Reaction system capable of preventing kettle overflowing
By installing a level gauge and a switching valve in the reactor, and using a buffer tank and a reflux pipe to divert the reaction liquid, the problem of reactor overflow during the preparation of lithium-ion battery cathode materials was solved, thus achieving safe production and material protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEM & ECOPRO CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
In the process of preparing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, problems with the feeding control of the reactor can easily lead to overflow, resulting in material loss and safety hazards.
A reaction system to prevent overflow was designed. The liquid level in the reactor is controlled by setting a level gauge and switching valve. The reaction liquid is diverted by using a buffer tank and a reflux pipe to reduce the rate of liquid level rise or stop the liquid level rise, thus avoiding overflow.
This effectively prevents overflow from the reactor, reduces material loss, eliminates safety hazards, and improves production safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224142205U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a reaction system for preventing overflow. Background Technology
[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are a new generation of high-performance, green, and high-energy batteries, and have become one of the key areas of high-tech development. The main components of lithium-ion batteries include electrolytes, separators, and positive and negative electrode materials, with the positive electrode material directly affecting the battery's performance. The preparation process of the positive electrode material requires the initial preparation of a precursor using a reaction vessel.
[0003] To improve efficiency and reduce labor costs, the preparation process of precursors is mostly being improved towards automation. The feeding of the reactor and the amount of feed are controlled by automatic valves. If the metering pump malfunctions and the automatic valve does not stop feeding, overflow of the reactor is likely to occur, which not only causes a large loss of materials, but also poses a great safety hazard to normal production. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reaction system that prevents overflow from the reactor. This system can reduce the rate of rise of the liquid level in the reactor or stop the rise of the liquid level, thereby preventing overflow, avoiding material loss, and eliminating safety hazards.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A reaction system for preventing overflow, comprising:
[0007] A raw material preparation tank, wherein the raw material preparation tank contains a reaction liquid;
[0008] The reactor is connected to the raw material preparation tank via a feed pipe so that the reaction liquid can enter the reactor. A first switching valve is installed on the feed pipe, and a first level gauge is installed inside the reactor. The first level gauge is communicatively connected to the first switching valve.
[0009] The buffer tank is connected to the feed pipe via a buffer tube. When the liquid level in the reactor is higher than the height of the first level gauge, the reaction liquid can enter the buffer tank.
[0010] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, the connection between the buffer tube and the feed tube is located upstream of the first switching valve. When the liquid level in the reactor is higher than the height of the first level gauge, the first switching valve is closed.
[0011] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned reaction system for preventing overflow, the reaction system further includes a second switching valve, which is disposed on the buffer tube.
[0012] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, a second level gauge is installed inside the reaction vessel. The second level gauge is located below the first level gauge and is communicatively connected to the second switching valve. When the liquid level in the reaction vessel is higher than the height of the second level gauge, the second switching valve opens.
[0013] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, the buffer tank is connected to the reaction vessel via a first reflux pipe, and the connection position of the first reflux pipe to the reaction vessel is higher than the first level gauge.
[0014] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, the reaction system further includes a thickener, an overflow port is provided on the side wall of the reaction vessel, the thickener is connected to the overflow port through a first separation pipe, the bottom of the thickener is connected to the reaction vessel through a reflux pipe, and a first pump body is provided on the reflux pipe.
[0015] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, the overflow port is lower than the first level gauge.
[0016] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, the bottom of the reaction vessel is connected to the top of the thickener through a second separation pipe, and a second pump body is provided on the second separation pipe.
[0017] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned reaction system for preventing overflow, a first stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the reaction vessel; and / or,
[0018] A second stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the thickener.
[0019] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned reaction system to prevent overflow, a third level gauge is installed in the thickener. When the liquid level in the thickener is higher than the third level gauge, the first pump is started.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0021] This invention provides a reaction system to prevent overflow. In this system, a reaction solution containing cations enters the reactor from the raw material preparation tank through a feed pipe to react and generate a precursor for the positive electrode material. If the metering pump on the discharge pipe malfunctions, the reactor will be unable to discharge material, causing the liquid level in the reactor to rise. When the liquid level in the reactor is higher than the height of the first level gauge, the reaction solution can enter the buffer tank.
[0022] This reaction system can divert the feed pipe of the reactor, reduce the rate of liquid level rise in the reactor or stop the liquid level rise, thus preventing overflow of the reactor, avoiding material loss, and eliminating safety hazards. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reaction system for preventing overflow provided by this utility model.
[0024] In the picture:
[0025] 1. Raw material preparation tank; 11. Feeding pipe; 12. First switching valve; 13. First level gauge; 14. Second level gauge; 15. Overflow port;
[0026] 2. Reactor;
[0027] 3. Buffer tank; 31. Buffer tube; 32. Second switching valve; 33. First return pipe; 34. Third pump body;
[0028] 4. Thickener; 41. First separation tube; 42. Second reflux tube; 43. First pump body; 44. Second separation tube; 45. Second pump body; 46. Third level gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown 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 this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.
[0031] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and connections within two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" of a second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0034] Lithium-ion batteries are a new generation of high-performance, green, and high-energy batteries, and have become one of the key areas of high-tech development. The main components of lithium-ion batteries include electrolytes, separators, and positive and negative electrode materials, with the positive electrode material directly affecting the performance of the lithium-ion battery.
[0035] This embodiment provides a reaction system, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reaction system includes a raw material preparation tank 1 and a reaction vessel 2. The raw material preparation tank 1 contains a reaction liquid, and the reaction vessel 2 is connected to the raw material preparation tank 1 through a feed pipe 11 to allow the reaction liquid to enter the reaction vessel 2. Then, by introducing a precipitant and a complexing agent into the reaction vessel 2, a co-precipitation reaction occurs. By precisely controlling the above chemical reaction, a high-performance precursor with good uniformity can be obtained. After the above precursor is subjected to centrifugation, washing, drying, and demagnetization, near-spherical precursor particles can be obtained.
[0036] In this embodiment, a ternary precursor is used as an example for illustration. The reaction solution in the raw material preparation tank 1 is a mixed salt solution of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (usually sulfate, nitrate, or chloride). The reaction vessel 2 is equipped with a feed port and a vent. The feed port allows the addition of alkaline solution as a precipitant and ammonia water as a complexing agent to the reaction vessel 2. The vent allows the reaction vessel 2 to be filled with a protective gas, typically nitrogen, but also rare gases.
[0037] To improve efficiency and reduce labor costs, the preparation process of precursors is mostly being automated, with the feeding of reactor 2 and the feeding rate controlled by automatic valves. If the metering pump malfunctions and the automatic valve fails to stop the feeding, overflow can easily occur, causing not only a large loss of material but also significant safety hazards to normal production.
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, to solve the above problems, this embodiment provides an improved reaction system (hereinafter referred to as the reaction system) to prevent overflow, based on the above-described reaction system. Figure 1 As shown, the reaction system includes a buffer tank 3, a first switching valve 12 is installed on the feed pipe 11, a first level gauge 13 is installed in the reaction vessel 2, the first level gauge 13 is communicatively connected to the first switching valve 12, the buffer tank 3 is connected to the feed pipe 11 through the buffer pipe 31, and when the liquid level in the reaction vessel 2 is higher than the height of the first level gauge 13, the reaction liquid can enter the buffer tank 3.
[0039] In this reaction system, the reaction liquid containing cations enters the reactor 2 through the feed pipe 11 from the raw material preparation tank 1 to react and generate the precursor of the positive electrode material. When the metering pump on the discharge pipe of the reactor 2 malfunctions, the reactor 2 will be unable to discharge the material, which will cause the liquid level in the reactor 2 to rise. When the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the height of the first liquid level gauge 13, the reaction liquid can enter the buffer tank 3.
[0040] This reaction system can divert the feed pipe of reactor 2, reduce the rate of liquid level rise in reactor 2 or stop the liquid level rise in reactor 2, avoid overflow of reactor 2, avoid material loss, and eliminate safety hazards.
[0041] In some embodiments, the material in reactor 2 can overflow into buffer tank 3 to prevent reactor 2 from overflowing. However, since the material in reactor 2 is not neutral, it is prone to corroding buffer tank 3, and the sediment produced by the material reaction can also easily contaminate buffer tank 3, increasing cleaning costs.
[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, to solve the above problem, the connection between the buffer pipe 31 and the feed pipe 11 is located upstream of the first switching valve 12. When the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the height of the first level gauge 13, the first switching valve 12 is closed. That is, when the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the height of the first level gauge 13, the first switching valve 12 cuts off the connection between the feed pipe 11 and the reactor 2, allowing the reaction liquid to flow into the buffer tank 3 through the buffer pipe 31.
[0043] In some embodiments, to prevent the reaction liquid from flowing into the buffer tank 3 and causing insufficient material in the reaction vessel 2 when the reaction system is operating normally, the reaction system also includes a second switching valve 32, which is disposed on the buffer tube 31. When the liquid level in the reaction vessel 2 is higher than the first level gauge 13, the second switching valve 32 is in the open state to prevent the second switching valve 32 from blocking the reaction liquid from passing through the buffer tube 31.
[0044] Furthermore, a second level gauge 14 is installed inside the reactor 2. The second level gauge 14 is located below the first level gauge 13. The second level gauge 14 is communicatively connected to the second switch valve 32. When the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the height of the second level gauge 14, the second switch valve 32 is opened.
[0045] The second level gauge 14 is designed to establish two risk levels for the material level within the reactor 2. When the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the second level gauge 14, it is considered low risk. In this case, the second level gauge 14 can be opened, causing the buffer tube 31 to divert the flow from the feed tube 11, reducing the amount of reaction liquid entering the reactor 2 and thus slowing down the rate of liquid level rise. This structure ensures the normal progress of the reaction within the reactor 2 without causing overflow. When the liquid level in the reactor 2 is higher than the first level gauge 13, it is considered high risk. In this case, the rise of the liquid level in the reactor 2 needs to be strictly limited, so the first switch valve 12 is closed, allowing all the reaction liquid to enter the buffer tank 3.
[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the buffer tank 3 and the reactor 2 are connected by a first reflux pipe 33, and the connection point of the first reflux pipe 33 to the reactor 2 is higher than the first level gauge 13. After the reaction system malfunction is resolved, the reaction liquid in the buffer tank 3 can re-enter the reactor 2 through the first reflux pipe 33 to participate in the reaction, thereby saving materials and eliminating the need for manual recovery of the reaction liquid by operators. Moreover, the higher connection point of the first reflux pipe 33 to the reactor 2 prevents materials in the reactor 2 from entering the first reflux pipe 33 and accumulating and clogging it over time, greatly reducing maintenance requirements. To ensure that the reaction liquid in the buffer tank 3 can enter the reactor 2, a third pump body 34 is installed on the first reflux pipe 33.
[0047] Understandably, in order to increase the concentration of the precursor in the reactor 2, the reaction system also includes a thickener 4. The side wall of the reactor 2 is provided with an overflow port 15. The thickener 4 is connected to the overflow port 15 through a first separation pipe 41. The bottom of the thickener 4 is connected to the reactor 2 through a second reflux pipe 42, and a first pump body 43 is provided on the second reflux pipe 42.
[0048] Thickener 4 is a device that uses the principle of gravity sedimentation to achieve solid-liquid separation. When the material in reactor 2 enters thickener 4 through overflow port 15, the suspended solids will settle downwards, thus forming stratification in thickener 4. The upper layer is mother liquor, and the lower layer is high-concentration underflow. When the suspension in reactor 2 enters thickener 4 through the first separation pipe 41 and overflow port 15, it will form stratification due to sedimentation. The underflow can be driven by the first pump body 43 to re-enter reactor 2 through the second return pipe 42, which increases the concentration of the slurry in reactor 2.
[0049] Generally, thickener 4 is equipped with multiple filter rods, which are arranged in a regular manner and connected to a vacuum buffer tank. After part of the slurry is filtered by the filter rods, the particles in the slurry are intercepted in thickener 4. The mother liquor filtered by the filter rods is collected and connected to the vacuum buffer tank through a flow meter and a pneumatic valve.
[0050] It is worth noting that, in order to ensure the normal operation of the reaction system, the overflow port 15 is lower than the first level gauge 13. That is to say, the material in the reactor 2 can enter the thickener 4 for solid-liquid separation without triggering the first level gauge 13, and the liquid level in the reactor 2 is at the normal level.
[0051] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the overflow port 15 is lower than the second level gauge 14. Since the buffer tube 31 diverts the feed tube 11 when the second level gauge 14 is triggered, thus affecting the reaction in the reactor 2 to some extent, keeping the overflow port 15 lower than the second level gauge 14 can also ensure that the material in the reactor 2 can enter the thickener 4 under normal reaction conditions.
[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the reactor 2 is connected to the top of the thickener 4 through the second separation pipe 44, and a second pump body 45 is installed on the second separation pipe 44. If the vacuum negative pressure system of the thickener 4 fails, the material in the reactor 2 can be transferred from the bottom of the reactor 2 to the top of the thickener 4 through the second separation pipe 44 by starting the second pump body 45, and the mother liquor can be discharged by positive pressure filtration.
[0053] In this embodiment, a first stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the reaction vessel 2. When the first stirring paddle rotates, it can instantly disperse the high-concentration alkaline solution and mixed salt solution, avoiding the formation of fine irregular particles due to excessively high local concentration of OH-. It can also promote the uniform distribution of metal ions complexed with ammonia water, ensuring that the slowly released metal ions react synchronously with OH-.
[0054] In this embodiment, a second stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the thickener 4. When the second stirring paddle rotates, it can help the dispersed particles come into contact with each other and form larger flocs (flocs), thereby accelerating sedimentation. It can also prevent particles from being suspended for a long time due to Brownian motion or electrostatic effects, thus improving sedimentation efficiency.
[0055] The first stirring paddle needs to ensure the uniformity of the liquid in the reactor 2, so its rotation speed is relatively high. The second stirring paddle needs to avoid agitating the sedimentation precursor particles over a large area to prevent affecting the sedimentation effect, so its rotation speed is relatively low. The rotation speed of the first stirring paddle is higher than that of the second stirring paddle.
[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, a third level gauge 46 is installed inside the thickener 4. When the liquid level in the thickener 4 is higher than the third level gauge 46, the first pump 43 is activated. Normally, as the liquid in the thickener 4 separates into layers, the upper layer of mother liquor is discharged for recovery or recycling. When the liquid level in the thickener 4 is higher than the third level gauge 46, it indicates that the liquid in the thickener 4 has settled for a period of time. At this time, the first pump 43 is needed to allow the underflow to flow back into the reactor 2.
[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope based on the idea of this utility model. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
Claims
1. A reaction system for preventing bumping, characterized by, include: Raw material preparation tank (1), wherein the raw material preparation tank (1) is filled with reaction liquid; The reactor (2) is connected to the raw material preparation tank (1) through the feed pipe (11) so that the reaction liquid can enter the reactor (2). The feed pipe (11) is equipped with a first switch valve (12). The reactor (2) is equipped with a first level gauge (13). The first level gauge (13) is communicatively connected to the first switch valve (12). The buffer tank (3) is connected to the feed pipe (11) through the buffer pipe (31). When the liquid level in the reactor (2) is higher than the height of the first liquid level gauge (13), the reaction liquid can enter the buffer tank (3).
2. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 1, characterized by, The connection between the buffer tube (31) and the feed tube (11) is located upstream of the first switch valve (12). When the liquid level in the reactor (2) is higher than the height of the first level gauge (13), the first switch valve (12) is closed.
3. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 1, wherein The reaction system also includes a second switching valve (32), which is disposed on the buffer tube (31).
4. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 3, wherein The reactor (2) is equipped with a second level gauge (14), which is located below the first level gauge (13). The second level gauge (14) is connected to the second switch valve (32). When the liquid level in the reactor (2) is higher than the height of the second level gauge (14), the second switch valve (32) is opened.
5. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 1, wherein The buffer tank (3) is connected to the reactor (2) through a first reflux pipe (33), and the connection position of the first reflux pipe (33) to the reactor (2) is higher than the first level gauge (13).
6. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 1, wherein The reaction system also includes a thickener (4), and the side wall of the reaction vessel (2) is provided with an overflow port (15). The thickener (4) and the overflow port (15) are connected through a first separation pipe (41). The bottom of the thickener (4) is connected to the reaction vessel (2) through a reflux pipe, and a first pump body (43) is provided on the reflux pipe.
7. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 6, wherein The overflow port (15) is lower than the first level gauge (13).
8. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 6, wherein The bottom of the reactor (2) is connected to the top of the thickener (4) through a second separation pipe (44), and a second pump body (45) is provided on the second separation pipe (44).
9. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 6, wherein A first stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the reaction vessel (2); and / or, A second stirring paddle is rotatably installed inside the thickener (4).
10. The reaction system to prevent kick according to claim 6, wherein The thickener (4) is equipped with a third level gauge (46). When the liquid level in the thickener (4) is higher than the third level gauge (46), the first pump body (43) is started.