A processing device for lithium battery electrode materials

Abstract

This utility model discloses a processing device for lithium battery electrode materials, including a processing tank, a stirring and separating cylinder, a lifting assembly, and a rotating drive assembly. The stirring and separating cylinder includes a cylinder body, a cylinder cover, and a partition. A through hole is provided on the cylinder body, allowing powder from the lithium battery electrode material to pass through while preventing the foil from passing through. The angle α formed by the line connecting the bottom and top of the partition inside the cylinder and the line connecting the bottom of the partition and the center of the cylinder body is greater than 0°. The processing device for lithium battery electrode materials of this application can effectively prevent the foil from folding, agglomerating, or deforming, which is beneficial for the lithium battery electrode material to react fully and obtain pure foil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of lithium battery waste recycling, specifically relating to a processing device for lithium battery electrode materials. Background Technology

[0002] The global energy structure transformation and the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry have generated a large number of retired lithium-ion batteries, and their recycling has entered the industrialization stage. Waste lithium-ion batteries contain both valuable metals and hazardous substances; improper disposal not only wastes valuable strategic resources but also threatens the ecological environment. Therefore, the efficient and environmentally friendly recycling and reuse of retired lithium-ion batteries is of great significance for achieving resource recycling, ensuring supply chain security, and promoting sustainable development.

[0003] Currently, the main technical routes for lithium battery recycling include pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and combined recycling processes. Among them, the hydrometallurgical process has become the mainstream and most promising recycling process due to its advantages such as high metal recovery rate, good product purity, and relatively low energy consumption. One of the core steps of hydrometallurgy is leaching, which uses a leaching agent to transfer valuable metals from the solid phase to the liquid phase, thereby achieving preliminary separation and enrichment of the metals.

[0004] Existing methods for processing waste lithium batteries into powder followed by acid leaching at different stages suffer from drawbacks such as complex pretreatment processes, high impurity entrainment, and severe equipment corrosion. To address these issues, the rights holder proposes a method for processing waste lithium battery electrode materials. This method directly uses lithium battery electrodes as raw materials and a medium-to-high pKa organic weak acid as the acidic leaching agent, effectively resolving the aforementioned drawbacks of acid leaching of lithium battery powder.

[0005] However, current commercial recycling processes all involve the mechanical crushing of waste lithium-ion batteries. Lithium battery waste leaching devices are primarily designed for the crushed powder, typically employing mechanical stirring devices to enhance the leaching process. For example, CN120437929A discloses an acid leaching device for extracting lithium carbonate from waste lithium batteries. This device includes a leaching-promoting mechanism inside the acid leaching tank to rapidly mix the acid solution with the lithium battery cathode material powder. This mechanism comprises a main shaft rotatably connected inside the acid leaching tank and multiple mixing components mounted outside the main shaft. These mixing components are arranged sequentially along the length of the main shaft, and each mixing component includes multiple stirring blades. CN119406350B discloses a waste lithium battery resource recovery and separation device. A stirring mechanism is installed at the top of the leaching tank, and a third rotating rod is rotatably mounted at the top of the inner cavity. A fixed plate is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the third rotating rod, and multiple mounting columns are fixedly mounted on the top of the fixed plate. Stirring rods are fixedly mounted on the surfaces of these mounting columns. CN118421967A discloses a combined dry and wet recycling device for waste lithium-ion batteries, in which a second stirrer is installed in the second reaction tank during the wet acid leaching process. CN207069021U discloses a waste lithium battery residue recycling and leaching device, in which a stirring motor is fixed to the top of the cover via a support frame, and a stirring column extending into the leaching tank is fixed to the output shaft of the stirring motor. Multiple stirring blades are evenly fixed to the outer wall of the stirring column. In existing lithium battery leaching devices, a stirring mechanism is used to stir the waste lithium battery material and the leaching solution to ensure thorough mixing and improve reaction efficiency.

[0006] On the one hand, the processing of waste lithium battery electrode materials also requires stirring to promote the dissolution of binders, the desorption of powder, and the selective leaching of lithium from the positive electrode active material. However, when the aforementioned type of leaching device processes lithium battery electrode materials, the electrode / foil continuously collides with the stirring element, resulting in severe twisting, folding, wrinkling, and clumping deformation. This forms isolation and encapsulation of some active materials, preventing some areas of the electrode from effectively contacting and reacting with the processing liquid, affecting the reaction process, and hindering the desorption of materials. In the subsequent solid-phase separation stage, foil material is mixed in, causing the loss of valuable elements in the positive electrode and negatively impacting the purification and recycling of the foil.

[0007] On the other hand, existing processing equipment and processes require two-stage separation to separate the liquid phase, foil and residual powder, namely liquid-solid separation and solid-solid separation in sequence, which results in low separation efficiency and high energy consumption.

[0008] On the other hand, for graded leaching processes, after a single leaching, the material is usually transferred to a solid-liquid separation unit for solid-liquid separation, and then transferred to a subsequent leaching unit for the next stage of leaching. Multiple material transfers not only increase energy consumption and reduce production efficiency, but also easily cause material spillage and loss and pollution of the working environment during the transfer process. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the present invention provides a lithium battery electrode material processing device to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0010] This application provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a device for processing materials containing lithium battery electrode sheets.

[0011] A processing device for lithium battery electrode materials includes a processing tank, a stirring and separating cylinder, a lifting assembly, and a rotary drive assembly. The lifting components are located at both ends of the stirring and separating cylinder, the stirring and separating cylinder is horizontally mounted on the processing tank via the lifting components, and the driving component drives the stirring and separating cylinder to rotate. The stirring and separating cylinder includes a cylinder body, a cylinder cover, and a partition. The cylinder body has a through hole that allows powder from lithium battery electrode materials to pass through while preventing foil from passing through. The cylinder cover is located at the end of the cylinder body. The partition is located inside the cylinder body. The bottom end of the partition is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder body and extends axially along the cylinder body. The top end of the partition is inclined towards the cylinder wall, such that in the radial direction of the cylinder body, the angle α formed by the line connecting the bottom and top of the partition and the line connecting the bottom of the partition and the center of the cylinder body is greater than 0°.

[0012] As a further embodiment, the α angle is 5-60°, preferably 10-45°, and more preferably 10-30°.

[0013] As a further embodiment, at least one of the partitions is provided with a cutout and / or a notch.

[0014] As a further embodiment, the partition and the cylinder are detachably connected.

[0015] As a further embodiment, the projection of the partition in the radial direction of the cylinder is one or a combination of two or more of the following: a straight line, a broken line, and a curve.

[0016] As a further embodiment, the stirring separation cylinder includes stirring blades, which are disposed outside the cylinder body, and the bottom end of the stirring blades is connected to the cylinder body.

[0017] As a further embodiment, at least two stirring blades are provided along the axial direction of the cylinder.

[0018] As a further embodiment, the stirring blades are detachably mounted on the cylinder.

[0019] As a further embodiment, during rotation, the distance between the top of the stirring blade and the material receiving surface in the processing tank is ≤10cm, preferably 0.5-10cm, and more preferably 0.5-5cm.

[0020] As a further embodiment, the stirring separation cylinder also includes connecting members disposed on the outside of both ends of the cylinder body.

[0021] As a further embodiment, the cylinder cover is provided with a first air intake device.

[0022] As a further embodiment, the processing tank includes a tank body, a connecting groove, and a discharge port. The connecting groove is disposed at both ends of the tank body and can be sealed to the connecting parts.

[0023] As a further embodiment, the processing tank also includes a filter plate disposed above the discharge port.

[0024] As a further embodiment, the filter plate is removable and replaceable.

[0025] As a further embodiment, the processing tank also includes a second air intake device, which is disposed at the bottom of the processing tank.

[0026] As a further embodiment, there are at least two second air intake devices.

[0027] As a further embodiment, the second air intake device includes a rotatable air intake head.

[0028] As a further embodiment, the bottom surface of the processing tank is an inclined surface, and the discharge port is located at the lower end of the inclined surface.

[0029] As a further embodiment, the treatment tank also includes a liquid inlet and a tank cover.

[0030] The method for processing lithium battery electrode materials using the processing apparatus described above includes the following steps: Open the cover of the mixing and separating cylinder, input the material containing waste lithium battery electrode sheets into the mixing and separating cylinder, and close the cover; The treatment solution is poured into the treatment tank; The stirring and separating cylinder is placed in the processing tank, such that at least 1 / 3 of the cylinder is immersed in the processing liquid. The rotary drive assembly is turned on to drive the stirring and separating cylinder to rotate and process the lithium battery electrode material. During the rotation of the stirring and separating cylinder, at least part of the electrode material is lifted and then falls into the processing liquid. During the processing, the positive electrode active material is desorbed from the foil and can enter the processing tank through the through hole on the cylinder. After processing, open the discharge port on the processing tank to discharge and collect the material. Then, start the cylinder lifting assembly to raise the cylinder and position the cylinder cover at a low position. Open the cylinder cover and discharge the foil from the rotating separation cylinder.

[0031] As a further embodiment, the treatment solution is an organic weak acid oxidizing solution, which contains an organic weak acid solution and an oxidant, wherein the pKa1 of the organic weak acid is 4.0-5.5, the oxidant does not contain anions or anionic groups that can form strong acids under leaching system, and the pH of the organic weak acid oxidizing solution is 2.0-4.0.

[0032] As a further embodiment, the lithium battery is a lithium iron phosphate battery.

[0033] As a further implementation, the method further includes the following steps: The first air intake device is turned on, so that the battery electrode sheets are dispersed in the cylinder under the action of the horizontal airflow, the processing liquid and the rotation of the stirring separation cylinder.

[0034] As a further implementation, the method further includes the following steps: The second air intake device is activated, causing the material in the processing tank and the rotating cylinder to form turbulence under the action of the gas.

[0035] As a further implementation, the method further includes the following steps: After processing, allow the material to stand for a period of time before discharging.

[0036] As a further implementation, the method further includes the following steps: The treatment tank is equipped with a filter plate. During discharge, the liquid phase first passes through the filter plate and then is discharged from the discharge port. After discharge is completed, the discharge port is closed, and new treatment liquid is input into the treatment tank from the liquid inlet. The second air intake device and / or stirring separation cylinder are started. The stirring separation cylinder includes stirring blades, which are set outside the cylinder body. The bottom end of the stirring blades is connected to the cylinder body to perform leaching treatment of valuable elements.

[0037] The application of lithium battery electrode material processing equipment as core equipment in processing lithium battery electrode materials, especially in the processing of lithium battery electrodes, and further in the processing of lithium battery positive electrode sheets.

[0038] This utility model has the following beneficial technical effects. 1. A device using a cylinder-tank combination is employed to process lithium battery electrode sheet materials. Through the coordinated action of cylinder rotation, effective lifting by tilting baffles, and buffering of the processing liquid, non-mechanical stirring and dispersion of lithium battery electrode sheets are achieved. This avoids repeated and forceful collisions between the electrode sheets in the raw material and the rigid stirring components, allowing the electrode sheets to maintain their initial shape and ensuring effective contact and smooth reaction between the active materials on the electrode sheets and the processing liquid. Furthermore, the desorption of battery materials and their physical separation from the foil are carried out simultaneously, effectively shortening the separation process and improving processing efficiency. The clean foil sheets after desorption are retained in the cylinder and lifted out of the processing tank by the lifting component and tilted to obtain clean foil sheets.

[0039] 2. Through the optimized design of the baffle structure, more electrodes are effectively and efficiently carried to the appropriate height, and the path of falling back to the liquid surface is smoother, further ensuring the maintenance of the electrode shape and optimizing the mixing effect.

[0040] 3. The stirring blades are installed outside the cylinder, which is simple in structure and can independently mechanically stir the non-electrode materials entering the treatment tank without the need for an additional power unit, without affecting the non-mechanical stirring of the electrode sheets inside the cylinder. In addition, the detachable connection between the stirring blades and the cylinder can also adjust the specifications, shape and arrangement of the stirring blades according to the size of the treatment tank and the amount of material to be processed, which is highly flexible, has a good stirring effect, is easy to maintain and replace, and has low cost.

[0041] 4. A first air inlet device is installed on the cylinder cover. When the cylinder rotates, gas is introduced through the first air inlet device. This not only optimizes the axial distribution of the electrode material in the cylinder, but also buffers the electrodes that fall into the treatment liquid and prolongs the suspension time of the electrodes in the liquid phase. This is beneficial for maintaining the shape of the electrodes, dispersing them in the liquid phase, and reacting with the treatment liquid.

[0042] 5. The filter plate is integrated into the treatment tank. After the primary treatment liquid is discharged, a new treatment liquid is introduced. With the stirring action of the agitator blades, the active material can be treated a second time. No additional solid-liquid separation and transfer steps are required, which effectively improves the work efficiency while avoiding material spillage and environmental pollution.

[0043] 6. A second air inlet device is provided at the bottom of the tank. During electrode processing, the upward airflow further buffers the impact force of the electrode falling into the treatment liquid and prolongs the turbulence time of the electrode. In addition, it also enhances the turbulence of the active material in the treatment tank. Together with the mechanical stirring outside the cylinder, it prevents the material from settling at the bottom of the treatment tank. At the same time, it loosens the material deposited on the filter plate after solid-liquid separation, improving the stirring efficiency and effect of secondary treatment.

[0044] 7. The lithium-ion battery electrode material processing device provided by this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to maintain, and has low manufacturing and operating costs. The processing method for lithium-ion battery electrode materials proposed by the device is simple and efficient, allowing multiple physical separation operations to be performed simultaneously in a single operation. It features low energy consumption, high efficiency, and high industrial value. Applying this lithium-ion battery electrode material processing device as a core component to the processing of lithium-ion battery electrode materials, particularly in the processing of lithium-ion battery electrodes, and further in the processing of lithium-ion battery positive electrode sheets, can effectively simplify the pre-treatment process for lithium-ion battery electrodes, significantly reduce impurity entrainment during leaching, and achieve high processing efficiency, simple separation, and easier efficient regeneration and recycling of foil sheets. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a processing apparatus provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of a processing apparatus provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a processing apparatus provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 4 A side view of the cylinder cover of a processing device provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the processing apparatus cylinder provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the processing apparatus cylinder provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a processing apparatus partition provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a processing apparatus partition provided in one embodiment is shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a processing device partition provided in one embodiment is shown.

[0047] Explanation of key component symbols: Processing tank 1; stirring and separating cylinder 2; lifting assembly 3; rotary drive assembly 4; tank body 11; connecting tank 12; discharge port 13; filter plate 14; second air inlet device 15; liquid inlet 16; tank cover 17; cylinder body 21; cylinder cover 22; partition 23; through hole 24; stirring blade 25; connector 26; first air inlet device 27; motor 41; first drive wheel 42; second drive wheel 43. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these 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 are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0049] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0053] Reference Figure 1-4 The processing device for lithium battery electrode materials involved in this embodiment includes a processing tank 1, a stirring and separating cylinder 2, a lifting assembly 3, and a rotation drive assembly 4.

[0054] Specifically, lifting components 3 are respectively installed at both ends of the stirring and separating cylinder 2. The stirring and separating cylinder 2 is horizontally installed in the processing tank 1 through the lifting components 3, and the driving component 4 drives the stirring and separating cylinder 2 to rotate. The processing tank 1 includes a tank body 11, a connecting groove 12 and a discharge port 13. The connecting groove 12 is respectively disposed at both ends of the tank body 11 and is used to make a movable and sealed connection with the connecting member 26.

[0055] The stirring and separating cylinder 2 includes a cylinder body 21, a cylinder cover 22, and a partition 23. A through hole 24 is provided on the cylinder body 21, allowing powder from lithium battery electrode materials to pass through while preventing the foil from passing through. The cylinder cover 22 is located at the end of the cylinder body 21. The partition 23 is disposed inside the cylinder body 21 and detachably connected to it. The bottom end of the partition 23 is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder body 21 and extends axially along the cylinder body 21. The top end of the partition 23 is inclined towards the cylinder wall, such that in the radial direction of the cylinder body 21, the angle α formed by the line connecting the bottom and top of the partition 23 and the line connecting the bottom of the partition 23 and the center of the cylinder body 21 is 10°. Figure 4 (The mid-angle is for illustrative purposes only and the textual description of the embodiment shall prevail.) The projection of the partition 23 on the radial direction of the cylinder 21 (i.e., the partition on the radial section) is a straight line.

[0056] In the lithium battery electrode material processing device of this application, the lifting component 3 realizes the displacement of the stirring separation cylinder 2 in the processing tank 1 and the space above the tank, as well as the tilting of the stirring separation cylinder 2 for feeding and discharging. The above functions of the lifting component 3 can be realized using existing lifting structures, and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] The stirring and separating cylinder 2 is horizontally positioned inside the processing tank 1 via the lifting assembly 3, or it can be raised above the processing tank 1. The driving assembly 4 drives the stirring and separating cylinder 2 to rotate.

[0058] In this embodiment, there is no mechanical stirring device inside the stirring and separation cylinder where the electrode sheet is located. A cylinder-tank combination device is used to process the lithium battery electrode sheet material. Through the synergistic cooperation between the rotation of the cylinder, the effective lifting of the tilting baffle, and the receiving and buffering of the processing liquid, non-mechanical stirring and dispersion of the lithium battery electrode sheet is achieved. This avoids repeated strong collisions between the electrode sheet in the raw material and the rigid stirring component, so that the electrode sheet can better maintain its initial shape. This ensures that the active material on the electrode sheet can effectively contact and react smoothly with the processing liquid. Moreover, the desorption of the battery material and its physical separation from the foil are carried out simultaneously, which effectively shortens the separation process and improves the processing efficiency. The clean foil sheet after desorption is retained in the cylinder and is lifted out of the processing tank and tilted by the lifting component to obtain a clean foil sheet.

[0059] In another embodiment, the stirring separation cylinder 2 includes stirring blades 25, which are disposed outside the cylinder body 21. One end of the stirring blades 25 is connected to the cylinder body 21, and 12 stirring blades are arranged along the axial direction of the cylinder body 21. The stirring blades 25 are detachably connected to the cylinder body 21. During rotation, the distance between the top of the stirring blade and the material receiving surface (bottom surface of the tank in this embodiment) in the processing tank 1 is 15cm.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple stirring blades 25 can mechanically stir the material passing through the through-holes 24 after desorption without affecting the shape of the electrode. Simultaneously, they enhance the turbulence of the liquid within the treatment tank 1, creating a fluid scouring effect on the electrode and promoting the physical desorption and chemical reaction of the material adhering to the foil. Other embodiments may also include other numbers of stirring blades, depending on the specifications of the stirring separation cylinder and the stirring blades, such as 4, 6, 10, 20, or other reasonable numbers conducive to stirring.

[0061] A stirring blade 25 is installed outside the cylinder 21. The structure is simple and can independently and mechanically stir the non-electrode material entering the treatment tank 1 without the need for an additional power device. It does not affect the flexible non-mechanical dispersion of the electrode inside the cylinder 21. The detachable connection between the stirring blade 25 and the cylinder 21 can also adjust the specifications, quantity, shape and arrangement of the stirring blade 21 according to the size of the treatment tank and the amount of material to be processed. It is highly flexible, has a good stirring effect, is easy to maintain and replace, and has low cost.

[0062] During rotation, the distance between the top of the stirring blade 25 and the material receiving surface in the treatment tank 1 is 15cm, which is beneficial to the effective stirring of the space in the treatment tank 1.

[0063] In another embodiment, the stirring separation cylinder 2 further includes a connector 26, which is disposed on the outside of both ends of the cylinder 21.

[0064] Specifically, a connecting piece is used to achieve a movable and sealed connection between the treatment tank 1 and the stirring and separating cylinder 2. The connecting piece only needs to ensure the above function, which is easy to implement and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] In another embodiment, the cylinder cover 22 is provided with a first air intake device 27.

[0066] The rotation of the cylinder 21, the movement of the electrode sheets by the baffle 23, and the support of the treatment liquid enable flexible stirring and dispersion of the materials within the stirring separation cylinder 2. Pressurized gas is introduced through the first air inlet device 27 on the cylinder cover 2. This airflow drives the liquid within the stirring separation cylinder 2 to form an axial flow, optimizing the axial distribution of the electrode material within the cylinder 21. This further promotes the dispersion, stirring, and turbulence of the reaction system, accelerating the overall reaction process. It also buffers the electrode sheets falling into the treatment liquid and prolongs their suspension time in the liquid phase, which is beneficial for maintaining the electrode shape, dispersing them in the liquid phase, and reacting with the treatment liquid, thereby optimizing the reaction effect and improving reaction efficiency. When the oxidant is an oxidizing gas, it can be introduced through one or more first air inlets without the need for additional inlets.

[0067] In another embodiment, the processing tank 1 further includes a filter plate 14, which is located above the discharge port 13. The filter plate 14 is removable and replaceable. During rotation, the distance between the top of the stirring blade 25 and the material receiving surface in the processing tank 1 (in this embodiment, the filter plate 13) is 1 cm.

[0068] The filter plate 14 is integrated into the treatment tank 1. After the primary treatment solution is discharged, a new treatment solution is introduced. The secondary treatment of the active material is achieved through the stirring action of the agitator blade 25, eliminating the need for additional solid-liquid separation and transfer steps. This effectively improves operational efficiency while preventing material spillage and environmental pollution. The filter plate 14 is detachable, facilitating replacement and collection of the material on the screen. Multiple layers of the filter plate 14 can be installed, and different filter plates with different pore sizes can be used depending on the material type and state. During rotation, the distance between the top of the agitator blade 25 and the filter plate 13 is 1 cm. This not only effectively ensures stirring of the material in the treatment tank 1 during the treatment process but also loosens the material deposited on the surface of the filter plate 13 during the subsequent secondary leaching treatment after solid-liquid separation, forming a uniform slurry.

[0069] In another embodiment, the processing tank 1 further includes a second air intake device 15, which is disposed at the bottom of the processing tank 1. Multiple (10 in this embodiment, and other embodiments may also use other numbers, such as 6, 9, 16, and others) second air intake devices 15 are evenly distributed at the bottom of the processing tank 1 and are rotatable air intake heads.

[0070] A second air inlet device 15 is provided at the bottom of the tank to introduce pressurized gas. During electrode processing, the upward action of the gas further buffers the impact force of the electrode falling into the treatment liquid, prolonging the turbulent state time of the electrode. In addition, it also enhances the turbulence of the active material in the treatment tank 1, working in conjunction with the mechanical stirring outside the cylinder 21 to prevent material from settling at the bottom of the treatment tank. It also loosens the material deposited on the filter plate after solid-liquid separation, improving the stirring efficiency and effect of secondary treatment. Furthermore, when the oxidant is an oxidizing gas, the oxidizing gas can be introduced through one or more second air inlets without the need for additional air inlets. Rotating the air inlet head can dynamically adjust the air inlet direction, expanding the impact working surface.

[0071] In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the processing tank 1 is sloped, and the discharge port 13 is located at the lower end. This facilitates the full discharge of materials entering the processing tank and after the reaction, preparing for secondary processing.

[0072] In some embodiments, the treatment tank 1 further includes a liquid inlet 16 and a tank cover 17. This prevents the treatment liquid from evaporating and causing pollution, and also avoids safety hazards.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the angle α formed by the line connecting the bottom and top of the partition 23 and the line connecting the bottom of the partition 23 and the center of the cylinder 21 is 15°. Figure 5 (The mid-angle is for illustrative purposes only and the textual description of the embodiment shall prevail.) The projection of the partition 23 in the radial direction of the cylinder 21 is a broken line shape.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, the angle α formed by the line connecting the bottom and top of the partition 23 and the line connecting the bottom of the partition 23 and the center of the cylinder 21 is 20°. Figure 6 (The mid-angle is for illustrative purposes only and the textual description of the embodiment shall prevail.) The projection of the partition 23 in the radial direction of the cylinder 21 is an arc shape.

[0075] Reference Figure 7-9 In some embodiments, at least one partition 23 has a notch or perforation. Thus, when the partition 23 lifts the material inside the cylinder, it reduces the amount of foil and electrode material carried, lowers the energy consumed by the cylinder rotation, and optimizes the separation of active material from the sheet material by utilizing the surface tension of the solid-liquid interface between the partition and the liquid surface of the treatment tank, as well as the effect of a small amount of treatment liquid falling through the notch or perforation along with the lifted foil and electrode material.

[0076] The method for processing lithium battery electrode sheets includes the following steps: opening the cover 22 of the stirring separation cylinder 2, feeding the material containing waste lithium iron phosphate battery electrode sheets into the stirring separation cylinder 2, and closing the cover 22; feeding the pre-mixed amount of propionic acid and hydrogen peroxide into the processing tank 1; placing the stirring separation cylinder 2 in the processing tank 1, such that 1 / 2 of the height of the cylinder body 21 is immersed in the processing liquid, turning on the rotary drive assembly 4 to drive the stirring separation cylinder 2 to rotate, and processing the material containing waste lithium iron phosphate battery electrode sheets. During the processing, the positive electrode active material is desorbed from the foil and enters the processing tank 1 through the through hole 24 on the cylinder body 21, while selective leaching of lithium is carried out simultaneously; after processing, opening the discharge port 13 on the processing tank 1 to discharge and collect the lithium-containing slurry, and obtaining a lithium-containing solution and phosphorus-containing iron slag through solid-liquid separation. Then, starting the cylinder lifting assembly 3, raising the cylinder body 21 and placing the end where the cover 22 is located at the low position, opening the cover 22, and discharging the aluminum foil in the rotating separation cylinder 2.

[0077] In another embodiment, three-quarters of the height of the cylinder 21 is immersed in the treatment liquid. In this way, some material falls back down before leaving the liquid surface, only undergoing stirring and dispersion within the liquid phase, further optimizing the anti-deformation effect.

[0078] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps: turning on the first air intake device 27 and introducing pressurized air, so that the battery electrode sheets are dispersed in the cylinder 21 under the action of the transverse gas, the processing liquid and the rotating cylinder 21.

[0079] In another embodiment, the following step is also included: turning on the second air intake device 15 to cause the material in the processing tank 1 to form turbulence under the action of the gas.

[0080] In another embodiment, the following steps are also included: after the processing is completed, the material is left to stand for a certain period of time before being discharged, so that the residual slag after desorption or reaction can fully enter the processing tank 1. Alternatively, preliminary solid-liquid separation can be completed by standing sedimentation.

[0081] In another embodiment, the stirring separation cylinder 2 includes stirring blades 25, which are disposed outside the cylinder body 21. One end of the stirring blades 25 is connected to the cylinder body 21, and a filter plate 14 is provided inside the processing tank 1. During discharge, the lithium-containing liquid phase first passes through the filter plate 14 and is then discharged from the discharge port 13. The phosphorus-iron slag is retained on the filter plate 14. After discharge, the discharge port 13 is closed, the lifting assembly 3 is activated, the cylinder body 21 is raised, and the end where the cylinder cover 22 is located is in the lower position. The cylinder cover 22 is opened, and the foil in the rotating separation cylinder 2 is discharged. Then, the cylinder body 21 is placed back into the processing tank 1, so that the distance between the top of the stirring blades 25 and the filter plate 13 is 0.5 cm. The phosphorus-iron slag leachate is input into the processing tank 1 from the liquid inlet 16. The second air intake device 15 and the stirring separation cylinder 2 are activated to perform leaching treatment of valuable phosphorus and / or iron elements. After the treatment is completed, open the discharge port 13 on the treatment tank 1 again to discharge and collect the leachate, and collect the leachate residue, or repeat the above operation to perform the leaching treatment of the leachate residue again until the treatment is completed.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0083] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode materials, characterized in that, It includes a processing tank (1), a stirring and separating cylinder (2), a lifting assembly (3), and a rotary drive assembly (4); The lifting components (3) are located at both ends of the stirring separation cylinder (2). The stirring separation cylinder (2) is horizontally mounted on the processing tank (1) via the lifting components (3). The driving components (4) drive the stirring separation cylinder (2) to rotate. The stirring and separating cylinder (2) includes a cylinder body (21), a cylinder cover (22), and a partition (23). A through hole (24) is provided on the cylinder body (21). The through hole (24) allows the powder in the lithium battery electrode material to pass through, but the foil cannot pass through. The cylinder cover (22) is located at the end of the cylinder body (21). The partition (23) is located inside the cylinder body (21). The bottom end of the partition (23) is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder body (21) and extends along the axial direction of the cylinder body (21). The top end of the partition (23) is inclined towards the cylinder wall, so that in the radial direction of the cylinder body (21), the angle α formed by the connecting line between the bottom and top of the partition (23) and the connecting line between the bottom of the partition (23) and the center of the cylinder body (21) is greater than 0°.

2. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the partitions (23) is provided with a cutout and / or a notch; And / or, the projection of the partition (23) in the radial direction of the cylinder (21) is one or more combinations of a straight line, a broken line and a curve.

3. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring separation cylinder (2) includes a stirring blade (25), which is disposed outside the cylinder body (21), and the bottom end of the stirring blade (25) is connected to the cylinder body (21).

4. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 3, characterized in that... At least two stirring blades (25) are provided along the axial direction of the cylinder (21); And / or, the stirring blades (25) are detachably mounted on the cylinder (21); And / or, during rotation, the distance between the top of the stirring blade (25) and the material receiving surface in the treatment tank (1) is ≤10cm.

5. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring separation cylinder (2) includes a connector (26), which is disposed on the outside of both ends of the cylinder (21).

6. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder cover (22) is provided with a first air intake device (27).

7. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing tank (1) includes a tank body (11), a connecting groove (12) and a discharge port (13). The connecting groove (12) is located at both ends of the tank body (11) and can be sealed to the connector (26). And / or, the bottom surface of the processing tank (1) is an inclined surface, and the discharge port (13) is located at the lower end of the inclined surface; And / or, the processing tank (1) further includes a liquid inlet (16) and a tank cover (17).

8. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing tank (1) also includes a filter plate (14), which is located above the discharge port (13).

9. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing tank (1) also includes a second air intake device (15), which is located at the bottom of the processing tank (1).

10. The processing apparatus for lithium battery electrode material according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second air intake device (15) has at least two units; And / or, the second air intake device (15) includes a rotatable air intake head.

Images