separation and extraction tank 10 is sent to the dehydration device 14 through the sediment recovery pipe 12.

[0060] The circulation filter device 16 is connected to the separation and extraction tank 10 at a position vertically above the precipitate. The circulation filter device 16 includes, for example, a water inlet pump and a filter. The water inlet pump of the circulation filter device 16 draws water from the separation and extraction tank 10 at a position vertically above the precipitate. This water contains polyglutamic acid and precipitates. As described above, the polyglutamic acid captures the precipitate and precipitates it. However, if the captured precipitate does not gather to a specific gravity sufficient for precipitation, the captured precipitate may not settle but remain suspended in the water. The filter of the circulation filter device 16 separates the precipitate captured by the polyglutamic acid from the captured water. In this way, the captured water is filtered. The filtered water is returned to the separation and extraction tank 10. Hereinafter, the precipitate and polyglutamic acid separated by the circulation filter device 16 may be referred to as filter residue.

[0061] Furthermore, a sediment recovery pipe 12 is connected to the circulating filtration device 16 . The filtration residue is sent to the dehydration device 14 through the sediment recovery pipe 12 .

[0062] Suspended matter acquisition section 18 is positioned at the water surface within separation and extraction tank 10. Suspended matter acquisition section 18 is connected to suspended matter recovery pipe 20. Suspended matter recovery pipe 20 is connected to dehydration device 14. Suspended matter acquisition section 18 draws precipitates suspended on the water surface and delivers the drawn precipitates to dehydration device 14 via suspended matter recovery pipe 20.

[0063] The dehydrating device 14 is, for example, a centrifuge. The dehydrating device 14 removes water from the collected sediment, filtration residue, and suspended matter. Thus, a dehydrated powder is obtained. The powder contains valuable substances such as lithium in the battery 40.

[0064] In the separation and extraction system 1, it is possible to separate and extract and recover the valuables from the storage battery 40. Although not described here, existing separation techniques suitable for each valuable can also be applied to the powder.

[0065] In addition, a gas recovery pipe 22 is connected to the vertical upper part of the separation and extraction tank 10 (for example, the cover 42, etc.). The gas recovery pipe 22 is connected to the gas recovery device 24. Here, if the battery 40 is immersed in water, gases such as hydrogen fluoride are generated. The gas generated in the separation and extraction tank 10 is sent to the gas recovery device 24 through the gas recovery pipe 22. The gas recovery device 24 separates useful gases such as hydrogen fluoride from the air. The gas storage tank 26 is connected to the gas recovery device 24. The gas storage tank 26 stores the gas separated by the gas recovery device 24.

[0066] The batteries 40 removed from the separation and extraction tank 10 are transported to the pulverizer 28. The pulverizer 28 includes, for example, a pair of rollers disposed opposite each other. The pulverizer 28 mechanically pulverizes the batteries 40 using the pair of rollers. The pulverized batteries 40 are then conveyed to the sorting machine 30 via a conveyor belt 44 or the like.

[0067] The sorting machine 30 sorts the crushed storage batteries 40 into metal materials and plastic materials by, for example, a vibrating screen method. The sorting method is not limited to the vibrating screen method, and may be, for example, a sorting method utilizing a difference in specific gravity.

[0068] The re-immersion tank 32 is, for example, a container that can rotate about a vertical axis. It contains water, polyglutamic acid (an example of a polypeptide), and the metal material sorted by the sorter 30. The re-immersion tank 32 rotates about its vertical axis to agitate the polyglutamic acid and metal material in the water. This allows the remaining precipitate that did not precipitate in the separation and extraction tank 10 to precipitate from the metal material into the water. If precipitate precipitates from the metal material, the precipitate is captured by the polyglutamic acid.

[0069] When the rotation of the re-immersion tank 32 is completed, the precipitate captured by the polyglutamic acid is precipitated. The precipitate and the metal material are removed from the water and sorted. The precipitate obtained from the re-immersion tank 32 is dehydrated, for example, by the dehydration device 14 to be made into a powder.

[0070] Figure 5 Flowchart for explaining the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment. Figure 5As shown, in the separation and extraction method, the steps of brine treatment (S100), separation and extraction agent addition (S110), battery addition (S120), and separation and extraction extraction (S130) are performed in this order. Subsequently, the steps of crushing (S140), metal separation (S150), re-impregnation (S160), and separation and extraction extraction re-acquisition (S170) are performed in this order, completing the series of processes. In the separation and extraction method, the separation and extraction agent addition (S110) and battery addition (S120) steps are sometimes collectively referred to as the impregnation step.

[0071] Figures 6A-6E This is a diagram conceptually explaining the brine step to the separation and extraction step in the separation and extraction method. Figure 6A Indicates the brine process, Figure 6B Indicates the separation and extraction agent feeding process, Figure 6C and Figure 6D Indicates the battery input process, Figure 6E Indicates the separation extract acquisition process. Figures 6A to 6E In, with Figure 1 Similarly, sodium chloride is labeled as NaCl and polyglutamic acid is labeled as PG.

[0072] like Figure 6A As shown, before the brine process, water is contained in the separation and extraction tank 10. In the brine process, sodium chloride is added to the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. When the brine process is performed, the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 contains sodium chloride.

[0073] like Figure 6B As shown, in the separation and extraction agent addition step, polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide that functions as a separation and extraction agent, is added to the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. When the separation and extraction agent addition step is performed, polyglutamic acid is contained in the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. Specifically, by performing both the salt water step and the separation and extraction agent addition step, both sodium chloride and polyglutamic acid are contained in the water.

[0074] In this example, the extraction agent addition step is performed after the brine step. However, the brine step only needs to be performed before the battery addition step. It can be performed after the extraction agent addition step or simultaneously with the extraction agent addition step. Furthermore, the brine step can be omitted.

[0075] like Figure 6CAs shown, in the battery loading step, the battery 40 is loaded into the water after the separation and extraction agent loading step. That is, in the immersion step, which includes the separation and extraction agent loading step and the battery loading step, the battery 40 is immersed in water containing at least polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide. Here, because the salt water step is performed before the battery loading step, when the battery loading step is performed, the battery 40 is immersed in water containing both polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide, and sodium chloride.

[0076] like Figure 6D As shown, when the battery 40 is immersed in the battery loading process, the battery 40 is discharged by water containing sodium chloride. In addition, when the battery 40 is immersed in the battery loading process, precipitates are precipitated from the battery 40 into the water, and the precipitates are captured by polyglutamic acid and precipitated. Figure 6D In the figure, the sediment is indicated by hatching.

[0077] The separated extract acquisition step is performed after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the battery loading step. The predetermined time is set based on the discharge completion time of the battery 40 and the precipitation completion time of the precipitate. In other words, the separated extract acquisition step is performed after the battery 40 is deemed to be fully discharged and the precipitate has been fully settled.

[0078] like Figure 6E As shown, in the separation and extraction step, the separated extract, i.e., the precipitate, is taken out from the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. Figure 6E In the figure, the sediment (separated extract) removed from the water is indicated by hatching. Specifically, the sediment is removed through the sediment recovery pipe 12. In the separated extract acquisition step, the battery 40 is removed from the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. Specifically, the lid 42 is opened to remove the battery 40.

[0079] Figures 7A-7E This is a diagram conceptually explaining the steps from the pulverization step to the separation and extract re-obtaining step in the separation and extraction method. Figure 7A Indicates the crushing process, Figure 7B Indicates the metal sorting process, Figure 7C and Figure 7D Indicates the re-immersion process, Figure 7E Indicates the process of separating the extract and then obtaining it. Figures 7A to 7E In, with Figure 1 Likewise, polyglutamic acid is annotated as PG.

[0080] like Figure 7AAs shown, in the pulverization step, the battery 40 removed from the water after the immersion step is pulverized. In the pulverization step, for example, the battery 40 is clamped between a pair of rollers 46 rotating in opposite directions in a pulverizer 28 to pulverize the battery 40. The pulverized battery 40 is reduced to powder.

[0081] like Figure 7B As shown, in the metal separation process, the crushed battery 40, i.e., the powder, is separated into metal and plastic materials in the separator 30. Specifically, in the metal separation process, the metal material is separated from the crushed battery 40. Furthermore, the separated plastics can also be separated using a separation method appropriate for each plastic, and can be separated for each plastic.

[0082] like Figure 7C As shown, in the re-immersion step, the sorted metal material is immersed in water containing polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide, in a re-immersion tank 32. Furthermore, during the re-immersion step, the metal material and polyglutamic acid are stirred in the water within the re-immersion tank 32 for a predetermined time. During the re-immersion step, as the metal material is immersed, precipitates are deposited from the metal material into the water, where they are captured by the polyglutamic acid. Furthermore, by stirring the metal material and polyglutamic acid in the water, the precipitation of the precipitates from the metal material is promoted, and the precipitates are more easily captured by the polyglutamic acid.

[0083] like Figure 7D As shown in FIG, in the re-immersion process, at the end of stirring, the precipitate captured by the polyglutamic acid precipitates. Figure 7D In the figure, the sediment is indicated by hatching.

[0084] In addition, although stirring is performed in the re-immersion step, stirring may be omitted in the re-immersion step.

[0085] like Figure 7E As shown, in the separation extract re-acquisition step, the separated extract, i.e., the precipitate, is taken out from the water in the re-immersion tank 32. Figure 7E In the figure, the precipitate (separated extract) removed from the water is indicated by hatching. The precipitate removed is dehydrated and powdered.

[0086] In the separation extract re-collection step, the metal material is taken out from the water in the re-immersion tank 32. The taken out metal material is subjected to a sorting method appropriate for each metal material, and can be sorted for each metal material.

[0087] As described above, the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment includes an immersion step of immersing the battery 40 in water containing the polypeptide. Therefore, the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment allows the valuable substances contained in the battery 40 to be precipitated into the water and captured. Furthermore, by immersing the battery 40 in water, the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment allows for simplified and early discharge of the battery 40 without hindering the capture of precipitates from the battery 40.

[0088] Therefore, according to the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the storage battery 40 can be discharged in advance and the valuables can be recovered from the storage battery 40 at the same time. In addition, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the discharge of the storage battery 40 and the recovery of the valuables can be performed simultaneously. In addition, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, electric shock caused by the storage battery 40 can be avoided. In addition, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the equipment used for discharging the storage battery 40 and recovering the valuables can be simplified.

[0089] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the battery is added to the water after the polypeptide is added. Therefore, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the precipitate from the battery 40 can be collected and discharged simultaneously from the start of immersion of the battery 40. As a result, the recovery of the valuables from the battery 40 can be completed much earlier in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the battery 40 is immersed in water containing sodium chloride. Therefore, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the discharge of the battery 40 can be terminated earlier without hindering the collection of precipitates from the battery 40.

[0091] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the battery 40 after the immersion step is pulverized, and the metal material separated from the pulverized battery 40 is immersed in water containing polypeptides. This is equivalent to collecting the precipitate from the battery 40 again. Therefore, the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment can more reliably recover valuables from the battery 40.

[0092] In addition, in the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment, the precipitate from the battery 40 is recovered as a sediment, the gas generated from the battery 40 is recovered by the gas recovery device 24, and the battery 40 after the precipitate is pulverized, sorted, and re-impregnated and recovered, thereby recovering all the valuables in the battery 40.

[0093] Furthermore, the battery impregnation mixture of the first embodiment contains a polypeptide in water and is used to impregnate the battery 40. Therefore, similar to the above-described separation and extraction method, the battery 40 can be prematurely discharged while valuables are recovered from the battery 40.

[0094] Furthermore, the battery impregnation mixture of the first embodiment further contains sodium chloride, so that the discharge of the battery 40 can be terminated further quickly.

[0095] (Second embodiment)

[0096] Figure 8 Flowchart for explaining the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, the battery loading step (S210) is performed after the brine step (S100), the separation and extraction agent loading step (S220) is performed after the battery loading step (S210), and the separated extract obtaining step (S130) is performed after the separation and extraction agent loading step (S220). In other words, the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment differs from the separation and extraction method of the first embodiment in that the battery loading step (S210) and the separation and extraction agent loading step (S220) are performed in the opposite order. Below, descriptions of the steps common to the first embodiment are omitted, and the steps that differ are described in detail. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the battery loading step (S210) and the separation and extraction agent loading step (S220) are sometimes collectively referred to as the immersion step.

[0097] Figures 9A-9E This is a diagram conceptually illustrating the brine step to the separated extract obtaining step in the separation and extraction method according to the second embodiment. Figure 9A Indicates the brine process, Figure 9B Indicates the battery input process, Figure 9C and Figure 9D Indicates the separation and extraction agent feeding process, Figure 9E This represents the separation extract obtaining step.

[0098] like Figure 9A As shown, in the brine process, sodium chloride is added to the water in the separation and extraction tank 10. If the brine process is performed, the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 contains sodium chloride.

[0099] like Figure 9B As shown, in the battery loading step following the salt water step, the battery 40 is loaded into water containing sodium chloride. During the battery loading step to immerse the battery 40, the battery 40 is discharged in the water containing sodium chloride. Furthermore, during the battery loading step to immerse the battery 40, precipitates are deposited from the battery 40 into the water.

[0100] like Figure 9C As shown, in the separation and extraction agent addition step following the battery addition step, polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide, is added to water containing sodium chloride while the battery 40 is immersed in the water. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the polypeptide is added after the battery 40 is added to the water. Once the separation and extraction agent addition step is performed, the water contains polyglutamic acid in addition to sodium chloride.

[0101] Furthermore, if the separation and extraction agent input process is carried out, Figure 9D As shown, the precipitate precipitated into the water is captured and precipitated by polyglutamic acid. After a predetermined time has passed since the separation and extraction agent addition step, the separation and extraction agent acquisition step is performed.

[0102] like Figure 9E As shown, in the separation and extraction step, the separated and extracted separation and extraction product, ie, the precipitate and the battery 40 are taken out from the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 .

[0103] In the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, the separation and extraction agent injection step may be performed after the battery 40 is discharged, or may be performed during the battery 40 is discharged.

[0104] As described above, the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment includes an immersion step of immersing the battery 40 in water containing the polypeptide. Therefore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the battery 40 can be discharged easily and early, and the valuable substances contained in the battery 40 can be precipitated into the water and captured.

[0105] Therefore, according to the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the battery 40 can be discharged early while the valuables are recovered from the battery 40. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment can avoid electric shock caused by the battery 40, and the equipment can be simplified. Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, if the separation and extraction agent addition step is performed while the battery 40 is being discharged, the battery 40 can be discharged and the valuables recovered simultaneously.

[0106] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, the polypeptide can be added while the precipitate is sufficiently precipitated in water. Therefore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, the collection of the precipitate can be completed early.

[0107] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, since the storage battery 40 is immersed in water containing sodium chloride, the discharge of the storage battery 40 can be terminated further early.

[0108] Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, a re-impregnation step can also be performed, similar to the first embodiment. This configuration allows for more reliable recovery of valuables from the storage battery 40. Furthermore, in the separation and extraction method of the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, all valuables in the storage battery 40 can be recovered.

[0109] Alternatively, the battery impregnation mixture may be produced by adding polyglutamic acid, an example of a polypeptide, to water in which the battery 40 is immersed. That is, the battery impregnation mixture is not limited to being immersed in the battery 40 afterwards, but may be produced while the battery 40 is immersed.

[0110] In the embodiment in which the battery impregnation mixture contains sodium chloride, even when the battery impregnation mixture is produced after the battery 40 is impregnated, the water constituting the battery impregnation mixture contains sodium chloride before the battery 40 is impregnated. This allows the effect of shortening the discharge time of the battery 40, which is achieved by sodium chloride, to be appropriately exerted.

[0111] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiments, polyglutamic acid is cited as an example of a polypeptide that functions as a separation and extraction agent. However, the polypeptide is not limited to polyglutamic acid, and other polypeptides having a coagulation function may also be used as a separation and extraction agent.

[0113] In each of the above embodiments, the temperature of the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 is set to room temperature. However, the temperature of the water in the separation and extraction tank 10 is not limited to room temperature. The water in the separation and extraction tank 10 only needs to be kept liquid, and for example, it may be higher than room temperature. The higher the temperature of the water in the separation and extraction tank 10, the sooner the battery 40 discharges and the precipitate capture are completed.

[0114] In the brine process described in each of the above embodiments, the brine concentration is set to a saturation concentration. However, the brine concentration is not limited to a saturation concentration; for example, a concentration similar to seawater may be used. However, a higher sodium chloride concentration can more quickly terminate the discharge of the battery 40.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, batteries 40 mounted on vehicles such as electric vehicles are used as the subject of the separation and extraction method. However, the subject of the separation and extraction method is not limited to batteries 40 mounted on vehicles. For example, batteries 40 used to operate electronic devices may also be used as the subject of the separation and extraction method. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, lithium-ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries are exemplified as the subject of the separation and extraction method. However, other types of batteries 40 may also be used as the subject of the separation and extraction method.

[0116] Industrial applicability

[0117] The present invention can be used for a separation and extraction method capable of recovering valuable substances from storage batteries and a mixture for impregnation of storage batteries.

Claims

1. A separation and extraction method comprising: an immersion step of immersing the lithium-containing battery in water containing the polypeptide, so that the polypeptide captures precipitates from the battery; a separation extract obtaining step of removing water from the captured material containing the polypeptide and the precipitate using a centrifuge to obtain a powder containing the lithium; a crushing step of crushing the battery taken out of the water after the immersion step to convert the battery into powder; a metal separation step of separating metal materials from the powder of the crushed battery; as well as In the re-immersion step, the sorted powdered metal material is immersed in water containing the polypeptide, and the water containing the polypeptide is stirred to allow the polypeptide to capture the precipitate of the metal material.

2. The separation and extraction method according to claim 1, wherein In the immersion step, the polypeptide is added to water and then the battery is added.

3. The separation and extraction method according to claim 1, wherein In the immersion step, the battery is put into water and then the polypeptide is put into water.

4. The separation and extraction method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of adding sodium chloride brine to the water. In the immersion step, the battery is immersed in water containing sodium chloride.

5. The separation and extraction method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The polypeptide is polyglutamic acid.

6. The separation and extraction method according to claim 4, wherein The polypeptide is polyglutamic acid.

Images