Lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and spraying method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and method. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system includes a solvent delivery and metering system and a spraying system. The required solvent is delivered to the spraying system through the solvent delivery and metering system, and sprayed onto the mixing tank to obtain the solvent needed for the lithium battery slurry. This invention avoids the problem of reduced solid content in the slurry by spraying solvent above the mixing tank, causing the airborne slurry powder to settle and be stirred along with the solvent. A spraying pressurization pump is installed on the spraying system to provide a certain pressure for better spraying effect. Two solvent storage tanks have a buffering effect to avoid a tug-of-war between the solvent delivery pump and the spraying pressurization pump, which could cause inaccurate solvent dispensing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and spraying method. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are batteries that contain lithium (including metallic lithium, lithium alloys, lithium ions, and lithium polymers) in their electrochemical systems. In recent years, the application range of lithium-ion batteries has become increasingly wide, with applications in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, as well as in power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric cars, military equipment, aerospace, and many other fields. During the production process of lithium-ion batteries, various raw materials need to be mixed and stirred. Currently, the common stirring process involves first mixing solid powders in a tank, then adding some solvent for kneading, followed by adding a large amount of solvent for stirring. During the mixing of solid powders, their relatively low density causes them to float and adhere to the internal structure of the mixing tank. When this adhered slurry accumulates to a certain extent, it will fall off, resulting in poor dispersion of the powder within the slurry. Existing technology involves cleaning the tank after stirring to remove the adhered solid powder. However, this reduces the solid content of the slurry and carries the risk of falling off during stirring, leading to the agglomeration of large solid particles in the slurry, which reduces slurry performance and poses a risk to subsequent coating processes.

[0003] In view of the above, how to provide a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and spraying method to ensure uniform mixing, easy cleaning of the mixing tank, and no impact on the next mixing process during the raw material mixing and stirring process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and spraying method to solve the problem of reduced slurry solid content and large particle agglomeration in the prior art, which leads to reduced slurry performance.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the present invention provides a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, which includes a solvent delivery and metering system and a spraying system.

[0006] The solvent delivery and metering system includes:

[0007] The first solvent storage tank is connected to the solution inlet and is used to store the solvent flowing directly from the solution inlet.

[0008] A filter, connected to the first solvent storage tank, is used to filter the solvent;

[0009] A solvent delivery pump, connected to the filter, is used to provide power for the outflow of the solvent;

[0010] A mass flow meter, connected to the solvent delivery pump, is used to measure the incoming solvent;

[0011] The spray system includes:

[0012] Pipeline valves are connected to the solvent delivery and metering system and are used to deliver the solvent flowing out of the solvent delivery and metering system.

[0013] The second solvent storage tank is connected to the pipeline valves, and an exhaust switch and pressure sensor are installed on the top of the second solvent storage tank.

[0014] A spray pressurizing pump, connected to the second solvent storage tank, is used to provide power for the spraying system; a stirring tank, with a solvent interface on its top, is connected to the spray pressurizing pump.

[0015] Optionally, the solvent delivery metering system further includes a weighbridge located below the first solvent storage tank for verifying the flow rate of the incoming solvent.

[0016] Optionally, the spraying system further includes a straight-through injection pipe, and both ends of the straight-through injection pipe are respectively connected to the pipeline valve and the mixing tank.

[0017] Optionally, the straight-through filling pipeline is a pipeline that directly connects to and branches off from the pipeline valve; two solvent interfaces are provided above the mixing tank, one of which is connected to the spray pressurization pump and the other is connected to the straight-through filling pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, each device is also connected to various valves, all of which are available for automatic and manual operation.

[0019] Optionally, a manual channel is connected in parallel between the filter and the mass flow meter of the solvent delivery metering system for system maintenance.

[0020] Optionally, the manual channel includes two diaphragm valves and a back pressure valve located between the two diaphragm valves.

[0021] Optionally, both the first solvent storage tank and the second solvent storage tank are fully sealed tanks.

[0022] Optionally, a back pressure valve is provided before the solvent interface, that is, on the spray system. The back pressure valve is used to maintain pressure on the solvent inside the pipeline and keep it full.

[0023] The present invention also provides a spraying method for a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, using the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system described in any of the above claims, the spraying method comprising the following steps:

[0024] S1: The solvent required for lithium battery slurry is provided by the solution inlet;

[0025] S2: The solvent delivery pump provides power, and the solvent flows from the solution inlet into the first solvent storage tank and flows through the filter to the spray system;

[0026] S3: A mass flow meter measures the flow rate of the solvent to the spray system;

[0027] S4: The spray pressurization pump provides power, the solvent flows into the second solvent storage tank, and the solvent is sprayed into the stirring tank through the pipeline.

[0028] As described above, the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. This invention sprays solvent above the mixing tank, causing the airborne slurry powder to settle and be stirred along with the solvent, thus preventing a decrease in the slurry's solid content and performance. 2. A spray pressurization pump is installed on the spray system to provide sufficient pressure for better spraying. 3. The two solvent storage tanks act as a buffer, preventing a tug-of-war between the solvent delivery pump and the spray pressurization pump, which could lead to inaccurate solvent dispensing. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the solvent delivery and metering system of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the spray system of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 The diagram shows a flow chart of the spraying method of the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system of the present invention.

[0034] Component designation explanation

[0035] 10 Solution inlet

[0036] 21 First Solvent Storage Tank

[0037] 22 Filters

[0038] 23 Solvent delivery pump

[0039] 24 Mass Flow Meter

[0040] 25 weighbridge

[0041] 30 Pipeline valves

[0042] 41 Second Solvent Storage Tank

[0043] 42 Exhaust switch

[0044] 43 Pressure Sensor

[0045] 44 Spray pressurization pump

[0046] 50 Straight-through filling pipeline

[0047] 60 Mixing tank

[0048] 70 Back pressure valve Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 4 It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, which includes a solvent delivery and metering system and a spraying system;

[0053] The solvent delivery and metering system includes:

[0054] The first solvent storage tank 21 is connected to the solution inlet 10 and is used to store the solvent flowing directly from the solution inlet 10;

[0055] Filter 22, connected to the first solvent storage tank 21, is used to filter the solvent;

[0056] A solvent delivery pump 23, connected to the filter 22, is used to provide power for the outflow of the solvent;

[0057] Mass flow meter 24, connected to solvent delivery pump 23, is used to provide metering for the incoming solvent;

[0058] The spray system includes:

[0059] Pipeline valve 30 is connected to the solvent delivery metering system and is used to deliver the solvent flowing out of the solvent delivery metering system;

[0060] The second solvent storage tank 41 is connected to the pipeline valve 30. An exhaust switch 42 and a pressure sensor 43 are installed on the top of the second solvent storage tank 41.

[0061] The spray pressurization pump 44 is connected to the second solvent storage tank 41 and is used to provide power for the spray system; the stirring tank 60 has a solvent interface on its top and is connected to the spray pressurization pump 44.

[0062] The working principle of the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system is as follows: the amount of solvent required for the lithium battery slurry is set in the system software, the system is turned on, the solvent delivery pump 23 is started to provide power for the solvent to flow out, the solvent flows into the first solvent storage tank 21 from the solution inlet 10 and flows to the spraying system through the filter 22; the spraying pressurization pump 44 provides power for the solvent to flow into the second solvent storage tank 21 of the spraying system, and the solvent flowing into the spraying system is sprayed onto the stirring tank 60 through the interface at the upper end of the stirring tank 60.

[0063] The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system sprays solvent above the mixing tank 60, causing the flying slurry powder to settle and be stirred along with the solvent, thus preventing a decrease in the slurry solid content and a decline in slurry performance. A spraying pressurization pump 23 is installed on the spraying system to provide a certain pressure for spraying, resulting in better spraying effect. The two solvent storage tanks play a certain buffering role, preventing a tug-of-war between the solvent delivery pump 23 and the spraying pressurization pump 44, which could cause inaccurate solvent dispensing.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, as an example, the solvent delivery metering system further includes a weighbridge 25, located below the first solvent storage tank 21, for verifying the flow rate of the incoming solvent.

[0065] It should be noted that the weighbridge 25 serves as a safety guarantee for the system. The precise value of the solvent flow rate is measured by the mass flow meter 24. The weighbridge 25 is located below the first solvent storage tank 21. When the solvent flows into the first solvent storage tank 21, it will generate slight vibrations. Since the acceleration of the falling solvent will also affect the weighbridge 25, the weighbridge 25 only provides a rough check of the solvent flow rate. When the measured values ​​differ too much, the system will issue an alarm and the system will immediately stop operating.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the illustration, the spraying system further includes a straight-through filling pipe 50, with both ends of the straight-through filling pipe 50 connected to the pipeline valve 30 and the mixing tank 60, respectively. The straight-through filling pipe 50 is a pipe directly branching off from the pipeline valve 30. Two solvent inlets are provided above the mixing tank 60, one connected to the spraying pressurization pump 44 and the other connected to the straight-through filling pipe 50. The straight-through filling pipe 50 has minimal obstruction, thus avoiding any impediment to the solvent flow rate. When the spraying filling speed cannot meet the equipment's production requirements, the straight-through filling pipe 50 automatically opens, allowing both channels to operate simultaneously, thereby increasing the filling speed of the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system. The use of two filling pipes effectively avoids the problem of insufficient filling speed. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, as an example, each device is also connected to various valves, all of which provide automatic and manual switching.

[0067] In this embodiment, various valves are installed on the pipelines between devices according to system requirements. These valves include hydraulic valves, diaphragm valves, and pneumatic valves, all of which can automatically or manually open and close the pipeline passages. In addition, flexible connections are provided between the valves for connection.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, as an example, the solvent delivery metering system has a manual channel connected in parallel between the filter 22 and the mass flow meter 24 for system maintenance; the manual channel includes two diaphragm valves and a back pressure valve 70 located between the two diaphragm valves.

[0069] It should be noted that when a device in the system malfunctions and needs repair or replacement, the manual channel should be closed, the remaining solvent in the pipeline should be released, and then the corresponding maintenance should be performed. This setup is beneficial for the later maintenance of the system and will not affect the normal operation of the system.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, for example, both the first solvent storage tank 21 and the second solvent storage tank 41 are fully sealed tanks.

[0071] It should be noted that the second solvent storage tank 41 is not only used to store the solvent before spraying, but also serves as a buffer. The solvent is not under high pressure in the solvent delivery and metering system. Before entering the spraying system, it is first stored in the second solvent storage tank 41. The spray pressurization pump 44 applies high pressure to provide assistance, and the solvent is sprayed into the stirring tank 60 under high pressure, resulting in a better spraying effect.

[0072] When the solvent in the second solvent storage tank 41 is drawn away by the spray pressurization pump 44 of the spray system, the pressure inside the tank decreases. When the pressure inside the tank is lower than the set value, the spray pressurization pump 44 stops working. It restarts when the pressure rises to the set pressure. During this process, the pressure value is determined by the pressure sensor 43. An exhaust switch is also installed above the second solvent storage tank 41 to expel air from the pipeline during its first use, ensuring the pipeline is filled with solvent and guaranteeing the accuracy of solvent dispensing.

[0073] Both the first solvent storage tank 21 and the second solvent storage tank 41 have a buffering function to avoid a tug-of-war between the solvent delivery pump 23 and the spray pressurization pump 44, which would cause inaccurate solvent dispensing.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, as an example, a back pressure valve 70 is provided before the solvent interface, that is, on the spray system. The back pressure valve 70 is used to keep the solvent inside the pipe under pressure and keep it full, which is beneficial for spraying.

[0075] Preferably, the back pressure valve 70 is also provided on the straight-through filling pipe 50. The back pressure valve 70 keeps the solvent inside the straight-through filling pipe 50 under pressure, which is conducive to filling the solvent.

[0076] In addition, the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system can also clean the mixing tank 60 after the slurry is stirred. The solvent in the solution inflow end 10 is replaced with cleaning agent or water to clean the entire system. The spraying system can clean away the small amount of powder or large particles that are left on the side wall of the mixing tank 60, so as not to affect the next stirring operation.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, this embodiment provides a spraying method for a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, using the system described in Embodiment 1.

[0079] The spraying method of the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system includes the following steps:

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, step S1 is performed first, where the solvent required for the lithium battery slurry is provided by the solution inlet 10.

[0081] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, step S2 is then performed, where the solvent delivery pump 23 provides power, and the solvent flows from the solution inlet 10 into the first solvent storage tank 21, and then flows through the filter 22 to the spray system.

[0082] It should be noted that the filter 22 filters out impurities in the solvent to prevent solvent impurities from entering the mixing tank 60, affecting the quality of the lithium battery slurry, and causing a decline in the performance of the battery slurry.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, step S3 is then performed, where mass flow meter 24 measures the flow rate of the solvent flowing to the spray system.

[0084] Preferably, a weighbridge 25 is installed below the first solvent storage tank 21 to check the flow rate of the solvent. When the value measured by the weighbridge 25 differs too much from the value measured by the mass flow meter 24, the system will issue an alarm and the system will stop working immediately.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, step S4 is then performed, in which the solvent flows to the spray system through the pipeline valve 30, the spray pressurization pump 44 provides power, the solvent flows into the second solvent storage tank 41, and is sprayed into the stirring tank 60 through the pipeline.

[0086] It should be noted that the spray pressurization pump 44 provides a certain pressure for the spraying, resulting in a better spraying effect. Furthermore, the pressure in the second solvent storage tank 41 is monitored by the pressure sensor 43 located above the second solvent storage tank 41. When the pressure in the second solvent storage tank 41 falls below a set value due to the solvent being drawn away by the spray pressurization pump 44, the spray pressurization pump 44 stops. Once the pressure recovers, the spray pressurization pump 44 automatically restarts.

[0087] Preferably, when the spraying speed cannot meet the production needs of the equipment, the straight-through injection pipe 50 is added. The straight-through injection pipe 50 is automatically opened, and at this time, the two channels work simultaneously to inject the solvent into the mixing tank 60.

[0088] The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system is equipped with two filling pipes, which can effectively avoid the problem of insufficient filling speed.

[0089] In summary, this invention provides a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system and its spraying method. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system includes a solvent delivery and metering system and a spraying system. The required solvent is delivered to the spraying system through the solvent delivery and metering system, and sprayed onto the mixing tank to obtain the solvent needed for the lithium battery slurry. This invention sprays the solvent above the mixing tank, causing the airborne slurry powder to settle and be stirred along with the solvent, thus avoiding the problem of reduced slurry solid content leading to decreased slurry performance. A spraying pressurization pump is installed on the spraying system to provide a certain pressure for spraying, resulting in better spraying effect. The two solvent storage tanks have a buffering effect, avoiding a tug-of-war between the solvent delivery pump and the spraying pressurization pump, which could cause inaccurate solvent dispensing. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0090] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, characterized in that: The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system includes a solvent delivery and metering system and a spraying system. The solvent delivery and metering system includes: The first solvent storage tank is connected to the solution inlet and is used to store the solvent flowing directly from the solution inlet. A filter, connected to the first solvent storage tank, is used to filter the solvent; A solvent delivery pump, connected to the filter, is used to provide power for the outflow of the solvent; A mass flow meter, connected to the solvent delivery pump, is used to measure the incoming solvent; The spray system includes: Pipeline valves are connected to the solvent delivery and metering system and are used to deliver the solvent flowing out of the solvent delivery and metering system. The second solvent storage tank is connected to the pipeline valves, and an exhaust switch and pressure sensor are installed on the top of the second solvent storage tank. A spray pressurizing pump, connected to the second solvent storage tank, is used to provide power to the spraying system; the pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure in the second solvent storage tank. When the pressure in the second solvent storage tank is lower than a set value, the spray pressurizing pump stops working; when the pressure in the second solvent storage tank recovers to above the set value, the spray pressurizing pump resumes working. A mixing tank, wherein a solvent inlet is provided on the top of the mixing tank and is connected to the spray pressurization pump; The second solvent storage tank is located between the solvent delivery pump and the spray pressurization pump. The outlet of the solvent delivery pump is connected to the inlet of the second solvent storage tank, and the outlet of the second solvent storage tank is connected to the inlet of the spray pressurization pump.

2. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solvent delivery metering system further includes a weighbridge, located below the first solvent storage tank, for verifying the flow rate of the incoming solvent.

3. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spraying system further includes a straight-through injection pipe, and both ends of the straight-through injection pipe are respectively connected to the pipeline valve and the mixing tank.

4. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The straight-through filling pipeline is a pipeline that directly connects to and branches off from the pipeline valve; two solvent interfaces are provided above the mixing tank, one of which is connected to the spray pressurization pump and the other is connected to the straight-through filling pipeline.

5. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each device is also connected to various valves, all of which are available for automatic and manual operation.

6. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solvent delivery metering system has a manual channel connected in parallel between the filter and the mass flow meter for system maintenance.

7. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The manual channel includes two diaphragm valves and a back pressure valve located between the two diaphragm valves.

8. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first solvent storage tank and the second solvent storage tank are fully sealed tanks.

9. The lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A back pressure valve is provided before the solvent interface. The back pressure valve is used to maintain pressure on the solvent inside the pipeline and keep it full.

10. A spraying method for a lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system, characterized in that: The spraying method using the lithium battery slurry solvent spraying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 includes the following steps: S1: The solvent required for lithium battery slurry is provided by the solution inlet; S2: The solvent delivery pump provides power, and the solvent flows from the solution inlet into the first solvent storage tank and flows through the filter to the spray system; S3: A mass flow meter measures the flow rate of the solvent to the spray system; S4: The spray pressurization pump provides power, the solvent flows into the second solvent storage tank, and the solvent is sprayed into the stirring tank through the pipeline.

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