A mixing solution preparation device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a mixing apparatus for preparing a liquid mixture, relating to the field of lithium-ion battery technology. The mixing apparatus includes a liquid storage component, a preparation tank, and a stirring component. The liquid storage component includes a pure water tank and at least two solution storage tanks. The pure water tank stores pure water, and each solution storage tank stores a solution to be mixed. All at least two solution storage tanks and the pure water tank are connected to the inlet of the preparation tank. The stirring component is disposed within the preparation tank and includes a first stirring element and a second stirring element. The driving direction of the first stirring element on the liquid mixture is angled to the driving direction of the second stirring element on the liquid mixture. This mixing apparatus can improve the flow rate and flow range of multiple liquids, thereby increasing the mixing rate and improving the mixing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium-ion battery technology, and in particular to a device for preparing a mixture. 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. Currently, the cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries include binary, ternary, or multi-component materials. In the preparation process of cathode materials, the synthesis of precursors is one of the key steps, directly affecting the electrochemical performance of the final cathode material.

[0003] Traditional precursor preparation typically employs a co-precipitation method, which involves mixing two or more metal salt solutions (such as sulfate or nitrate solutions of Ni, Co, and Mn) under specific conditions, followed by the addition of a precipitant to form a homogeneous precursor precipitate. However, mixing multiple solutions requires a considerable amount of time. Insufficient mixing can lead to inaccurate concentration measurements, affecting the proportions of the various metals, and can also result in heterogeneous precipitation after the precipitant reacts, leading to irregular precursor particle morphology and impacting the performance of the final product. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mixing device that can improve the flow rate and flow range of multiple liquids, thereby increasing the mixing rate and improving the mixing effect.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A mixing apparatus, comprising:

[0007] A liquid storage assembly includes a pure water tank and at least two solution storage tanks, wherein the pure water tank is used to store pure water and each of the solution storage tanks is used to store a solution to be mixed;

[0008] The preparation tank, at least two of the solution storage tanks and the pure water tank are all connected to the inlet of the preparation tank;

[0009] A stirring assembly is disposed in the preparation tank. The stirring assembly includes a first stirring element and a second stirring element, and the driving direction of the first stirring element on the mixture is set at an angle to the driving direction of the second stirring element on the mixture.

[0010] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the liquid storage assembly further includes a mixing tank for storing the mixing solution. The mixing tank is connected to the inlet of the preparation tank, and the mixing solution is used to increase the concentration of at least one solute in the mixture.

[0011] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the preparation device further includes a concentration detection component and a valve component. The concentration detection component is configured to detect the concentration of at least two solutes in the preparation tank, and the valve component is configured to control the opening of the pure water tank and at least two of the solution storage tanks.

[0012] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the concentration detection component includes a plurality of first concentration detection elements, which are arranged circumferentially in the preparation tank.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the concentration detection component includes a plurality of second concentration detection elements, which are arranged at intervals in the preparation tank along the vertical direction.

[0014] As an alternative to the above-mentioned mixing solution preparation device, the first stirring element is disposed downstream of the driving direction of the second stirring element on the mixing solution.

[0015] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the preparation device further includes a temperature control tank, which is connected to the outlet of the preparation tank, and the temperature control tank is configured to control the temperature of the mixture.

[0016] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the temperature control tank includes a tank body and a jacket disposed on the outer wall of the tank body. The jacket has a medium inlet and a medium outlet, and the height of the medium inlet is lower than the height of the medium outlet.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, the preparation device further includes a buffer tank, which is connected to the preparation tank.

[0018] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned mixture preparation device, a reflux pipe is provided at the bottom of the buffer tank, the reflux pipe is connected to the inlet of the preparation tank, and a reflux pump is provided on the reflux pipe, the reflux pump being configured to drive the solution in the buffer tank into the preparation tank.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] This invention provides a mixing apparatus for preparing a mixed solution. In this apparatus, each solution storage tank stores one solution to be mixed, and a pure water tank stores pure water. When a mixed solution needs to be prepared, the required volume of each solution and the required volume of pure water can be calculated based on the concentration of each solution, and both the solution and pure water are allowed to flow into the mixing tank for preparation. A stirring assembly drives the flow of the mixed solution through a first stirring element and a second stirring element, with the driving direction of the first stirring element and the driving direction of the second stirring element forming an angle, enabling all the mixed solution in the mixing tank to flow, thereby improving the mixing of multiple solutions.

[0021] This configuration device can increase the flow rate and flow range of various liquids, thereby increasing the mixing rate of various liquids and improving the mixing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mixing liquid preparation device provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Liquid storage assembly; 11. Solution storage tank; 12. Pure water tank; 13. Mixing tank;

[0025] 2. Preparation tank;

[0026] 3. Agitator assembly; 31. First agitator component; 32. Second agitator component;

[0027] 4. Concentration detection component; 41. First concentration detection element; 42. Second concentration detection element;

[0028] 5. Temperature control bath; 51. Bath body; 52. Jacket;

[0029] 6. Buffer slot; 61. Return pipe;

[0030] 7. Flow valve. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Precursor preparation typically employs a co-precipitation method, which involves mixing two or more metal salt solutions (such as sulfate or nitrate solutions of Ni, Co, and Mn) under specific conditions, and then adding a precipitant to the mixture to form a homogeneous precursor precipitate.

[0037] This embodiment provides a mixing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the mixing apparatus) for mixing two or more metal salt solutions (such as sulfate or nitrate solutions of Ni, Co, and Mn). Figure 1As shown, the configuration device includes a liquid storage component 1 and a preparation tank 2. The liquid storage component 1 includes a pure water tank 12 and at least two solution storage tanks 11. The pure water tank 12 is used to store pure water, and each solution storage tank 11 is used to store a solution to be mixed. The at least two solution storage tanks 11 and the pure water tank 12 are all connected to the liquid inlet of the preparation tank 2.

[0038] The solution storage tanks 11 are used to store sulfate or nitrate solutions of Ni, Co, and Mn respectively. If a binary precursor is prepared, the liquid storage assembly 1 has two solution storage tanks 11; if a ternary precursor is prepared, the liquid storage assembly 1 has three solution storage tanks 11. In this embodiment, taking the preparation of a Ni-Co binary precursor as an example, the two solution storage tanks 11 are a nickel solution storage tank 11 and a cobalt solution storage tank 11, respectively.

[0039] In this preparation device, each solution storage tank 11 is used to store a solution to be mixed, and the pure water tank 12 is used to store pure water. When it is necessary to prepare a mixed solution, the volume of nickel solution, cobalt solution and pure water to be added is calculated according to the concentration of nickel solution, the concentration of cobalt solution, the concentration and volume of nickel-cobalt binary solution to be prepared, and the liquids are all made to flow into the preparation tank 2 to prepare the mixed solution.

[0040] However, mixing multiple liquids takes a long time. If the mixing is insufficient, it can easily lead to inaccurate concentration measurements, thus affecting the ratio between the various metals. It can also easily form heterogeneous precipitates after reacting with the precipitant, resulting in irregular precursor particle morphology and affecting the performance of the final product.

[0041] To address the aforementioned issues, the configuration device further includes a stirring assembly 3, which is disposed within the preparation tank 2. The stirring assembly 3 comprises a first stirring element 31 and a second stirring element 32, with the driving direction of the first stirring element 31 towards the mixture forming an angle with the driving direction of the second stirring element 32. The stirring assembly 3 drives the flow of the mixture through the first stirring element 31 and the second stirring element 32, and the angled driving direction of the first stirring element 31 towards the mixture and the driving direction of the second stirring element 32 towards the mixture allows all the mixture within the preparation tank 2 to flow, thereby improving the mixing of multiple solutions.

[0042] This configuration device can increase the flow rate and flow range of various liquids, thereby increasing the mixing rate of various liquids and improving the mixing effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first stirring element 31 is positioned downstream of the second stirring element 32 in the driving direction of the mixture. The second stirring element 32 drives the mixture to flow towards the first stirring element 31, and then the mixture changes its flow direction under the drive of the first stirring element 31, enabling the mixture to flow fully within the preparation tank 2, thereby improving mixing efficiency and effect. Preferably, the first stirring element 31 is located above the second stirring element 32, and the second stirring element 32 drives the mixture to flow upward.

[0044] Specifically, the first stirring element 31 is a flat-bladed turbine propeller, which includes a first rotating part and a plurality of flat blades spaced circumferentially around the outer periphery of the first rotating part. Each flat blade extends radially along the flat-bladed turbine propeller. When the flat-bladed turbine propeller rotates, the plurality of flat blades can drive the mixture to diffuse outward radially. In this embodiment, the flat-bladed turbine propeller is provided with a total of six flat blades.

[0045] Preferably, the second stirring element 32 is an inclined blade impeller, which includes a second rotating part and a plurality of inclined blades spaced axially around the outer periphery of the second rotating part. When the inclined blade impeller rotates, the plurality of inclined blades can drive the mixture to flow axially. In this embodiment, the inclined blade impeller is provided with a total of three inclined blades.

[0046] In this embodiment, the driving direction of the first stirring member 31 on the mixture is perpendicular to the driving direction of the second stirring member 32 on the mixture. The first stirring member 31 can drive the mixture to spread horizontally, and the second stirring member 32 can drive the mixture to flow vertically. The first stirring member 31 and the second stirring member 32 can make the mixture flow in one direction, making the flow of the mixture smoother. This is conducive to forming a stable circulating flow path in the preparation tank 2 and to the full mixing of various liquids.

[0047] To simplify the structure, the stirring assembly 3 also includes a drive shaft. The first stirring element 31 and the second stirring element 32 are both coaxially fixed to the drive shaft and spaced apart in the vertical direction. Compared to the scheme where two drive shafts drive the first stirring element 31 and the second stirring element 32 respectively, using the same drive shaft to drive the first stirring element 31 and the second stirring element 32 to rotate simultaneously saves a power system. Moreover, it allows the first stirring element 31 and the second stirring element 32 to be arranged facing each other in the vertical direction, which facilitates the second stirring element 32 driving all the mixture to flow to the first stirring element 31.

[0048] To more accurately control the flow rates of the solution storage tank 11 and the pure water tank 12, the device also includes a valve assembly configured to control the opening degree of the pure water tank 12 and at least two solution storage tanks 11. The valve assembly includes multiple flow valves 7, with a flow valve 7 installed between the pure water tank 12 and the preparation tank 2, and between each solution storage tank 11 and the preparation tank 2.

[0049] When initially preparing the mixture, the volume of nickel solution, cobalt solution, and pure water to be added is calculated based on the concentration of the nickel solution, the concentration of the cobalt solution, the concentration and volume of the nickel-cobalt binary solution to be prepared, and the flow rate of the corresponding pure water tank 12 or solution storage tank 11 is monitored by the flow valve 7 to ensure that the required mixture is obtained.

[0050] The mixture needs to be drawn out of the reactor for co-precipitation. Simultaneously, the solution storage tank 11 and the pure water tank 12 need to continuously supply liquid to the preparation tank 2 for continuous mixing, ensuring a sufficient quantity of the mixture. At this time, the quantities of each component in the preparation tank 2 are dynamic. To ensure the accuracy of the metal ion concentration in the preparation tank 2, the device also includes a concentration detection component 4. The concentration detection component 4 is configured to detect the concentrations of at least two solutes in the preparation tank 2. Based on the detection results of the concentration detection component 4, the opening degree of the corresponding switching valve can be adjusted.

[0051] For example, if the concentration of nickel ions in the mixture decreases, the opening of the valve between the nickel solution storage tank 11 and the preparation tank 2 can be increased; similarly, if the concentration of cobalt ions in the mixture decreases, the opening of the valve between the cobalt solution storage tank 11 and the preparation tank 2 can be increased; if the concentration of nickel ions and / or cobalt ions increases, the opening of the valve between the pure water tank 12 and the preparation tank 2 can be increased.

[0052] In this embodiment, the concentration detection component 4 includes a plurality of first concentration detection elements 41, which are arranged circumferentially and spaced apart in the preparation tank 2. The first concentration detection elements 41 can detect the concentration of the mixture at the same height position and can detect multiple points. They can also determine whether the mixture is uniform by comparison. If it is uniform, the rotation speed of the stirring component 3 can be reduced; if not, the rotation speed of the stirring component 3 can be increased.

[0053] In this embodiment, the concentration detection component 4 includes a plurality of second concentration detection elements 42, which are arranged vertically at intervals within the preparation tank 2. The second concentration detection elements 42 can detect the concentration of the mixture at different height positions and perform multi-point detection. They can also determine whether the mixture is uniform by comparison. If so, the rotation speed of the stirring component 3 can be reduced; if not, the rotation speed of the stirring component 3 can be increased.

[0054] In this embodiment, the liquid storage component 1 further includes a mixing tank 13, which is used to store the mixing solution. The mixing tank 13 is connected to the inlet of the preparation tank 2. The mixing solution is used to increase the concentration of at least one solute in the mixture. It is understood that both the nickel solution and the cobalt solution come from the production workshop. When the production workshop experiences an anomaly, the concentration of the nickel solution and / or the cobalt solution may drop significantly, making it impossible to prepare a mixture with the required concentration. In this case, the preparation tank 2 is used to increase the concentration of the solute, thereby ensuring that a mixture meeting production requirements can be prepared within a certain time after the production workshop anomaly. This ensures that the production of the binary precursor is not affected by the production workshop anomaly, and also provides sufficient time for the production workshop to resolve the anomaly, thus improving production efficiency.

[0055] In addition, a flow valve 7 is also installed between the mixing tank 13 and the preparation tank 2.

[0056] Generally, the preparation tank 2 stores a high-concentration nickel solution, or the preparation tank 2 stores a high-concentration cobalt solution. Preferably, the liquid storage assembly 1 includes at least two preparation tanks 2, and the at least two preparation tanks 2 correspond one-to-one with at least two solution storage tanks 11. The solution in the preparation tank 2 is the same solution as the solution in the corresponding solution storage tank 11, and the concentration of the solution in the preparation tank 2 is higher than the concentration of the solution in the corresponding solution storage tank 11.

[0057] In this embodiment, the configuration device further includes a temperature control tank 5, which is connected to the outlet of the preparation tank 2. The temperature control tank 5 is configured to control the temperature of the mixture. The mixed solution flows into the temperature control tank 5, and the temperature of the mixture is controlled within a suitable range by the temperature control tank 5. The mixture with the appropriate temperature is then transported to the reaction vessel, which is beneficial to improving the reaction rate and the extent of the reaction.

[0058] Preferably, the temperature control tank 5 includes a tank body 51 and a jacket 52 disposed on the outer wall of the tank body 51. The jacket 52 has a medium inlet and a medium outlet, and the height of the medium inlet is lower than the height of the medium outlet. By introducing a medium into the jacket 52, the temperature of the mixed liquid in the tank body 51 can be effectively controlled. The fact that the height of the medium inlet is lower than the height of the medium outlet helps to fill the jacket 52 with medium, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] In this embodiment, the configuration device further includes a buffer tank 6, which is connected to the preparation tank 2. When there is a large amount of mixture in the preparation tank 2, the mixture can flow into the buffer tank 6 for buffering, preventing the preparation tank 2 from being filled with mixture and thus hindering effective concentration adjustment. The buffer tank 6 determines the maximum liquid level in the preparation tank 2, and even if the liquid level in the preparation tank 2 reaches the maximum level, nickel solution, cobalt solution, or pure water can still be injected into the preparation tank 2 to adjust the concentration.

[0060] Preferably, a reflux pipe 61 is provided at the bottom of the buffer tank 6, and the reflux pipe 61 is connected to the liquid inlet of the preparation tank 2. A reflux pump is provided on the reflux pipe 61, and the reflux pump is configured to drive the solution in the buffer tank 6 into the preparation tank 2. When the liquid level in the preparation tank 2 drops, the reflux pump can pump the mixture in the buffer tank 6 back into the preparation tank 2, and adjust the mixture to a suitable concentration by injecting nickel solution, cobalt solution, and pure water, effectively avoiding waste and reducing costs.

[0061] 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 mixing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The liquid storage assembly (1) includes a pure water tank (12) and at least two solution storage tanks (11), wherein the pure water tank (12) is used to store pure water and each of the solution storage tanks (11) is used to store a solution to be mixed; The preparation tank (2), at least two of the solution storage tanks (11) and the pure water tank (12) are all connected to the inlet of the preparation tank (2); A stirring assembly (3) is disposed in the preparation tank (2). The stirring assembly (3) includes a first stirring element (31) and a second stirring element (32), and the driving direction of the first stirring element (31) on the mixture is set at an angle to the driving direction of the second stirring element (32) on the mixture.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The liquid storage assembly (1) also includes a mixing tank (13) for storing the mixing solution. The mixing tank (13) is connected to the inlet of the preparation tank (2). The mixing solution is used to increase the concentration of at least one solute in the mixture.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The configuration device further includes a concentration detection component (4) and a valve assembly. The concentration detection component (4) is configured to detect the concentration of at least two solutes in the preparation tank (2), and the valve assembly is configured to control the opening of the pure water tank (12) and at least two of the solution storage tanks (11).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The concentration detection component (4) includes a plurality of first concentration detection elements (41), which are arranged circumferentially in the preparation tank (2).

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The concentration detection component (4) includes a plurality of second concentration detection elements (42), which are arranged at intervals in the preparation tank (2) along the vertical direction.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first stirring element (31) is located downstream of the second stirring element (32) in the driving direction of the mixture.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The configuration device also includes a temperature control tank (5), which is connected to the outlet of the preparation tank (2), and the temperature control tank (5) is configured to control the temperature of the mixture.

8. The apparatus for preparing the mixture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature control tank (5) includes a tank body (51) and a jacket (52) disposed on the outer wall of the tank body (51). The jacket (52) has a medium inlet and a medium outlet, and the height of the medium inlet is lower than the height of the medium outlet.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The configuration device further includes a buffer slot (6), which is connected to the preparation slot (2).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The bottom of the buffer tank (6) is provided with a reflux pipe (61), which is connected to the liquid inlet of the preparation tank (2). A reflux pump is provided on the reflux pipe (61), which is configured to drive the solution in the buffer tank (6) into the preparation tank (2).

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