A supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device

Abstract

This invention discloses a supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device, relating to the field of supercritical fluid extraction technology. It includes an extraction assembly and a defoaming assembly. The extraction assembly comprises a condenser, a compressor, and an extraction vessel connected in sequence. The extraction vessel contains an extraction chamber connected to the compressor. The defoaming assembly is located within the extraction chamber and includes a float and a defoaming screen connected to each other. The float drives the defoaming screen to float on the liquid surface when the extraction chamber contains liquid. The defoaming screen has needles for piercing air bubbles on the liquid surface. The extraction chamber within the extraction vessel provides space for extracting battery electrolyte. The extraction chamber contains the defoaming assembly, and the defoaming screen floats on the liquid surface of the extraction chamber via the float. When carbon dioxide fluid falls into the electrolyte in the extraction chamber and agitates bubbles, the bubbles are directly pierced by the needles of the defoaming screen, leaving virtually no bubbles on the liquid surface. The electrolyte surface is smooth, and this does not affect the determination of the collected electrolyte volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of supercritical extraction technology, and more specifically to a supercritical extraction electrolyte collection device. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries are widely used products in our daily lives, mainly used to power electrical devices without being connected to a power source, thus facilitating their use. As batteries age, they become waste. However, even waste batteries still have some value; for example, the electrolyte inside the used battery can be separated and reused.

[0003] The prior art disclosed in CN117080601A is a method and apparatus for recycling electrolyte from waste batteries. It mainly uses supercritical extraction to separate the residual electrolyte inside the waste batteries. During the entire recycling process, no hydrogen fluoride is generated and no corrosive gas leaks occur, thus ensuring the safety of the operating environment.

[0004] However, the existing electrolyte recovery device still has defects. For example, during the collection of extract, when the extract containing carbon dioxide falls into the extraction vessel from a height, it will agitate bubbles on the surface of the electrolyte. These bubbles will cause the electrolyte surface to be uneven, affecting the judgment of the collected electrolyte volume. At the same time, the bubbles will affect the contact between other substances in the electrolyte and the electrolyte, prolonging the reaction time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a supercritical extraction electrolyte collection device to solve the technical problem that when the extractant falls into the extraction vessel from a height, bubbles will be agitated on the surface of the electrolyte, which will cause the electrolyte surface to be uneven and affect the judgment of the volume of collected electrolyte.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device, comprising: An extraction assembly includes a condenser, a compressor, and an extraction vessel connected in sequence. The extraction vessel contains an extraction chamber, which is connected to the compressor. A defoaming assembly is located in the extraction chamber. The defoaming assembly includes a float and a defoaming screen connected to each other. The float can drive the defoaming screen to float on the liquid surface when there is liquid in the extraction chamber. The defoaming screen has needles for piercing bubbles on the liquid surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the float includes a first float and a second float, the first float and the second float being respectively connected to the two ends of the defoaming net.

[0008] In some embodiments, the defoaming mesh has a plurality of through holes, and each through hole is provided with a plurality of needles on the side facing the liquid, with the plurality of needles arranged around the periphery of the through hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extraction vessel includes a tank and a screen, the extraction chamber is provided in the tank, the screen spans and covers the extraction chamber, and the screen is located between the feed inlet and the defoaming screen.

[0010] In some embodiments, the screen includes a first segment and a second segment connected together, the ends of the first segment and the second segment being far apart from each other are connected to the wall of the extraction chamber, the first segment and the second segment are set at an obtuse angle, and the screen is inclined downwards from the middle portion toward both sides.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of screens is multiple, and the multiple screens are stacked and spaced apart vertically along the height direction of the extraction chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the extraction vessel further includes a cover having the feed inlet, and the cover is rotatably and detachably snapped onto the vessel body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the side of the cover facing the can has a snap-fit ​​element, the can has a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove, and the cover can move toward the can so that the snap-fit ​​element is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove and can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove when the cover rotates.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extraction vessel further includes a limiting block and a return spring located in the slot. The limiting block is capable of reciprocating in the slot, and the return spring is connected to the limiting block and is capable of accumulating elastic force when the snap-fit ​​member presses against the limiting block and releasing the elastic force when the snap-fit ​​member disengages from the slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the extraction assembly further includes an exhaust gas processor connected to the extraction vessel.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the extraction chamber provided by this invention provides space for extracting battery electrolyte. The extraction chamber includes a defoaming assembly, and a defoaming screen floats on the liquid surface of the extraction chamber via a float. When carbon dioxide fluid falls into the electrolyte in the extraction chamber and agitates bubbles, the bubbles are directly punctured by the needles of the defoaming screen, leaving virtually no bubbles on the liquid surface. The electrolyte surface is smooth, which does not affect the judgment of the collected electrolyte volume. Simultaneously, the contact between other substances in the electrolyte and the electrolyte itself is also prevented from being affected by the bubbles. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the supercritical extraction electrolyte collection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the extraction vessel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the defoaming mesh cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the lid and the tank of the extraction vessel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0019] To address the technical problem that bubbles are aroused on the surface of the electrolyte when the extractant falls from a height into the extraction vessel, thus affecting the judgment of the collected electrolyte volume, this invention provides a supercritical extraction electrolyte collection device that can achieve the collection of electrolytes at the moment bubbles are aroused.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device includes an extraction component 1 and a defoaming component 2. The extraction component 1 includes a condenser 11, a compressor 12, and an extraction vessel 13 connected in sequence. The extraction vessel 13 has an extraction chamber 131, which is connected to the compressor 12. The defoaming component 2 is located in the extraction chamber 131 and includes a float 21 and a defoaming screen 22 connected in sequence. The float 21 can drive the defoaming screen 22 to float on the liquid surface when there is liquid in the extraction chamber 131. The defoaming screen 22 has needles 23 for piercing bubbles on the liquid surface.

[0021] Before extraction, the waste batteries need to undergo preliminary pretreatment to improve the extraction efficiency of the electrolyte. The waste batteries can be first placed in liquid nitrogen for a period of time, typically 30-50 minutes, to discharge the remaining charge. Then, the batteries are disassembled, separating the casing and the battery cell. The components containing electrolyte and the condensed electrolyte are collected. The components containing electrolyte are then placed into the extraction vessel 13 to extract the electrolyte from the components.

[0022] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1The extraction assembly 1 also includes a carbon dioxide tank 14 for storing carbon dioxide fluid. The carbon dioxide tank 14 is connected to a condenser 11 for supplying carbon dioxide fluid to the condenser 11. The condenser 11 regulates the temperature of the carbon dioxide fluid, which is then supplied to a compressor 12. The compressor 12 pressurizes the carbon dioxide fluid to bring it to a supercritical state. The supercritical carbon dioxide fluid is then fed into an extraction vessel 13 and mixed with a battery component containing electrolyte to extract the electrolyte. A receiving frame 16 is provided below the outlet of the extraction vessel 13 to receive the extracted electrolyte.

[0023] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The extraction assembly 1 also includes a waste gas processor 15, which is connected to the extraction vessel 13 and is used to treat the waste gas inside the extraction vessel 13 to prevent the waste gas from being discharged and polluting the environment. An alkaline absorbent can be installed inside the waste gas processor 15, which can be one or more of calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and calcium oxide.

[0024] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The float 21 includes a first float 211 and a second float 212, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the defoaming screen 22. The two floats are used to drive the defoaming screen 22 to float on the liquid surface by buoyancy. In this embodiment, the first float 211 and the second float 212 can be hollow spheres, which helps to enhance the buoyancy of the first float 211 and the second float 212, and drive the defoaming screen 22 to float stably on the liquid surface.

[0025] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 The defoaming screen 22 has multiple through holes 221, and each through hole 221 has multiple needles 23 on the side facing the liquid. The needles 23 are arranged around the periphery of the through hole 221 to increase the defoaming area and allow more bubbles floating on the liquid surface to be punctured. In this embodiment, the shape of the defoaming screen 22 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the extraction chamber 131 so that the defoaming screen 22 can cover the extraction chamber 131, and the bubbles generated on the liquid surface of the extraction chamber 131 can be fully removed by the defoaming screen 22. In addition, the through holes 221 on the defoaming screen 22 allow carbon dioxide fluid to pass through, so that the carbon dioxide fluid can contact the battery components below the defoaming screen 22.

[0026] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2The extraction vessel 13 includes a tank 132 and a screen 133. The tank 132 is provided with the extraction chamber 131 described above. The screen 133 spans and covers the extraction chamber 131. The screen 133 is located between the feed inlet of the tank 132 and the defoaming screen 22 to remove impurities from the carbon dioxide fluid falling from the feed inlet, so that the carbon dioxide fluid in contact with the battery is purer and the extraction effect is better.

[0027] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The screen 133 includes a first segment 134 and a second segment 135 connected to each other. The ends of the first segment 134 and the second segment 135, which are far apart from each other, are connected to the wall of the extraction chamber 131. The first segment 134 and the second segment 135 are set at an obtuse angle. The screen 133 is inclined downwards from the middle to both sides so that impurities on the screen 133 can roll off and accumulate to both sides, avoiding the accumulation of impurities in the middle of the screen 133, which would affect the rapid descent of the fluid. In this embodiment, fixing blocks 136 are provided on both sides of the wall of the extraction chamber 131, and the screen 133 is placed on the two fixing blocks 136 for easy assembly and disassembly. In other embodiments, the screen 133 can also be fixed by other detachable methods, such as detachable connection by screws.

[0028] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 Multiple screens 133 are arranged in a stacked and spaced manner along the height of the extraction chamber 131. These multiple screens 133 can filter impurities in the fluid multiple times, resulting in a purer fluid that ultimately comes into contact with the battery.

[0029] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The extraction vessel 13 also includes a cover 137, which has a feed inlet 138. The cover 137 is rotatably and detachably snapped onto the vessel body 132. Specifically, the side of the cover 137 facing the vessel body 132 has a snap-fit ​​element 139, and the vessel body 132 has a corresponding slot 140. The cover 137 can move toward the vessel body 132 so that the snap-fit ​​element 139 is inserted into the slot 140. Then, it can rotate relative to the vessel body 132. When the cover 137 rotates, it can drive the snap-fit ​​element 139 to engage with the slot 140, so that the cover 137 and the vessel body 132 are connected.

[0030] Figure 4There are two snap-fit ​​pieces 139 in the extraction chamber 131, with their hooks facing opposite directions. When the cover 137 rotates, it causes the two snap-fit ​​pieces 139 to engage with the two slots 140. For disassembly, first rotate the cover 137 in the opposite direction to the unlockable position, then pull the cover 137 out of the slots 140. Disassembly and assembly are quick and convenient. When disassembling the cover 137, the screen 133 in the extraction chamber 131 and any impurities on it can be removed to drain them. Additionally, the defoaming assembly 2 can be removed. For example, before starting extraction, both the defoaming assembly 2 and the screen 133 can be removed, the battery poured into the extraction chamber 131, and then the defoaming assembly 2 and the screen 133 placed back in, before closing the cover 137.

[0031] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The extraction vessel 13 also includes a limiting block 141 and a return spring 142 located in the slot 140. The limiting block 141 can slide back and forth in the slot 140. The return spring 142 is connected to the limiting block 141 and can accumulate elastic force when the snap-fit ​​139 presses against the limiting block 141, and release the elastic force when the snap-fit ​​139 disengages from the slot. When the snap-fit ​​139 is snapped into the slot 140, the return spring 142 drives the limiting block 141 to press against the snap-fit ​​139, so that the snap-fit ​​139 can be stably snapped into the slot 140. When it is necessary to remove the snap-fit ​​139, the cover 137 can be driven to rotate in the opposite direction to overcome the elastic force of the return spring 142, so that the snap-fit ​​139 is separated from the slot 140.

[0032] To better understand this invention, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 4 The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below: This invention improves the structure of the reaction vessel 13. The cover 137 and the tank body 132 are detachably and rotatably connected, facilitating quick and easy assembly and disassembly. The extraction chamber 131 inside the tank body 132 is equipped with a defoaming screen 22, with needles 23 at the bottom. When carbon dioxide fluid falls into the electrolyte in the extraction chamber 131 and agitates bubbles, the bubbles are directly punctured by the needles 23 of the defoaming screen 22. This ensures that virtually no bubbles remain on the electrolyte surface, resulting in a smooth electrolyte surface that does not affect the determination of the collected electrolyte volume. Simultaneously, the contact between other substances in the electrolyte and the electrolyte itself is also prevented from being affected by the bubbles.

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device, characterized in that, include: An extraction assembly includes a condenser, a compressor, and an extraction vessel connected in sequence. The extraction vessel is provided with an extraction chamber, which is connected to the outlet of the compressor. and A defoaming assembly is located in the extraction chamber. The defoaming assembly includes a float and a defoaming screen connected to each other. The defoaming screen has needles for piercing bubbles on the liquid surface. The float can drive the defoaming screen to float on the liquid surface when there is liquid in the extraction chamber. The float includes a first float and a second float, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the defoaming net cover; The defoaming mesh has multiple through holes, and each through hole has multiple needles on the side facing the liquid, with the needles arranged around the periphery of the through hole.

2. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction vessel includes a tank body and a screen. The extraction chamber is provided in the tank body, and the screen spans and covers the extraction chamber. The screen is located between the feed inlet of the tank body and the defoaming screen.

3. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The screen includes a first section and a second section connected to each other. The ends of the first section and the second section that are far apart from each other are connected to the wall of the extraction chamber. The first section and the second section are set at an obtuse angle. The screen is inclined downward from the middle part towards both sides.

4. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of screens is multiple, and the multiple screens are stacked and spaced apart along the height direction of the extraction chamber.

5. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extraction vessel also includes a cover with the feed inlet, and the cover is rotatably and detachably snapped onto the vessel body.

6. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lid has a snap-fit ​​component on the side facing the can, and the can has a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove. The lid can move toward the can so that the snap-fit ​​component is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove and can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove when the lid rotates.

7. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The extraction vessel also includes a limiting block and a return spring located in the slot. The limiting block can slide back and forth in the slot. The return spring is connected to the limiting block and can accumulate elastic force when the snap-fit ​​member presses against the limiting block and release the elastic force when the snap-fit ​​member disengages from the slot.

8. The supercritical fluid extraction electrolyte collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction assembly also includes an exhaust gas processor connected to the extraction vessel.

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