A lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device

Abstract

This invention provides a lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device for conveying lithium iron phosphate cathode material. The device includes a pipe, a ball valve installed in the pipe, a receiving hopper, and a control system. The inner wall of the pipe and the surface of the ball valve are coated with a coating. A sensor inside the pipe detects the coating thickness in real time and sends coating thickness information to the control system. A weighing module on the receiving hopper detects the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the hopper in real time and sends weight information to the control system. The control system compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be replaced; compares the received weight information with a preset weight value to determine whether the pipe needs to be closed; and establishes a correspondence between the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipe and the ball valve and the weight of the conveyed lithium iron phosphate cathode material based on the coating thickness information and the weight information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium iron phosphate cathode material preparation process, and more specifically, to a lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a key material in lithium-ion batteries, boasts advantages such as high safety, low cost, and long lifespan. With the rapid development of the new energy industry, LFP is gradually gaining a larger share in power batteries and energy storage compared to ternary cathode materials and lithium cobalt oxide. The market and customers are also imposing increasingly stringent requirements on LFP manufacturing processes.

[0003] However, wear on the inner walls of pipes and ball valves is unavoidable during the production of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials. When the conveying pipes and ball valves wear down to a certain extent, the finished product will leak along the damaged area, affecting normal production, causing huge waste of materials, and also having a significant impact on the on-site environment, while increasing the labor costs required for cleaning. Furthermore, the metallic foreign objects and impurities introduced into the finished lithium iron phosphate cathode materials will ultimately affect the product's performance indicators, thereby increasing production costs and reducing the yield of finished products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device, which can monitor wear in real time, avoid leakage of lithium iron phosphate cathode material, and improve the production efficiency, safety, and reliability of lithium iron phosphate cathode material.

[0005] This invention provides a lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device, applied in a lithium iron phosphate production line for conveying lithium iron phosphate cathode material. The device includes a pipe, a ball valve installed in the pipe, a receiving hopper, and a control system. The inner wall of the pipe and the surface of the ball valve are coated with a coating. A sensor inside the pipe detects the coating thickness in real time to monitor the wear degree of the pipe's inner wall and the ball valve, and sends coating thickness information to the control system. A weighing module is installed in the receiving hopper to detect the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the hopper in real time and sends weight information to the control system. The control system compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be replaced; and compares the received weight information with a preset weight value to determine whether the pipe needs to be shut down. The control system can establish a correspondence between the wear degree of the pipe's inner wall and the ball valve and the weight of the conveyed lithium iron phosphate cathode material based on the coating thickness information and the weight information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lithium iron phosphate conveying device further includes a storage silo, the lithium iron phosphate production line includes a reaction vessel, the storage silo is connected to the discharge port of the reaction vessel through a connecting pipe, and the lithium iron phosphate cathode material is discharged from the discharge port and conveyed to the storage silo through the connecting pipe.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pipeline includes a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a main pipeline. One end of the main pipeline is connected to the bottom of the storage silo, and the other end is connected to the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The other ends of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are both connected to the receiving silo.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first baffle is provided between the first pipe and the main pipe, and the first baffle can be opened to allow lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the first pipe; a second baffle is provided between the second pipe and the main pipe, and the second baffle can be opened to allow lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the second pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ball valve includes a first ball valve disposed within the first pipe. The inner wall of the first pipe at the contact point with the first ball valve and the surface of the first ball valve are coated with a coating. The first ball valve is rotatable to bring the first pipe into a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ball valve further includes a second ball valve disposed within the second pipeline. The inner wall of the second pipeline at the contact point with the second ball valve and the surface of the second ball valve are coated with a coating. The second ball valve is rotatable to bring the second pipeline into a connected or disconnected state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sensor is provided on both the first pipe and the second pipe. The sensor detects the coating thickness in real time to monitor the wear of the inner wall of the pipe and the ball valve and sends the coating thickness information to the control system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control system includes a control module electrically connected to the first baffle, the second baffle, the first ball valve, and the second ball valve, and capable of controlling the opening or closing of the first baffle and the second baffle, as well as controlling the rotation of the first ball valve and the second ball valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control system includes a data processing module electrically connected to the control module. The data processing module is electrically connected to both the sensor and the weighing module, and is used to receive the coating thickness information and the weight information.

[0014] In some embodiments, the data processing module compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be replaced; the data processing module compares the received weight information with a preset weight value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be closed; the data processing module can establish a relationship between the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipeline and the ball valve and the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material being transported based on the coating thickness information and the weight information.

[0015] The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device provided in this invention has a coating applied to both the inner wall of the pipe and the surface of the ball valve. A sensor is installed to detect the coating thickness in real time. The control system can determine whether the ball valve needs replacement based on the coating thickness information. Furthermore, by installing a weighing module in the receiving hopper, the control system can easily establish the relationship between the wear degree of the pipe and the ball valve and the weight of the conveyed lithium iron phosphate cathode material. This allows for advance scheduling of maintenance work, avoiding unnecessary maintenance and downtime, and saving costs. Moreover, it prevents leakage of lithium iron phosphate cathode material due to severe wear of the ball valve, thereby improving the production efficiency, safety, and reliability of lithium iron phosphate cathode material. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label:

[0018] Lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100;

[0019] Reactor 10; Storage silo 20; Connecting pipe 21;

[0020] Pipe 30; First pipe 31; Second pipe 32; Sensor 33; Main pipe 35;

[0021] First baffle 311; Second baffle 321;

[0022] Ball valve 40; First ball valve 41; Second ball valve 42;

[0023] 50 receiving hopper; 60 control system; 61 control module; 62 data processing module. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0026] This invention provides a lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100, which is used in a lithium iron phosphate cathode material production line to convey lithium iron phosphate cathode material. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Please refer to... Figure 1 The lithium iron phosphate production line includes a reaction vessel 10, which serves as a reaction container for generating lithium iron phosphate cathode material. One end of the reaction vessel 10 is provided with a discharge port, which can be opened or closed to control whether the generated lithium iron phosphate cathode material is discharged.

[0027] The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100 includes a storage silo 20, a pipe 30, a ball valve 40, a receiving silo 50, and a control system 60. The storage silo 20 is connected to the outlet of the reactor 10 via a connecting pipe 21. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material generated in the reactor 10 can be discharged from the outlet and conveyed to the storage silo 20 via the connecting pipe 21. The bottom of the storage silo 20 is connected to the receiving silo 50 via the pipe 30.

[0028] The pipeline 30 includes a first pipeline 31, a second pipeline 32, and a main pipeline 35. One end of the main pipeline 35 is connected to the bottom of the storage silo 20, and the other end connects to the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32. The other ends of both the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 are connected to the receiving silo 50. A first baffle 311 is provided between the first pipeline 31 and the main pipeline 35. The first baffle 311 can be opened or closed to control whether the lithium iron phosphate cathode material passes through the first pipeline 31. That is, the first baffle 311 can be opened to allow the lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the first pipeline 31; the first baffle 311 can be closed to prevent the lithium iron phosphate cathode material from passing through the first pipeline 31. A second baffle 321 is provided between the second pipeline 32 and the main pipeline 35. The second baffle 321 can be opened or closed to control whether the lithium iron phosphate cathode material passes through the second pipeline 32. That is, the second baffle 321 can be opened to allow the lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the second pipe 32; the second baffle 321 can be closed to prevent the lithium iron phosphate cathode material from passing through the second pipe 32.

[0029] The ball valve 40 is disposed in the pipe 30, and the ball valve 40 is rotatable to connect or disconnect the pipe 30. In this embodiment of the invention, there are two ball valves 40, namely a first ball valve 41 and a second ball valve 42. The first ball valve 41 is disposed in the first pipe 31, and the contact position between the inner wall of the first pipe 31 and the first ball valve 41, as well as the surface of the first ball valve 41, are coated with a coating. The first ball valve 41 is rotatable to connect or disconnect the first pipe 31. The second ball valve 42 is disposed in the second pipe 32, and the contact position between the inner wall of the second pipe 32 and the second ball valve 42, as well as the surface of the second ball valve 42, are coated with a coating. The second ball valve 42 is rotatable to connect or disconnect the second pipe 32. Sensors 33 are disposed on both the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32. The sensors 33 can detect the coating thickness in real time to monitor the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipe 30 and the ball valve 40, and send the coating thickness information to the control system 60.

[0030] The top of the receiving hopper 50 is connected to both the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the storage hopper 20 can enter the receiving hopper 50 through the first pipe 31 or the second pipe 32. The receiving hopper 50 is equipped with a weighing module 51, which is used to detect the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the receiving hopper 50 and send the weight information to the control system 60.

[0031] The control system 60 includes a control module 61 and a data processing module 62 electrically connected to the control module 61. The control module 61 can execute corresponding commands issued by the data processing module 62. The control module 61 is electrically connected to the first baffle 311, the second baffle 321, the first ball valve 41, and the second ball valve 42, and can control the opening or closing of the first baffle 311 and the second baffle 321, as well as control the rotation of the first ball valve 41 and the second ball valve 42. The data processing module 62 is electrically connected to the sensor 33 and the weighing module 51, and is used to receive the coating thickness information and the weight information. The data processing module 62 compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced; the data processing module 62 compares the received weight information with a preset weight value to determine whether the pipeline 30 needs to be closed.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the data processing module 62 can establish a correspondence between the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipe 30 and the ball valve 40 and the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material being transported, based on the coating thickness information and the weight information. For example, when the data processing module 62 determines that the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced based on the coating thickness information, it simultaneously records the weight information at this time. Alternatively, each time a material receiving operation is completed, the data processing module 62 can record the weight information for that receiving operation and calculate the thickness change of the coating on the pipe 30 and the ball valve 40 based on the coating thickness information at the start and end of that receiving operation. This facilitates the ability to determine in advance whether the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced based on the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material being transported before each receiving operation begins, thereby improving the production efficiency of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials.

[0033] When the lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100 starts receiving material, the lithium iron phosphate cathode material generated in the reactor 10 is discharged from the outlet and enters the storage silo 20 through the connecting pipe 21. The control module 61 controls the first baffle 311 to open and the second baffle 321 to close, and controls the first ball valve 41 to rotate so that the first pipe 31 is in a connected state. At this time, the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the storage silo 20 enters the first pipe 31 after passing through the main pipe 35, and enters the receiving silo 50 after passing through the first ball valve 41. The sensor 33 detects the coating thickness of the first ball valve 41 on the inner wall of the first pipe 31 in real time and sends the coating thickness information to the data processing module 62. The weighing module 51 detects the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the receiving silo 50 in real time and sends the weight information to the data processing module 62. When the data processing module 62 determines that the weight information has reached the preset weight value for this receiving operation, it sends a command to the control module 61. Upon receiving the command, the control module 61 controls the first ball valve 41 to rotate, thus disconnecting the first pipeline 31. At this point, the receiving operation is complete, and the data processing module 62 simultaneously records the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material transported and the thickness change of the coating on the first ball valve 41. When proceeding to the next receiving operation, the data processing module 62 uses the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material transported in this receiving operation to determine in advance whether the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced.

[0034] Furthermore, during the material receiving process, when the data processing module 62 receives coating thickness information that is less than a preset coating thickness value, the data processing module 62 determines that the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced and sends a command to the control module 61. Upon receiving the command, the control module 61 closes the first baffle 311 and rotates the first ball valve 41 to disconnect the first pipe 31, and opens the second baffle 321 and rotates the second ball valve 42 to connect the second pipe 32. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material can then pass through the second pipe 32 and enter the receiving hopper 50. At this time, the first ball valve 41 can be easily replaced, ensuring that the lithium iron phosphate cathode material production line does not stop production due to the replacement of the first ball valve 41, thereby improving the production efficiency of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material.

[0035] The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100 provided by this invention has a coating on the inner wall of the pipe 30 and the surface of the ball valve 40, and a sensor 33 is set to detect the coating thickness in real time. The control system 60 can determine whether the ball valve 40 needs to be replaced based on the coating thickness information. In addition, by setting a weighing module 51 in the receiving hopper 50, the control system 60 can easily establish the relationship between the wear degree of the pipe 30 and the ball valve 40 and the weight of the conveyed lithium iron phosphate cathode material, so that maintenance work can be arranged in advance, avoiding unnecessary maintenance and downtime, thereby saving costs. Moreover, the lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device 100 of this invention is respectively provided with a first pipe 31 and a second pipe 32, and the control system 60 controls the opening and closing of the first pipe 31 and the second pipe 32, so that the ball valve 40 can be replaced without stopping production, thereby avoiding leakage of lithium iron phosphate cathode material due to severe wear of the ball valve 40, and thus improving the production efficiency, safety and reliability of lithium iron phosphate cathode material.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device, used in a lithium iron phosphate production line for conveying lithium iron phosphate cathode material, characterized in that, The system includes a pipe, a ball valve installed in the pipe, a receiving hopper, and a control system. The inner wall of the pipe and the surface of the ball valve are coated with a coating. A sensor installed in the pipe detects the coating thickness in real time to monitor the wear of the inner wall of the pipe and the ball valve and sends the coating thickness information to the control system. A weighing module is installed in the receiving hopper to detect the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material in the receiving hopper in real time and sends the weight information to the control system. The control system compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be replaced. The received weight information is compared with a preset weight value to determine whether the pipeline needs to be shut down. The control system can establish a correspondence between the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipeline and the ball valve and the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material being transported, based on the coating thickness information and the weight information.

2. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device also includes a storage silo. The lithium iron phosphate production line includes a reaction vessel. The storage silo is connected to the discharge port of the reaction vessel through a connecting pipe. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material is discharged from the discharge port and conveyed to the storage silo through the connecting pipe.

3. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipeline includes a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a main pipeline. One end of the main pipeline is connected to the bottom of the storage silo, and the other end is connected to the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The other ends of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are both connected to the receiving silo.

4. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first baffle is provided between the first pipe and the main pipe, and the first baffle can be opened to allow the lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the first pipe; a second baffle is provided between the second pipe and the main pipe, and the second baffle can be opened to allow the lithium iron phosphate cathode material to pass through the second pipe.

5. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ball valve includes a first ball valve, which is disposed inside the first pipe. The inner wall of the first pipe and the contact position with the first ball valve, as well as the surface of the first ball valve, are coated with a coating. The first ball valve can rotate to put the first pipe into a connected state or a disconnected state.

6. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ball valve also includes a second ball valve, which is disposed inside the second pipe. The inner wall of the second pipe and the contact position with the second ball valve, as well as the surface of the second ball valve, are coated with a coating. The second ball valve can rotate to put the second pipe into a connected state or a disconnected state.

7. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 6, wherein the sensor is provided on both the first pipe and the second pipe, the sensor detects the coating thickness in real time to monitor the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipe and the ball valve and sends the coating thickness information to the control system.

8. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control system includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the first baffle, the second baffle, the first ball valve, and the second ball valve, and can control the opening or closing of the first baffle and the second baffle, as well as control the rotation of the first ball valve and the second ball valve.

9. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control system includes a data processing module electrically connected to the control module. The data processing module is electrically connected to both the sensor and the weighing module, and is used to receive the coating thickness information and the weight information.

10. The lithium iron phosphate cathode material conveying device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The data processing module compares the received coating thickness information with a preset coating thickness value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be replaced; the data processing module compares the received weight information with a preset weight value to determine whether the ball valve needs to be closed; the data processing module can establish a relationship between the wear degree of the inner wall of the pipeline and the ball valve and the weight of the lithium iron phosphate cathode material being transported based on the coating thickness information and the weight information.

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