Delivery tank for delivery and heating of chemical substances

Abstract

The invention relates to a delivery tank for delivering and heating a chemical substance, comprising a single-part support structure (2) having a base (3) and a frame (4) fixedly connected thereto, wherein the support structure (2) supports an inner liner (29) for a tank-like cavity (25) for accommodating the chemical substance, wherein the inner liner (29) comprises a bottom plate (13) placed on the base (3) and a plurality of frame plates (14, 14') clamped to the frame (4), wherein the inner liner (29) is supported by the support structure (2) such that the thermal expansion of the bottom plate (13) and the frame plates (14, 14') is not impeded in their plate planes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of in-furnace thermal conversion of chemical substances and relates to a conveying trough suitable for conveying and heating chemical substances. The invention further relates to the use of a conveying trough according to the invention in the production of a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. BACKGROUND

[0002] Battery are in principle distinguished between primary energy stores and secondary energy stores. While in primary energy stores the chemical energy is irreversibly converted into electrical energy; secondary energy stores (accumulators) enable multiple use due to the possibility to reverse the chemical reactions taking place by supplying electrical energy. Secondary energy stores with active cathode materials based on lithium ions are used in various fields of application. Examples for this are electric and hybrid vehicles, portable computers, mobile phones and smartwatches. Due to the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries, large amounts of active cathode materials are required. The global annual production exceeds 100,000 tons and is on a strong upward trend. Currently, lithium-mixed metal oxides with the transition metals nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) are commonly used as active cathode materials. The most commonly produced cathode materials are lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNiCoMn02) and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCo02); lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNiCoAl02) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFeP04) are produced in smaller amounts.

[0003] In the mass production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, various starting materials are conveyed through a conveying trough in a continuous furnace and thereby heated to temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius (e.g. 950°C) and thus chemically converted into the desired product. The materials of the conveying troughs currently used are selected taking into account the required temperature resistance for use.

[0004] However, it has been shown in practice that these materials are subject to considerable corrosion. The reason for this is the chemically aggressive nature of the substances conveyed in the conveying trough, which increasingly attack the material of the conveying trough at high temperatures. In particular in the production of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, due to the particularly aggressive transition metals, very severe corrosion of the conveying trough occurs. This disadvantageously leads to the fact that the conveying troughs are only allowed a relatively small number of firing cycles before they have to be replaced. For example, in the production of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, a conveying trough can usually only be used for 20 to 40 firing cycles. Complicating matters further, after use, the conveying troughs have residues of cathode powder, which usually have to be classified as special waste and thus require a complex and expensive disposal of the conveying troughs. This leads to considerable additional costs and is undesirable from an ecological point of view. In addition, the material of the conveying troughs contaminates the fired material, which leads to contamination and a reduction in quality overall.

[0005] DE 10 2005 024 957 A1 discloses a multi-part thin-walled crucible having inserts made of quartz glass fabric or quartz glass felt for cooling Si melt.

[0006] EP 0 452 718 B1 discloses an annealing vessel for heat treatment of packing material disposed therein, the annealing vessel having a bottom and sidewalls made of carbon reinforced with carbon fibers.

[0007] DE 10 2011 052 016 A1 discloses a kit for a melting crucible to contain molten material such as molten silicon.

[0008] WO2004 / 111562 A2 describes a bracket for components that are to undergo heat treatment processes. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon existing conveying troughs by giving them high resistance to temperature alternation and good corrosion resistance, thus enabling them to be used more frequently than existing conveying troughs.

[0010] According to the proposal of the invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a conveying trough for a furnace, particularly a continuous furnace or a bogie hearth, as characterized in the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given by the features of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, a conveying trough for a furnace, particularly a continuous furnace or a bogie hearth furnace, is shown. The conveying trough serves as a trough-like container for conveying chemical substances, wherein the substance (starting material) conveyed in the conveying trough is to be converted into a chemical product by heating in a furnace within the conveying trough. In principle, any starting material can be converted into a chemical product in the conveying trough according to the invention. Particularly advantageously, starting materials for the production of active cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries are described, particularly lithium-mixed metal oxides having transition metals nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co), by the general formula LiNi. x Mn y Co z O2 is used to describe this, where x + y + z = 1. In the above formula, nickel, manganese, and cobalt can exist individually or in any combination.

[0012] The conveying tank for conveying and heating chemical substances according to the invention comprises a support structure having a preferably flat bottom and a frame fixedly connected thereto. According to the invention, the bottom of the support structure and the frame are formed as a single component or integral piece and cannot be separated from each other in a non-destructive manner.

[0013] The conveying trough also includes a liner (wall or boundary) of a trough-shaped cavity composed of multiple components for containing chemical substances. The liner is supported by a support structure. The liner includes a base plate placed on the bottom and multiple frame plates mounted on (i.e., fixed to) a frame. Preferably, the frame plates are clamped to the frame.

[0014] In this configuration, the base plate is supported by a supporting structure, allowing it to have free space (free space) relative to its plane in at least two orthogonal directions, thus ensuring unimpeded thermal expansion. In other words, the base plate is supported by the supporting structure so that its thermal expansion is unimpeded within its plane. Advantageously, the base plate is supported by the bottom of the supporting structure. Preferably, the base plate has completely free space within its plane. For this purpose, the base plate is supported by a supporting structure such that it has sufficient clearance (i.e., free space) within its plane, thus ensuring unimpeded thermal expansion.

[0015] Furthermore, each frame panel is fixed to the frame, preferably clamped to the frame, such that it has free space in at least two orthogonal directions within the panel plane (free space), thereby allowing its thermal expansion to proceed unimpeded. In other words, each frame panel is supported by a supporting structure so that its thermal expansion is unimpeded within the panel plane. Advantageously, each frame panel is clamped to the frame. For this purpose, each frame panel is supported by a supporting structure such that it has sufficient clearance (i.e., free space) within the panel plane, thereby allowing its thermal expansion to proceed unimpeded.

[0016] The special design of the lining within the trough-shaped cavity of the conveying trough allows for unimpeded thermal expansion of the base plate and frame plate, preventing heat-induced mechanical stress that could otherwise cause material damage. The lining can therefore be constructed of a material with good corrosion resistance without the risk of material failure due to the typically low resistance to temperature alternation. Materials with low resistance to temperature alternation are more prone to failure under heat-induced mechanical stress. Conversely, the material of the supporting structure can be selected based on the required high resistance to temperature alternation, which is prevented from corrosion by the lining. Therefore, the conveying trough according to the invention can be used much more frequently than conventional conveying troughs before it must be replaced. For example, in the same application, the conveying trough according to the invention can be used at least 100 times more frequently than a conventional conveying trough.

[0017] The material used for the lining can be selected to ensure high corrosion resistance. The structural design of the lining achieves resistance to temperature cycling.

[0018] In terms of resistance to temperature alternation, a low wall thickness of the liner is advantageous. Preferably, the wall thickness of the base plate and frame plate is 1.5 mm to 8.0 mm, particularly preferably 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In particular, the frame plate can also be formed as a thin film with a wall thickness of 0.3 mm to 2.5 mm. The thickness of the support structure is advantageously 6 to 12 mm, and preferably 7 mm.

[0019] These relationships are illustrated by the following formula:

[0020] I(TWB)=(MOR x TC):(MOE x CTE x T)

[0021] The abbreviations have the following meanings

[0022] I(TWB): Temperature resistance index

[0023] MOR: Modulus of rupture (flexural strength), unit: N / mm 2

[0024] TC: Thermal conductivity, unit: W / m*K

[0025] MOE: Young's modulus (E modulus), unit: N / mm 2

[0026] CTE: Coefficient of thermal expansion, unit: 1 / K

[0027] T: Plate thickness (plate thickness), unit: m

[0028] In the above formula, I(TWB) is the material's resistance to temperature alternation. The larger the I(TWB) value, the better the resistance to temperature alternation, and vice versa. Therefore, the resistance to temperature alternation is inversely proportional to the plate thickness T, that is, the smaller the plate thickness T, the greater the resistance to temperature alternation.

[0029] The lining or part thereof of the trough-shaped cavity can be replaced individually, while the supporting structure can generally be reused. Therefore, the production cost of materials can be significantly reduced when using the conveying trough according to the invention. Furthermore, significantly less special waste needs to be disposed of. In addition, contamination of the calcined product is reduced, thereby improving its quality.

[0030] The lining base plate can be formed as a single component or in multiple components. Preferably, the base plate is formed as a single component. In the case of a multi-component base plate, it consists of, for example, multiple strips. Similarly, each frame plate can be formed as a single component or in multiple components, with single-component formation being preferred.

[0031] The conveying trough is advantageously formed in such a way that no part that is not part of the lining, and in particular no screws for fixing the frame plate, protrude into the trough-shaped cavity.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the conveying channel of the invention, the frame plates are clamped to the frame of the supporting structure by clamping strips. Advantageously, two adjacent frame plates are clamped to the frame by a single clamping strip. Preferably, each clamping strip has a groove for receiving edge regions of the frame plates. In this case, the edge regions of the frame plates adjacent to the clamping strip are received in a gap-like manner in the groove of the clamping strip to allow the frame plates to thermally expand. The clamping strips for clamping the frame plates are advantageously clamped to the frame by threaded screws or spring-loaded clips made of inert ceramic material. The threaded screws or clips used in this case are heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Preferably, the threaded screws and clips are made of ceramic material, such as zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, or mixtures thereof, wherein preferably, the material has a proportion of at least 80%. Advantageously, the clamping strips are clamped to the corner portions of the frame. The clamping strips may also be referred to as corner components.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough, the clamping bar comprises aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), or mixtures thereof, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%. In particular, the clamping bar may be composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), or mixtures thereof.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough of the invention, the frame of the support structure is a closed or surrounding frame. Preferably, the surrounding frame of the support structure has plate-like frame portions. For example, the frame has a rectangular or square shape, having two opposing (parallel) frame portions. For example, adjacent frame portions are connected to each other by (inclined) corner portions, wherein the corner portions are arranged at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to each of the two adjacent frame portions.

[0035] Preferably, at least one plate-shaped frame portion of the supporting structure has at least one recessed portion, particularly exactly one recessed portion. Advantageously, each of the plate-shaped frame portions has at least one recessed portion, particularly exactly one recessed portion. The at least one recessed portion saves weight and material of the conveying trough, as well as manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is advantageous to obtain improved heat transfer to the area of ​​the recessed portion for firing the material, which reduces the generally poor thermal conductivity of good corrosion-resistant materials. Additionally, the thermal load on the lining can be reduced.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one recessed portion of the plate-shaped frame portion of the support structure extends over at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area of ​​the plate-shaped frame portion of the frame, wherein as the extent of the recessed portion increases, heat transfer is better and material and cost savings are greater.

[0037] At least one recessed portion of the plate-like frame section of the supporting structure can be a built-in recess, meaning it is completely surrounded by the material of the frame section. In this case, the relevant frame plate of the liner continues to be well protected from mechanical stress by the frame section of the supporting structure and can therefore be implemented in the form of extremely thin walls. For example, the wall thickness of the frame plate is 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm. In the case of particularly thin-walled frame plates, the wall thickness is, for example, 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, at least one recessed portion of the plate-like frame portion of the support structure is a recessed portion at the edge. By further expanding the extent of the recessed portion, this also enables further improvement in heat transfer to the fired material and further savings in material and cost.

[0039] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough of the invention, the bottom of the support structure has multiple holes. This measure allows for further savings in material and cost for the conveying trough. Furthermore, it can further improve heat transfer to the firing material. Another important advantage of this embodiment is that it can reduce the heat load on the lining.

[0040] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough of the invention, the frame of the support structure is not closed, but rather interrupted at least once and consists of a plurality of supports, particularly formed as corner supports. The frame is completely removed between the supports by recesses at the edges. In this case, the support structure consists of a bottom and the supports forming the frame. This measure further reduces the material and cost of the conveying trough. Furthermore, it further improves the heat transfer to the fired material.

[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying channel of the invention, each frame plate is located on a base plate. Thus, the base plate can be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate without hindering thermal expansion of the base plate within the plane of the plate.

[0042] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying channel of the invention, wedge-shaped corner strips are provided to cover the respective adjacent edges between the frame plate and the base plate. The corner strips prevent the molten material from seeping into the area of ​​the adjacent edges between the frame plate and the base plate, thereby reliably and safely protecting the support structure from corrosion.

[0043] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying channel of the invention, the bottom plate extends beyond the frame plate in the plate plane. In this case, the bottom plate is well held to the bottom of the support structure by the frame plate, thereby avoiding any adverse effect on the thermal expansion of the bottom plate.

[0044] According to another advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough of the invention, the support structure and liner of the trough-shaped cavity are made of different materials, preferably selected such that the liner material is more corrosion-resistant than the support structure material relative to the chemical reactions that produce the same product. This allows the conveying trough to be used more frequently, i.e., increases the number of firing cycles before replacement due to corrosion. Therefore, the liner material can be selectively chosen based on its corrosion stability during the conversion of certain starting materials into chemical products, thereby increasing the number of uses. Advantageously, the material of the support structure is selected based on good resistance to temperature cycling. However, the support structure and liner can also be composed of the same material.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the conveying tank, the lining comprises aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), or mixtures thereof, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%. Specifically, the conveying tank may be composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), or mixtures thereof.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the conveying trough, the support structure comprises or is composed of materials selected from cordierite, mullite, cordierite / spinel / mullite mixtures, R-SiC, N-SiC, S-SiC, Si-SiC, oxidized SiC, or mixtures thereof. The support structure may also comprise or be composed of graphite.

[0047] The conveying tank according to the invention can, in principle, be used to produce any chemical product, wherein the conveying is carried out by a furnace, particularly a continuous furnace, and the chemical reaction of the starting material in the conveying tank is carried out by heating in the furnace. The conveying tank is particularly advantageous for use in the production of (lithium-ion-based) active cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

[0048] The invention also extends to the use of the conveying channel according to the invention in the production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, particularly those of the general formula LiNi. x Mn y Co z O2 describes the use of lithium-mixed metal oxides containing transition metals nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co), where x+y+z=1.

[0049] Different embodiments of the present invention can be implemented individually or in any combination. In particular, the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the given combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are shown in simplified, non-scaled form:

[0051] Figures 1-9 Different illustrations are used to illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough according to the present invention;

[0052] Figures 10-11 A different view of another exemplary embodiment of the conveyor trough according to the present invention;

[0053] Figures 12-13 A different view of another exemplary embodiment of the conveyor trough according to the present invention;

[0054] Figures 14-15 Different views of other exemplary embodiments of the conveyor trough according to the present invention;

[0055] Figures 16-17 A different view of another exemplary embodiment of the conveyor trough according to the present invention;

[0056] Figures 18-19 A different view of another exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough according to the present invention.

[0057] Detailed description of the attached diagram

[0058] First refer to Figures 1 to 9 The first exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough according to the invention is shown in different views. Figure 1 The conveyor trough, indicated by reference numeral 1, is shown in a perspective view from above. Figures 2 to 9 Details or components of the conveying trough 1 are also shown. The conveying trough 1 is used to convey and heat chemicals in a furnace, such as a continuous furnace. Typically, a continuous furnace includes a roller bed with actively driven rollers that together form a conveying surface for supporting and conveying the conveying trough 1 from the furnace inlet to the furnace outlet. Since the specific construction of the continuous furnace is not essential for understanding the invention, it need not be described. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1 The conveying trough 1 shown includes an external support structure 2, which in Figure 2The support structure 2 is shown separately in the diagram. It is a rigid body formed as a single component or integrally. The support structure 2 consists of a base 3 and a frame 4, which are firmly connected to each other due to the single-component nature of the support structure 2 and cannot be separated without damage. In actual use of the conveying trough 1, the base 3 is typically horizontal, and the frame 4 is vertical. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame 4 is a closed or enclosed frame. Here, the support structure 2, composed of the base 3 and the frame 4, appears to form a shell.

[0060] The bottom 3 typically has a flat front (upper) bottom surface 5 and a back (lower) bottom surface 6. The back bottom surface 6, which is also the bottom surface of the support structure 2, is used to place the conveying trough 1 on the base. In this exemplary embodiment, the support structure 2 has a continuous (i.e., uninterrupted and / or continuous) bottom 3, which is formed, for example, in the form of a flat plate and extends planarly over the entire lower region of the support structure 2 to the frame 4. This continuous bottom 3 has no perforations.

[0061] Frame 4 has a generally rectangular shape and can be conceptually subdivided into two opposing (parallel) frame portions 7 and 7', connected to each other by corner portions 8 arranged at an angle relative to them. In this embodiment, the support structure 2 has a closed or encircling (i.e., uninterrupted) frame 4. Here, frame portions 7 and 7' are, for example, plate-shaped and flat. The corresponding corner portions 8 connecting the two adjacent frame portions 7 and 7' are arranged at a 45° angle relative to the frame portions 7 and 7'. Frame 4 has an inner frame surface 9 and an outer frame surface 10.

[0062] The corner portions 8 of the frame 4 of the supporting structure 2 each have through holes 12, which are formed, for example, in the form of circular holes. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, each corner portion 8 has two perforations 12, and more or fewer perforations 12 can also be provided.

[0063] The front bottom surface 5 and the inner frame surface 9 together define the internal region 11 of the support structure 2 (here, the upward-opening slot space), which is used to accommodate the elements of the liner 29 of the slot-shaped cavity 25 for conveying the slot 1, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0064] Now for reference Figure 3 and 4The illustration shows various inserts being inserted into the internal region 11 of the support structure 2. The inserts form a liner 29 that defines the groove-shaped cavity 25 of the conveying channel 1. Therefore, the base plate 13 is placed on the bottom surface 5 of the front, and multiple frame plates 14, 14' are placed adjacent to the frame portions 7, 7' of the inner frame surface 9. Figure 3 and 4 The insertion process is illustrated by arrows. The base plate 13 rests freely on the bottom 3. The frame plates 14 and 14' are clamped onto the frame 4, which will be described in more detail below. Here, the base plate 13 and the frame plates 14 and 14' are formed, for example, as flat plates without perforations. It is also conceivable that the base plate 13 is formed in a multi-part configuration and, for example, consists of multiple strips.

[0065] Figure 5 The perspective view taken from an obliquely upward angle shows the conveyor trough 1 in the middle of its assembly process. Figure 5 The illustration specifically depicts the fixing of frame panels 14, 14' to frame 4. Corner members 15 are provided for fixing frame panels 14, 14' to frame 4, and are positioned in the corner portion 8 on the edge regions 17, 17' of two directly adjacent frame panels 14, 14'. The corner members 15 are positioned in the corner portion 8... Figure 5 It is indicated by an arrow.

[0066] The corner components 15 are secured to the frame 4 by threaded screws 16, which pass through the through holes 12 in the corner portion 8 of the frame 4 from the outside and are tightened onto the corner components 15. For this purpose, the corner components 15 have blind holes with blind ends (not penetrated), in which threads are formed for tightening with the threaded screws 16. The blind holes and their threads are not shown in detail in the figure.

[0067] As described here, a blind hole is a particularly good technical solution. It is also conceivable that a through hole could be provided instead of a blind hole (which is more economical), in which case the threaded screw 16 would have to be secured with a nut. However, in this solution, it is disadvantageous for the nuts to protrude into the grooved cavity 25 of the delivery channel 1, as they are exposed to corrosive chemical substances. To avoid this, it is conceivable to provide recesses in the corner components 15 to accommodate the respective threaded screws 16 and the associated nuts. Generally, it is advantageous that components not part of the liner, such as the threaded screw 16, do not protrude into the grooved cavity 25.

[0068] Frame plates 14 and 14' are clamped onto the inner frame surface 9 via corner members 15. The base plate 13 is not fixed to the bottom 3, but rests freely on it. However, the base plate 13 can be fixed perpendicularly to the bottom 3 by means of the clamping of the frame plates 14 and 14'. The fully assembled conveyor trough 1 is as follows...Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0069] Figure 6 The image shows a horizontal cross-section (parallel to the bottom 3) of the fully assembled conveyor trough 1. A corner area of ​​the conveyor trough 1 is marked by a dashed circle A. Figure 6 The marked corner area A of the conveyor trough 1 Figure 7 It is shown in a greatly magnified view.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the corner member 15 overlaps with the respective edge regions 17, 17' of the adjacent frame plates 14, 14'. For this purpose, the corner member 15 has grooves 18, 18' on both sides, in which the edge regions 17, 17' of the frame plates 14, 14' are accommodated. Each groove 18, 18' has a strip-shaped protrusion 19, 19' that overlaps with the corresponding edge regions 17, 17' of the frame plates 14, 14'.

[0071] Importantly, the edge regions 17 and 17' of the frame plates 14 and 14' are each accommodated with gaps in their respective recesses 18 and 18', meaning they do not completely fill the recesses 18 and 18'. Therefore, free space (“free space”) exists between the respective edge regions 17 and 17' of the frame plates 14 and 14' and the corner components 15 within the recesses 18 and 18'. These free spaces 20 and 20' are formed in the circumferential direction of the frame 4 (i.e., in the plane of the frame plates 14 and 14' and in the circumferential direction of the frame 4). Thus, the frame plates 14 and 14' have free space in at least two orthogonal directions relative to their plate planes in each case, allowing the frame plates 14 and 14' to thermally expand unimpeded. In other words, the frame plates 14 and 14' are accommodated in the recesses 18 and 18' with sufficient gaps, enabling thermal expansion of the frame plates 14 and 14' in the plate plane.

[0072] Advantageously, the width of the free spaces 20, 20', measured in the circumferential direction of the frame 4, is only large enough to allow the frame plate 14 to thermally expand unimpeded, but to prevent excessive contamination. Preferably, the width of the free spaces 20, 20' is a maximum of 2.5 mm.

[0073] Now, supplementary references Figure 8 and 9 ,in Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the conveying trough 1 perpendicular to the plane of the bottom 3 is shown. Figure 9 The text shows the data based on... Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region B marked in the middle.

[0074] Therefore, the base plate 13 is also accommodated within the internal region 11 of the supporting structure 2 with a gap, wherein a circumferential gap 21 (i.e., free space) is maintained between the base plate 13 and the frame portions 7, 7'. Thus, the base plate 13 has free space relative to its plate plane in at least two orthogonal directions (here even circumferentially), allowing the thermal expansion of the base plate 13 to proceed unimpeded. The thermal expansion of the base plate 13 in… Figure 8 The arrows in the diagram illustrate this. In other words, the base plate 13 is supported by the support structure 2 with sufficient clearance to allow for thermal expansion within the plate plane.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the frame plates 14, 14' each have a width T perpendicular to the gap 21 (see Figure 9 The width T of the frame plates 14 and 14' is greater than that of the gap 21, preventing the frame plates 14 and 14' from penetrating into the gap 21. Instead, they are mounted on the base plate 13. The width T of the frame plates 14 and 14' is measured parallel to the plane of the bottom 3 and is the shortest dimension that perpendicularly passes through the frame plates 14 and 14'. By mounting the frame plates 14 and 14' on the base plate 13, the base plate 13 can be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 3 without adversely affecting the thermal expansion of the base plate 13 in the plane of the plate.

[0076] Through the base plate 13 and frame plates 14, 14', and also the corner component 15, the internal area 11 of the support structure 2 is completely lined, that is, the base plate 13 and frame plate Figure 14 , 14 Together with the corner component 15, it forms the complete liner 29 (i.e., wall) of the trough-shaped cavity 25 of the conveying trough 1. The cavity 25 is used to contain starting materials that will be converted into chemical products by heating in a furnace, such as a continuous furnace. For this purpose, the conveying trough 1 is placed on the bottom surface 6 at the back of the furnace, specifically for conveying through the furnace. The liner 29 can be removed from the support structure 2 without damage.

[0077] The conveying tank 1 is particularly advantageous for producing active cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, especially lithium-mixed metal oxides containing transition metals nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co), via the general formula LiNi x Mn y Co z O2 is described, where x+y+z=1. However, it is also conceivable to use conveyor 1 to produce other substances, such as colored pigments.

[0078] The problem mentioned at the beginning of this paper concerning the high temperature resistance and good corrosion resistance required for the conveying trough 1 can be solved by using the conveying trough 1. Advantageously, the support structure 2 and the liner 29 can be manufactured from different materials according to their function. In this case, the support structure 2 is well protected from corrosion by the liner 29, so the material of the support structure 2 can be selected essentially based on its temperature resistance and strength. For the support structure 2, corrosion resistance is more precisely secondary. In contrast, the liner 29 must have good corrosion resistance and temperature resistance, where corrosion resistance is achieved through specific material selection, while temperature resistance is achieved through the structural design of the liner 29. Particularly advantageously, the thermal expansion of the base plate 13 and the frame plates 14, 14' is not hindered in their respective plate planes, thus avoiding the generation of unfavorable high mechanical stresses that would ultimately lead to the failure of the conveying trough 1.

[0079] The support structure 2 and its liner 29 are advantageously made of different materials, wherein the liner 29 is preferably made of a material that is more corrosion resistant than the material of the support structure 2 based on the chemical reaction of the same product.

[0080] The support structure 2 is preferably made of a high-strength, temperature-resistant material with relatively small material thickness and relatively small weight. Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises or is composed of a material selected from R-SiC, N-SiC, S-SiC, Si-SiC, oxidized SiC, or mixtures thereof. The support structure 2 may also be made of, for example, cordierite, mullite, or a cordierite / spinel / mullite mixture. These are materials with high strength, low thermal expansion, and excellent temperature resistance; however, in the case of SiC, corrosion resistance is relatively low, but this is harmless because the liner 29 effectively protects the support structure 2 from corrosion.

[0081] The liner 29 preferably comprises aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of these substances is preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%. In particular, the liner 29 may also be composed of these substances. Alumina, ideally of the purest possible purity and densely sintered, is a material with particularly good corrosion resistance, but relatively low resistance to temperature cycling. These materials can be manufactured by casting, pressing, or plasma or tape casting processes.

[0082] Preferably, the frame plates 14, 14' and / or the base plate 13 each have a relatively thin wall thickness of 1.5 mm to 5 mm and are formed, for example, in the form of a thin film.

[0083] Because the liner 29 provides excellent protection against corrosion and is made of at least one of the aforementioned materials with good resistance to temperature cycling, the support structure 2 can be used very frequently. For example, the service life of the support structure 2 can exceed 1000 cycles. The liner 29 can be removed from the support structure 2 without damage, so if it corrodes, it can be replaced individually in a simple manner and can be readily supplied for reuse. Because the material of the liner 29 can be selected for corrosion resistance, and the resistance to temperature cycling of the liner 29 is guaranteed by its structural design, the liner 29 can also be used in a very large number of firing cycles without needing to be replaced.

[0084] Similarly, the base plate 13 and the frame plates 14, 14' can be made of different materials, wherein the base plate 13 is advantageously made of a material that is more corrosion-resistant than the material of the frame plates 14, 14' based on the same chemical reaction. Preferably, the base plate 13 comprises at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), or mixtures thereof. The base plate 13 may also be made of these materials. The base plate 13 may also have a coating comprising one or a mixture of these materials.

[0085] Preferably, the frame plates 14, 14' are made of a material selected from alumina, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, R-SiC, N-SiC, S-SiC and Si-SiC or mixtures thereof. For example, the frame plates 14, 14' may also be made of cordierite or a cordierite / spinel / mullite mixture.

[0086] It goes without saying that the base plate 13 and the frame plates 14, 14' can also be made of the same material, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), or mixtures thereof. The base plate 13 and the frame plates 14, 14' may also have a coating comprising one of these materials or a mixture thereof.

[0087] The base plate 13, frame plates 14, 14', and corner component 15 can be replaced individually. For example, if the base plate 13 is more severely corroded than the frame plates 14, 14', the base plate 13 can be replaced individually. This saves costs and materials. Similarly, simple cleaning of the base plate 13 or frame plates 14, 14' is possible, for example, by sandblasting. It is also conceivable that the base plate 13 could be formed in a multi-part configuration, for example, by strips. In this case, the strips could also be replaced individually.

[0088] Now for reference Figures 10 to 19The diagram illustrates other exemplary embodiments of the conveying trough 1 according to the invention using different views. To avoid unnecessary repetition, only those described above are used. Figures 1 to 9 Unless otherwise specified in the exemplary embodiments, refer to the above description.

[0089] You can observe first. Figure 10 and 11 . Figure 10 Another embodiment of the conveyor trough 1 is shown in a perspective view taken from an obliquely upward angle. Figure 11 The bottom side of the conveying trough 1 is shown.

[0090] Therefore, the frame portions 7, 7' (but not the frame plates 14, 14') of the frame 4 supporting the structure 2 each have a recessed portion 22, which is, for example, almost rectangular. In each case, the recessed portion 22 extends over a large portion (preferably at least 50%) of the plane of the respective frame portion 7, 7'.

[0091] like Figure 11 As shown, the bottom 3 of the support structure 2 (but not the base plate 13) also has a large number of holes 23. The weight of the conveying trough 1 can be reduced by the recessed portion 22 and the holes 23. In addition, the material and cost for the support structure 2 can be saved.

[0092] Another advantage arises from improved heat transfer to the material to be fired. In particular, this advantageously reduces the disadvantage of the relatively poor thermal conductivity of materials, such as those rich in alumina. For this purpose, the frame plates 14, 14' advantageously have relatively small wall thicknesses. Advantageously, the recessed portion 22 has a large area relative to the area of ​​its corresponding frame portions 7, 7'. Therefore, heat can be transferred to the material to be fired without significant delay.

[0093] For example, the recessed portions 22 of the frame portions 7 and 7' are completely surrounded by the material of their respective frame portions 7 and 7, i.e., the recessed portions 22 are formed internally. This has the advantage that the frame web 30 is present at the opening of the trough-shaped cavity 25 of the conveying trough 1, which serves as the adjacent edge of the frame plates 14 and 14' and protects them from damage, for example, during filling, emptying, and cleaning of the conveying trough 1, and during any processing outside the firing process. This makes it particularly advantageous to use frame plates 14 and 14' with particularly small wall thicknesses; for example, they can also be formed as thin films with a small wall thickness of, for example, 1.5 mm. Similarly, due to the low mechanical load, frame plates 14 and 14' and the base plate 13 with low strength and high porosity can be used here. These enable increased transport of oxygen and energy to the firing material.

[0094] Figure 12 and 13Another exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough 1 according to the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 12 The conveyor trough 1 is shown in a perspective view taken from an obliquely upward angle. Figure 11 A vertical cross-section of the conveying trough 1 passing through the bottom 3 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough 1, wedge-shaped corner strips 24 are provided, for example, at the transition between the frame plates 14', 14' and the bottom plate 13. The corner strips 24 seal the areas of the adjacent edges between the bottom plate 14 and the frame plates 14', 14', thereby reliably and securely preventing material from entering and reaching the support structure 2. The corner strips 24 form part of the liner 29 of the conveying trough 1 and thus part of the channel-shaped cavity 25 of the conveying trough 1. The corner strips 24, with their wedge shape, geometrically fit well into this transition. Advantageously, the corner strips 24 are made of the same material as the bottom plate 13 and the frame plates 14', 14'. The corner strip 24 preferably contains at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), or mixtures thereof. The corner strip 24 may also be made of these materials.

[0095] exist Figure 14 and 15 Other exemplary embodiments of the conveying trough 1 according to the present invention are shown in the figure. Figure 14 The conveyor trough 1 is shown in a perspective view taken from an obliquely upward angle. Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 A variant of an exemplary embodiment is also a perspective view viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0096] exist Figure 14 In the implementation plan, similar to Figure 10 In one embodiment, the frame portions 7 and 7' (but not the frame plates 14 and 14') of the frame 4 of the support structure 2 each have recessed portions 22 that extend on a surface such that only the corner supports 26 of the frame 4 are retained, and the corner components 15 for fixing the frame plates 14 and 14' are screwed onto the corner supports 26. In this embodiment, the support structure 2 consists of corner supports 26 and a bottom 3; without... Figure 10 The frame web 30 is shown. Frame 4 is therefore an open frame and consists only of corner supports 26. Most (over 80%) of frame portions 7 and 7' are omitted. Corner supports 26 consist of small areas of corner portions 8 and adjacent frame portions 7 and 7', respectively. This measure allows for considerable savings in weight, materials, and cost. Furthermore, it further improves heat transfer to the fired material.

[0097] exist Figure 15In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded screw 16 is replaced by a spring-loaded clamp 27 for securing the corner member 15 to the corner support 26. The clamp 27 is mounted from above onto the corner member 15 and the corner support 26. The clamp 27 is made of a ceramic material resistant to temperature alternation. Advantageously, the clamp 27 is made of particularly stable zirconium oxide.

[0098] Here, the clamp 27 has, for example, a U-shape and can be easily installed or removed to securely connect or separate the corner piece 15 and the frame 4 from each other. The clamp 27 typically has a device (protrusion) that permanently holds them in a locked state (not shown in detail here). The clamping at the four corner pieces 8 ensures a durable and reliable connection between the frame 4 and the frame plates 14, 14'.

[0099] Figure 16 and 17 Another exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the plane perpendicular to the bottom 3. Figure 17 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region C is shown. This embodiment extends... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The implementation plan.

[0100] Therefore, the base plate 13 extends beyond the frame plates 14 and 14' in the region defined by the frame plates 14 and 14', with each frame plate 14 and 14' mounted on the base plate 13 with its entire width. The base plate 13 is thus larger than the region defined by the frame plates 14 and 14' and has a protrusion 28 relative to it. This embodiment also provides the advantage that the thermal expansion of the base plate 13 is unimpeded in its plane, yet the base plate 13 is well clamped to the bottom 3. The frame plates 14 and 14' are secured to the corner support 26 as follows: Figure 14 and 15 That is how it was done, so that in Figure 16 Their illustrations are omitted.

[0101] Figure 18 and 19 Another exemplary embodiment of the conveying trough 1 according to the present invention is shown, which extends... Figure 14 The implementation plan. Figure 18 The perspective view taken from an obliquely upward angle shows only the support structure 2 of the conveyor trough 1. Figure 19 The bottom side of the entire conveying trough 1 is shown.

[0102] Therefore, the support structure 2 consists of a bottom 3 and corner supports 26. Complementing the very large recessed portion 22 of the frame 4, the bottom 3 of the support structure 2 has numerous holes 23, for example, diamond-shaped. The holes 23 are arranged in a regular manner, for example, in a grid pattern. This measure further reduces the weight, material, and cost of the support structure 2. The front bottom surface 5 has multiple parallel-arranged support webs 28 for supporting the base plate 13.

[0103] From the above description, it can be concluded that the present invention provides an improved conveying tank for transporting and heating chemical substances. This conveying tank advantageously possesses high corrosion resistance while also exhibiting good resistance to temperature cycling. The good resistance to temperature cycling is achieved through the selection of the material of the support structure and the design of the geometry of the lining of the tank's trough-shaped cavity. High corrosion resistance can be achieved through the selection of the lining material. The materials of the support structure and the lining can be specifically matched to their primary functions. The material used for the lining can be advantageously selected so that the purity or quality of the fired material is not adversely affected. The conveying tank can therefore be used for a large number of firing cycles, significantly higher than that of conventional conveying tanks. Due to the lower overall cost of using this conveying tank, the cost of large-scale production of chemical products can be reduced. This is particularly suitable for the production of active cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Similarly, the special waste generated due to corrosion damage to the conveying tank can also be greatly reduced.

[0104] List of reference numerals

[0105] 1 Conveying trough

[0106] 2 Supporting Structure

[0107] 3. Bottom

[0108] 4 Framework

[0109] 5. Front bottom face

[0110] 6. Bottom surface of the back

[0111] 7' Frame Section

[0112] 8. Corner section

[0113] 9. Inner frame surface

[0114] 10. Outer frame surface

[0115] 11 Internal Area

[0116] 12 perforations

[0117] 13. Base plate

[0118] 14' Frame Board

[0119] 15. Corner section, interlocking strip

[0120] 16 threaded screws

[0121] 17,17' Edge region

[0122] 18,18' Groove

[0123] 19,19' Prominent

[0124] 20,20' Free Space

[0125] 21 gap

[0126] 22 Recessed portion

[0127] 23 holes

[0128] 24 Corner strips

[0129] 25 Cavity

[0130] 26 Corner pillars

[0131] 27 Fixtures

[0132] 28 Supporting web

[0133] 29 Lining

[0134] 30. Frame web.

Claims

1. A conveying tank (1) for conveying and heating chemical substances, comprising a single-component support structure (2) having a bottom (3) and a frame (4) fixedly connected thereto, wherein the support structure (2) supports a liner (29) for containing a trough-shaped cavity (25) for receiving chemical substances, wherein the liner (29) comprises a base plate (13) placed on the bottom (3) and a plurality of frame plates (14, 14') clamped on the frame (4), wherein the liner (29) is supported by the support structure (2) such that the thermal expansion of the base plate (13) and the frame plates (14, 14') is unimpeded in their plate planes. in, The frame plates (14, 14') are clamped to the frame (4) by clamping strips (15), each of the clamping strips (15) having at least one groove (18, 18') for accommodating the edge regions (17, 17') of adjacent frame plates (14, 14'), wherein the edge regions (17, 17') are accommodated with gaps in the grooves (18, 18') of the clamping strips (15), and The base plate (13) is located on the bottom (3) of the support structure (2) and is arranged in a gap manner within the frame plate (14, 14') of the frame (4) of the support structure (2) and the inner lining (29).

2. The conveying trough (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The frame (4) of the supporting structure (2) is a surrounding frame.

3. The conveying trough (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The surrounding frame (4) of the support structure (2) has plate-shaped frame portions (7, 7'), wherein at least one plate-shaped frame portion (7, 7') has at least one recessed portion (22).

4. The conveying trough (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one recessed portion (22) is a built-in recessed portion.

5. The conveying trough (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one recessed portion (22) is a recessed portion at the edge.

6. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bottom (3) of the support structure (2) has multiple holes (23).

7. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The frame (4) of the supporting structure is composed of multiple pillars (26).

8. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The frame plates (14, 14') are each mounted on the base plate (13).

9. The conveying trough (1) according to claim 8, having a wedge-shaped corner clamp (24) for covering the respective adjacent edges between the frame plate (14, 14') and the bottom plate (13).

10. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The base plate (13) extends beyond the frame plates (14, 14') in the plate plane.

11. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Based on the chemical reaction of the same product, the material of the lining (29) is more corrosion resistant than the material of the supporting structure (2).

12. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The support structure (2) comprises a material selected from cordierite, mullite, cordierite / spinel / mullite mixture, R-SiC, N-SiC, S-SiC, Si-SiC, oxidized Si-C or mixtures thereof, and / or wherein the liner (29) comprises at least 80% aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or mixtures thereof.

13. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The base plate (13) has a coating comprising at least 80% aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or a mixture thereof.

14. The conveying trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The base plate (13) and the frame plates (14, 14') have a coating comprising at least 80% aluminum / magnesium spinel, yttrium oxide (Y2O3), cerium oxide (CeO2), hafnium oxide, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or a mixture thereof.

15. Use of the conveying tank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in the production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Images