Polymerization balling device and method for producing spherical graphite by using natural crystalline flake graphite

Abstract

The invention provides a polymerization balling device and method for producing spherical graphite by using natural crystalline flake graphite. The device comprises a rack; the polymerization bin is provided with a feeding port used for adding materials, a liquid inlet used for adding a polymerizing agent, a pressure relief port used for relieving pressure and a discharging channel used for outputting the materials, the feeding port, the liquid inlet and the pressure relief port are each provided with a sealing structure used for sealing, and the discharging channel is provided with a blocking structure used for blocking the discharging channel; the rotor is arranged in the polymerization bin and comprises a main shaft, two side plates connected to the two ends of the main shaft and a plurality of blades connected to the main shaft, the blades extend in the axial direction of the main shaft and are connected with the two side plates correspondingly, and the blades are arranged in the circumferential direction of the main shaft at equal intervals; two ends of the main shaft are respectively rotationally and hermetically connected with the polymerization bin; the motor is arranged on the rack; and the transmission mechanism is arranged between the motor and the rotor and is used for realizing transmission between the motor and the rotor. The method can improve the utilization efficiency of the natural crystalline flake graphite micro powder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of spherical graphite production, in particular to a device and method for polymerizing and pelletizing spherical graphite by using natural flake graphite. Background Art

[0002] Spherical graphite products have important applications in the fields of lithium-ion battery negative electrode materials, chlor-alkali, polysilicon, and organic silicon. Spherical natural graphite materials have a smaller specific surface area and higher tap density, resulting in higher first coulombic efficiency, higher reversible charge and discharge capacity, and better cycle stability.

[0003] Existing natural graphite spheroidization equipment and production lines suffer from process pain points, including long processing times, an inability to effectively control particle shape during processing, and uneven particle size distribution. This results in a high concentration of fine powder that falls short of technical specifications, low efficiency, and a yield of spherical graphite that meets technical specifications of less than 45%. To improve the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite, a non-renewable strategic mineral resource, and to increase the efficiency of fine powder utilization, and to develop spherical graphite that meets the uniformity requirements of high-end negative electrode materials, it is urgently necessary to develop a device and method for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite to address these technical issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To improve the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite powder and produce natural spherical graphite products that meet the uniformity requirements of high-end negative electrode materials, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite. The following is a brief overview of the present invention to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the invention. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or important aspects of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0005] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite, comprising:

[0006] frame;

[0007] A polymerization chamber is provided on the top of the frame, and is provided with a feed port for adding materials, a liquid inlet for adding polymerization agent, a pressure relief port for pressure relief, and a discharge channel for discharging materials. The feed port, liquid inlet, and pressure relief port are all provided with sealing structures for sealing them, and the discharge channel is provided with a blocking structure for blocking the discharge channel;

[0008] A rotor is disposed in the polymerization chamber, comprising a main shaft, two side plates connected to both ends of the main shaft, and a plurality of blades connected to the main shaft, wherein the blades extend axially along the main shaft and are respectively connected to the two side plates, and the plurality of blades are equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the main shaft; both ends of the main shaft are respectively connected to the polymerization chamber in a rotatable and sealed manner;

[0009] a motor, disposed on the frame; and

[0010] The transmission mechanism is arranged between the motor and the rotor, and is used to realize transmission between the motor and the rotor.

[0011] Preferably, the aggregation chamber is in the shape of a horizontal cylinder, and comprises a chamber wall and end covers connected to both ends of the chamber wall, and the main shaft is connected to the two end covers respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the blades are inclined along the rotation direction of the main shaft, and the blades are bent against the rotation direction of the main shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the main shaft is connected to the polymerization chamber through a sealed bearing.

[0014] Preferably, the motor is a variable frequency motor.

[0015] Preferably, the transmission mechanism is a belt transmission mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, a filter cartridge is provided in the pressure relief port.

[0017] Preferably, the frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame hinged together, the polymerization bin and the motor are both arranged on the upper frame, the unloading channel is arranged at the lower part of one side of the polymerization bin along the axis of the main shaft, and a first telescopic element is provided between the upper frame and the lower frame, one end of the first telescopic element is hinged to the upper frame, and the other end is hinged to the lower frame, and the first telescopic element is used to drive the upper frame to rotate relative to the lower frame, and the rotation axis of the upper frame is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft.

[0018] Preferably, the discharge channel includes a first channel connected to the polymerization chamber, and a second channel connected to a radial side of the first channel, the second channel is communicated with the first channel, the sealing structure includes a second telescopic element installed at one end of the first channel away from the polymerization chamber, the movable end of the second telescopic element is provided with a seal that cooperates with the inner wall of the first channel, and the seal can move in the first channel.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite using the spheroidizing device according to any of the above technical solutions, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step 1: Start the motor and adjust the motor speed to low speed, add the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent into the polymerization chamber through the feeding port and the liquid adding port, and after the addition is completed, seal the feeding port and the liquid adding port;

[0021] Step 2: Adjust the motor speed to high speed, and the rotor rotates at high speed, so that the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent are polymerized into large particles. During the polymerization process, the material particles collide with each other, the material particles, the rotor, and the warehouse wall at high speed. The particles with a particle size larger than the desired product particle size range are broken into small particles, and the particles with a particle size smaller than the desired product particle size range are aggregated into large particles, and finally the material particles reach the desired particle size range;

[0022] Step 3: Open the pressure relief port to release the air pressure generated during the polymerization of the material;

[0023] Step 4: Open the discharge channel and discharge the material through the discharge channel.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] 1. The pelletizing device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite in this embodiment can reduce energy consumption and costs. The fine powder produced by crushing and spheroidization in traditional processes is usually regarded as waste or low-value by-products, which is difficult to effectively utilize, resulting in a waste of raw materials. The core of the polymerization mechanism of this embodiment is to reintegrate fine powder as "raw material" into the product, forming a qualified product by adhering to larger particles, significantly improving the utilization efficiency of fine powder. The closed polymerization chamber design effectively reduces dust emission and improves the utilization rate of raw materials. Because the raw materials are converted into finished products, the power consumption per ton of product is greatly reduced under the same power consumption, effectively reducing costs while improving the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite, a non-renewable strategic mineral resource.

[0026] 2. The horizontal polymerization chamber allows for continuous dynamic collision shaping and embedding of the graphite raw materials within the device. Compared to traditional vertical series pelletizing equipment, which suffers from stratification, uneven collision, and low yield, the horizontal design provides a more uniform material mixing and collision environment, ensuring that all particles have the opportunity to participate in the shaping and polymerization process. As a result, the natural flake graphite powder raw materials gradually form a spherical structure during dynamic collision, resulting in a high single-shot pelletization rate.

[0027] 3. The upper limit of the vibration compaction of spherical graphite after polymerization has been improved. During the dynamic collision process, the fine powder produced is not removed as waste, but is combined with larger core particles and surface gaps through adhesion, cold welding or embedding, making the particles more dense as a whole. Under the action of gravity, they can be stacked and arranged more tightly, and the void ratio between particles and the particles themselves is significantly reduced, which directly leads to a significant increase in vibration density and better performance of the material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram from a first perspective of a device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram from a second perspective of the device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rotor in the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the rotor in the present invention.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1-frame, 2-polymerization chamber, 3-feed port, 4-liquid inlet, 5-pressure relief port, 6-discharging channel, 7-rotor, 8-main shaft, 9-side plate, 10-blade, 11-motor, 12-transmission mechanism, 13-chamber wall, 14-end cover, 15-upper frame, 16-lower frame, 17-first telescopic element, 18-second telescopic element, 19-first channel, 20-second channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clearly apparent, the present invention is described below using specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the following description, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessary confusion of the concepts of the present invention.

[0035] The connections referred to in this invention are categorized as fixed and removable. Fixed connections (i.e., non-removable connections) include, but are not limited to, conventional fixed connection methods such as hemming, rivet connections, adhesive connections, and welding. Removable connections include, but are not limited to, conventional removable methods such as threaded connections, snap connections, pin connections, and hinge connections. When a specific connection method is not explicitly specified, it is assumed that at least one existing connection method can achieve the desired function. Persons skilled in the art may select the connection as needed. For example, welding may be selected for fixed connections, and hinges may be selected for removable connections.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite includes a frame 1, a polymerization chamber 2, a rotor 7, a motor 11, and a transmission mechanism 12. The device can improve the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite powder.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the polymerization chamber 2 is disposed on top of the frame 1 and is provided with a feed port 3 for adding materials, a liquid inlet 4 for adding polymerization agent, a pressure relief port 5 for relieving pressure, and a discharge channel 6 for discharging materials. The feed port 3, liquid inlet 4, and pressure relief port 5 are each provided with a sealing structure for sealing them, and the discharge channel 6 is provided with a sealing structure for blocking the discharge channel 6. The sealing structure can be selected from existing technologies that can block the feed port 3, liquid inlet 4, and pressure relief port 5, for example, a blind flange, a quick-opening cover, etc. The feed port 3, liquid inlet 4, and pressure relief port 5 can all be disposed on the top of the polymerization chamber 2.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rotor 7 shown is arranged in the polymerization chamber 2, and the rotor 7 includes a main shaft 8, two side plates 9 connected to the two ends of the main shaft 8, and a plurality of blades 10 connected to the main shaft 8. The blades 10 extend axially along the main shaft 8 and are respectively connected to the two side plates 9. The plurality of blades 10 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the main shaft 8; the two ends of the main shaft 8 are respectively connected to the polymerization chamber 2 for rotation and sealing.

[0039] Specifically, the polymerization chamber 2 is configured as a horizontal cylindrical chamber, comprising a chamber wall 13 and end caps 14 connected to both ends of the chamber wall 13. The main shaft 8 is connected to the two end caps 14. Both ends of the main shaft 8 are connected to the two end caps 14 via sealed bearings to achieve a rotary seal.

[0040] A motor 11 is mounted on the frame 1. The motor 11 may be a variable frequency motor 11 for adjusting the rotational speed. A transmission mechanism 12 is disposed between the motor 11 and the rotor 7 for transmitting power therebetween. The transmission mechanism 12 may be a gear transmission mechanism 12, a chain transmission mechanism 12, a belt transmission mechanism 12, or the like. Preferably, the transmission mechanism 12 is a belt transmission mechanism 12.

[0041] The operating principle of the pelletizing device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite in this embodiment is as follows: With motor 11 at low speed, natural flake graphite powder and a polymerizing agent are added to polymerization chamber 2 through a feed port and a liquid inlet. The motor 11 is then increased in speed. The rotor 7 rotates at high speed, causing the natural flake graphite powder and polymerizing agent to polymerize into large particles. During the polymerization process, high-speed collisions continuously occur between the particles, as well as with the rotor 7 and chamber wall 13. Particles larger than the desired product size range are broken into small particles, while particles smaller than the desired product size range are aggregated into large particles, ultimately reducing the particle size to the desired range. Furthermore, by varying the speed of motor 11 during the polymerization process, the kinetic energy gained by the particles can be varied, allowing the particles to reach different particle sizes, thereby meeting the production requirements of different products.

[0042] The pelletizing device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite in this embodiment can reduce energy consumption and costs. The fine powder produced by crushing and spheroidization in traditional processes is usually regarded as waste or low-value by-products, which are difficult to effectively utilize, resulting in a waste of raw materials. The core of the polymerization mechanism of this embodiment is to reintegrate the fine powder as "raw material" into the product, forming a qualified product by adhering to larger particles, which significantly improves the utilization efficiency of the fine powder. The horizontal polymerization chamber 2 is designed to be closed, which effectively reduces dust emission and improves the utilization rate of raw materials. Because the raw materials are all converted into finished products, the power consumption per ton of product is greatly reduced under the same power consumption, effectively reducing costs while improving the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite, a non-renewable strategic mineral resource.

[0043] The polymerization chamber 2 adopts a horizontal design, which is different from the traditional vertical series equipment. It can enable the graphite raw materials to continuously dynamically collide, shape and embed polymerize in the device. By precisely controlling the speed of the motor 11, the particles obtain the appropriate kinetic energy to collide with each other. This continuous, controllable intensity collision and friction process will gradually grind off the sharp corners and edges of the flake graphite powder. During the collision process, the fine powder or micropowder with high surface activity produced will adhere to the larger particles or the surface of the particles being formed under the appropriate collision energy and surface state, and gradually "grow" into more regular and denser spherical particles. Compared with the problems of stratification, uneven collision and low yield of traditional vertical series pelletizing equipment, the horizontal design can provide a more uniform material mixing and collision environment, ensuring that all particles have the opportunity to participate in the shaping and polymerization process, so that the natural flake graphite powder raw materials gradually form a spherical structure in dynamic collision, and the single-time pelletizing rate is high.

[0044] The upper limit of the tap compaction of spherical graphite after polymerization has also been improved. During the dynamic collision process, the fine powder generated is not removed as waste, but is combined with larger core particles and surface gaps through adhesion, cold welding or embedding, making the particles as a whole denser and more densely stacked under the action of gravity. The void ratio between particles and the particles themselves is significantly reduced, which directly leads to a significant increase in the tap density. Traditional spherical graphite production lines are difficult to produce products with ultra-high tap density due to insufficient density. The tap density of spherical graphite products after polymerization has been improved, giving the material better performance.

[0045] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the blades 10 are inclined along the rotation direction of the main shaft 8, and the blades 10 are bent against the rotation direction of the main shaft 8. Specifically, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the main shaft 8 rotates counterclockwise, and the blades 10 are tilted counterclockwise relative to the radial position of the main shaft 8 and curved clockwise. Blades 10 can be made of high-strength steel. These blades 10, arranged in this manner, eject material particles tangentially relative to the upright flat plates radially disposed along the main shaft 8, increasing the frequency and energy of particle collisions. This structure of the rotor 7 enables higher material aggregation efficiency at high speeds.

[0046] In some embodiments, a filter cartridge is provided in the pressure relief port 5 to release the air pressure generated during the polymerization process while preventing the micro-powder material from leaking out.

[0047] In some embodiments, the frame 1 includes an upper frame 15 and a lower frame 16 hinged together, the polymerization chamber 2 and the motor 11 are both arranged on the upper frame 15, the discharge channel 6 is arranged at the lower part of the polymerization chamber 2 along the axial direction of the main shaft 8, and a first telescopic element 17 is provided between the upper frame 15 and the lower frame 16. One end of the first telescopic element 17 is hinged to the upper frame 15 and the other end is hinged to the lower frame 16. The first telescopic element 17 is used to drive the upper frame 15 to rotate relative to the lower frame 16, and the rotation axis of the upper frame 15 is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft 8. The first telescopic element 17 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric push rod. The purpose of setting the above structure is to facilitate discharging. When discharging is required, the extension of the first telescopic element 17 causes the upper frame 15 to rotate relative to the lower frame 16, thereby driving the polymerization chamber 2 to tilt and accelerate the discharge of materials.

[0048] In some embodiments, the discharge channel 6 can be configured to include a first channel 19 connected to the polymerization chamber 2, and a second channel 20 radially connected to the first channel 19. The second channel 20 is in communication with the first channel 19. The sealing structure includes a second telescopic element 18 mounted on the end of the first channel 19 away from the polymerization chamber 2. The movable end of the second telescopic element 18 is provided with a seal that engages with the inner wall of the first channel 19 and is movable within the first channel 19. The second telescopic element 18 can be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric push rod. The expansion and contraction of the second telescopic element 18 drives the seal (not shown) within the first channel 19 to open and close the discharge channel 6. When the seal moves to the side of the connection between the first and second channels 19, 20, closer to the polymerization chamber 2, the discharge channel 6 is sealed. Conversely, the discharge channel 6 opens, and material can be discharged from the second channel 20.

[0049] A method for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite using a spheroidizing device according to any of the above technical solutions comprises the following steps:

[0050] Step 1: Start the motor 11 and adjust the speed of the motor 11 to a low speed, add the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent into the polymerization chamber 2 through the feeding port and the liquid feeding port, and after the addition is completed, seal the feeding port and the liquid feeding port;

[0051] Step 2: Adjust the speed of the motor 11 to high speed, and the rotor 7 rotates at high speed, so that the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent are polymerized into large particles. During the polymerization process, the material particles collide with each other and with the rotor 7 and the warehouse wall 13 at high speed. The particles with a particle size larger than the desired product particle size range are broken into small particles, and the particles with a particle size smaller than the desired product particle size range are aggregated into large particles, so that the material particles eventually reach the desired particle size range;

[0052] Step 3: Open the pressure relief port 5 to release the air pressure generated during the polymerization of the material;

[0053] Step 4: Open the discharge channel 6 and discharge the material through the discharge channel 6.

[0054] The method improves the utilization efficiency of natural flake graphite powder.

[0055] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite, characterized in that: include: Rack (1); A polymerization chamber (2) is arranged on the top of the frame (1), and is provided with a feed port (3) for adding materials, a liquid inlet (4) for adding a polymerization agent, a pressure relief port (5) for pressure relief, and a discharge channel (6) for discharging materials. The feed port (3), the liquid inlet (4), and the pressure relief port (5) are all provided with sealing structures for sealing, and the discharge channel (6) is provided with a blocking structure for blocking the discharge channel (6); A rotor (7) is arranged in the polymerization chamber (2), the rotor (7) comprising a main shaft (8), two side plates (9) connected to both ends of the main shaft (8), and a plurality of blades (10) connected to the main shaft (8), the blades (10) extending axially along the main shaft (8) and connected to the two side plates (9) respectively, and the plurality of blades (10) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the main shaft (8); the two ends of the main shaft (8) are respectively connected to the polymerization chamber (2) in a rotationally sealed manner; a motor (11), arranged on the frame (1); and A transmission mechanism (12) is provided between the motor (11) and the rotor (7) and is used to realize transmission between the motor (11) and the rotor (7).

2. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polymerization bin (2) is in the shape of a horizontal cylinder. The polymerization bin (2) comprises a bin wall (13) and end covers (14) connected to both ends of the bin wall (13). The main shaft (8) is connected to the two end covers (14) respectively.

3. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blades (10) are inclined along the rotation direction of the main shaft (8), and the blades (10) are bent in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the main shaft (8).

4. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main shaft (8) is connected to the polymerization chamber (2) via a sealed bearing.

5. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor (11) is a variable frequency motor (11).

6. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (12) is a belt transmission mechanism (12).

7. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter cartridge is provided in the pressure relief port (5).

8. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) includes an upper frame (15) and a lower frame (16) that are hinged together. The polymerization chamber (2) and the motor (11) are both arranged on the upper frame (15). The unloading channel (6) is arranged at the lower part of one side of the polymerization chamber (2) along the axial direction of the main shaft (8). A first telescopic element (17) is provided between the upper frame (15) and the lower frame (16). One end of the first telescopic element (17) is hinged to the upper frame (15) and the other end is hinged to the lower frame (16). The first telescopic element (17) is used to drive the upper frame (15) to rotate relative to the lower frame (16). The rotation axis of the upper frame (15) is perpendicular to the axis of the main shaft (8).

9. The device for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite according to claim 8, characterized in that: The unloading channel (6) includes a first channel (19) connected to the polymerization chamber (2), and a second channel (20) connected to a radial side of the first channel (19), the second channel (20) is communicated with the first channel (19), and the blocking structure includes a second telescopic element (18) installed at an end of the first channel (19) away from the polymerization chamber (2), and the movable end of the second telescopic element (18) is provided with a sealing member that cooperates with the inner wall of the first channel (19), and the sealing member can move in the first channel (19).

10. A method for producing spherical graphite from natural flake graphite using the device for producing spherical graphite according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1, start the motor (11) and adjust the speed of the motor (11) to a low speed, add the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent into the polymerization chamber (2) through the feeding port and the liquid feeding port, and after the addition is completed, seal the feeding port and the liquid feeding port; Step 2: Adjust the speed of the motor (11) to a high speed, and the rotor (7) rotates at a high speed, so that the natural flake graphite powder raw material and the polymerization agent are polymerized into large particles. During the polymerization process, the material particles collide with each other and with the rotor (7) and the silo wall (13) at high speed. The particles with a particle size larger than the desired product particle size range are broken into small particles, and the particles with a particle size smaller than the desired product particle size range are aggregated into large particles, and finally the material particles reach the desired particle size range. Step 3: Open the pressure relief port (5) to release the air pressure generated during the polymerization of the material; Step 4: Open the discharge channel (6) and discharge the material through the discharge channel (6).

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