System and method of separating lithium-ion battery components for recycling

Abstract

In the initial processing phase of a LIB separation system raw lithium-ion batteries are de-energized, and the discharged batteries' circuit boards and exterior metals are removed for recycling. The remaining deconstructed batteries are shredded in the presence of an aqueous solution to form a semi- solid black mass. In a black mass separation phase the black mass is fed into an elutriator that scrubs and separates the material into high specific gravity components and low specific gravity components for subsequent recycling of their respective components. The elutriator may have a rectangular or cylindrical orientation, and is integral to a substantially closed system wherein the volume of aqueous solution is circulated through various subprocesses, and is itself mined for solubilized components.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SEPARATING LITHIUM-ION BATTERY COMPONENTS FOR RECYCLING

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the recovery of industrial materials, and more particularly, to a system and method of separating lithium- ion battery components for recycling.

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries (“LIB’s”) are the most popular power source for a variety of applications including portable electronics such as cellular telephones, tablets, and laptop computers; utility scale power storage from alternative energy sources such as wind farms and solar installations; and hybrid and electric automobiles, buses, mobile equipment and freight vehicles. Very simply, modern society is completely dependent on LIB’s.

[0005] The major components of a LIB are the cathode, anode, separator, cathodic collector, anodic collector and electrolyte. FIG. 1 depicts a conventional LIB.

[0006] The cathode is the positive or oxidizing electrode that acquires electrons from the external circuit and is reduced during the electrochemical reaction. LIB cathodes are generally constructed from LiCo02 or LiMn2O4.

[0007] The anode is the negative or reducing electrode that releases electrons to the external circuit and oxidizes during an electrochemical reaction. Lithiated graphite, LixC6, is a very common anode material, and is composed of graphite sheets intercalated with lithium.

[0008] The separator is a permeable membrane placed between a battery’s anode and cathode, and keeps the two electrodes apart to prevent electrical short circuits while also allowing the transport of ionic charge carriers that are needed to close the circuit during the passage of current in an electrochemical cell. The membranes typically comprise microporous polyolefin materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0009] The anodic and cathodic current collectors support electrode materials and conduct charges between the electrodes and external circuits. Collectors may be constructed of materials including Al, Cu, Ni, Ti, and stainless steel, with Al and Cu most commonly used in cathode and anode current collectors, respectively.

[0010] The electrolyte allows the electrical charge to pass between the anode and cathode, with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) salt dissolved in mixtures of organic carbonates being very common.

[0011] A LIB also typically contains various plastics and metals related to encasing, supporting and housing the battery.

[0012] Widespread dependence on LIB’s is not without problems, however. Because the demand for LIB’s is accelerating and LIB’s have a very limited lifespan, more and more LIB’s are being produced every year. Many of the materials required for production must be mined, which is not only depleting certain natural resources and driving up the price, but creating environmental problems and political disharmony. Also, the development and production of LIB’s has far outpaced the technology to recover the materials, thereby leading to a glut of LIB’s ending up as scrap materials and in waste facilities. In short, modern society’s thirst for LIB’s is wreaking environmental, financial and cultural havoc.

[0013] Efforts to recycle LIB’s have been woefully inadequate, and typically involve shredding LIB’s in the presence of highly toxic chemicals, extracting a limited variety and yield of metallic components from the resulting toxic sludge, and disposing of the spent toxic sludge. Not only are these methods hazardous, complex and environmentally problematic, they are extremely wasteful insofar as many valuable components are not extracted.

[0014] As can be seen there is a need for system and method of separating LIB components for recycling. It is desirable that this system and method lends itself to industrial-scale processing. It is also desirable that this system and method can be built as a stand-alone processing plant, integrated into an existing production and / or recycling plant, and / or be configured for mobile use. It is also desirable that this system and method is capable of recovering an array of battery materials for recycling. It is also desirable that the system and method is simple to use, significantly less environmentally hazardous than current recycling solutions, and is highly efficient.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In the initial processing phase of a LIB separation system raw lithium-ion batteries are de-energized, and the discharged batteries’ circuit boards and exterior metals are removed for recycling. The remaining deconstructed batteries are shredded in the presence of an aqueous solution to form a semisolid black mass. In a black mass separation phase the black mass is fed into an elutriator that scrubs and separates the material into high specific gravity components and low specific gravity components.

[0017] The starting material in the high specific gravity components processing phase is a metallic material blend including cathodic metals such as nickel, iron, manganese, cobalt and copper, plus lithium and aluminum. In this phase an organic acid solution leaches lithium and aluminum from the metallic material blend, then aluminum is precipitated and filtered out. Then, lithium is precipitated from the leachate as a lithium carbonate and / or phosphate and filtered out. The resulting cathode material blend, substantially free of lithium and aluminum, is further treated by established pyrometallurgical and / or hydrometallurgical means for the recovery of various metals including nickel, iron, manganese, cobalt and / or copper, for subsequent recycling.

[0018] In the low specific gravity components processing phase a screen separates plastic I fibrous material from a slurry of carbon I graphite. The plastic / fibrous material is further separated into plastic material and fibrous material for subsequent recycling. The carbon I graphite slurry is concentrated into a carbon I graphite material for subsequent recycling. Aqueous solution used in the low specific gravity components processing phase is processed for the collection of residual lithium. Certain components such as nickel can be recovered from the high specific gravity components processing phase and / or the low specific processing phase, depending on the characteristics of the composition, for example powdered versus solid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a conventional lithium-ion battery;

[0020] FIG. 2 diagrammatically depicts an overview of a system of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3 diagrammatically depicts an initial processing phase of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4 diagrammatically depicts a black mass separation phase of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 diagrammatically depicts a high specific gravity components processing phase of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 diagrammatically depicts a low specific gravity components processing phase of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a rectangular elutriator embodiment of the present invention with some internal structures shown in phantom;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of the rectangular elutriator embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a front view of the elutriator embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical elutriator embodiment of the present invention with some internal structures shown in phantom;

[0029] FIG. 1 1 depicts a cross sectional view of the cylindrical elutriator embodiment of FIG. 10; and

[0030] FIG. 12 depicts a cross sectional view of the aqueous solution inlet wheel taken along lines A - A of FIG. 1 1 .

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0033] The following structure numbers shall apply to the following structures among the various FIGS.:

[0034] 10 - Lithium-ion battery separation system;

[0035] 12 - Raw battery;

[0036] 13 - Discharged battery;

[0037] 15 - Circuit board;

[0038] 16 - Exterior metal;

[0039] 17 - Deconstructed battery;

[0040] 18 - Black mass;

[0041] 20 - Aqueous solution tank;

[0042] 22 - Aqueous solution;

[0043] 24 - Shredder;

[0044] 27 - Bucket conveyer;

[0045] 30 - Elutriator;

[0046] 32 - Low specific gravity components (“LSGC”);

[0047] 34 - High specific gravity components (“HSGC”);

[0048] 40 - LSCG processing system;

[0049] 41 - Screen;

[0050] 42 - Carbon / graphite slurry;

[0051] 43 - Carbon I graphite material;

[0052] 44 - Plastic I fibrous mixture;

[0053] 45 - Plastic;

[0054] 46 - Fiber;

[0055] 47 - Lithium rich bleed;

[0056] 48 - Lithium recovery stream;

[0057] 49 - Hydrocyclone underflow;

[0058] 50 - HSGC processing system;

[0059] 52 - Metallic material blend;

[0060] 55 - Weak acid; 56 - Lithium salt;

[0061] 57 - Aluminum salt;

[0062] 59 - Cathode material blend;

[0063] 60 - Auger;

[0064] 65 - Tumbler;

[0065] 70 - Secondary elutriator;

[0066] 130 - Rectangular elutriator (“RE”);

[0067] 132 - RE intake trough;

[0068] 133 - RE upper sloped wall;

[0069] 134 - RE separation zone;

[0070] 135 - RE vertical wall;

[0071] 136 - RE HSGC settling zone;

[0072] 137 - RE lower sloped wall;

[0073] 140 - RE aqueous solution inlet;

[0074] 141 - RE aqueous solution inlet valve;

[0075] 143 - RE diverter;

[0076] 144 - RE diverter gap;

[0077] 146 - RE LSGC retainer;

[0078] 147 - RE LSGC retainer gap;

[0079] 149 - RE LSGC outlet;

[0080] 151 - RE HSGC outlet;

[0081] 153 - RE HSGC first outlet valve;

[0082] 154 - RE HSGC second outlet valve;

[0083] 230 - Cylindrical elutriator (“CE”);

[0084] 232 - CE intake pipe;

[0085] 234 - CE separation zone;

[0086] 235 - CE cylindrical wall;

[0087] 236 - CE HSGC settling zone;

[0088] 237 - CE conical wall;

[0089] 240 - CE aqueous solution inlet;

[0090] 241 - CE aqueous solution inlet wheel; 242 - CE aqueous solution inlet spokes;

[0091] 243 - CE diverter;

[0092] 244 - CE diverter gap;

[0093] 245 - CE diverter apex;

[0094] 246 - CE LSGC retainer;

[0095] 247 - CE LSGC retainer gap;

[0096] 249 - CE LSGC outlet;

[0097] 251 - CE HSGC outlet;

[0098] 253 - CE HSGC first outlet valve; and

[0099] 254 - CE HSGC second outlet valve.

[0100] Broadly, the present invention pertains to recycling, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for separating lithium-iron battery components for recycling.

[0101] As used herein, LIB’s shall refer to lithium-ion batteries, battery packs, battery assemblies and the like.

[0102] FIG. 1 depicts a conventional LIB, including some of the components for subsequent recycling. FIG. 2 sets forth an overview of a process of the present invention.

[0103] FIG. 3 depicts the initial processing phase of LIB separation system 10 starting with raw battery 12 and ending with black mass 18. In this sub-process raw battery 12, for example a LIB removed from an electric vehicle, is electrically discharged, circuit boards 15 and exterior metal 16 is removed, and the resulting deconstructed battery 17 is introduced into shredder 24. A spray bar (not shown) introduces aqueous solution 22, preferably water from aqueous solution tank 20 into shredder 24, in a volume sufficient to prevent deconstructed battery 17 from igniting or exploding. Circuit boards 15 and exterior metal 16 are preferably recycled.

[0104] FIG. 4 depicts the next phase after the initial processing phase of FIG. 3, namely the black mass separation phase. In this sub-process black mass 18 is carried from shredder 24 by a transport mechanism, preferably bucket conveyor 27 to elutriator 30, although other conveyors are within the scope of the invention. Elutriator 30 is in fluid communication with aqueous solution tank 20 which introduces aqueous solution 22 to scrub and separate black mass 18 into high specific gravity components (“HSGC”) 34 and low specific gravity components (“LSGC”) 32. Elutriator 30 is preferably inventive rectangular elutriator 130 or inventive cylindrical elutriator 230, which are described herein.

[0105] FIG. 5 depicts the subprocess followed by HSGC 34 of FIG. 4, namely HSGC processing system 50. In this subprocess several things occur. Firstly, hydrocyclone underflow 49 from low specific gravity component processing system 40 (FIG. 6), and fines from the secondary separator HSCG sieve are reacted with weak acid 55, for example oxalic, citric and / or tartaric, and resulting metallic material blend 52 is filtered to yield a high Ni, Co material for subsequent recycling. Corresponding lithium salts 56 and / or aluminum salts 57 are precipitated from the leachate for subsequent recycling. Examples of resulting lithium salts 56 include lithium carbonate and lithium phosphate, while an example of a resulting aluminum salt 57 is aluminum hydroxide.

[0106] Secondly, in this subprocess cathode material blend 59 is carried by a transport mechanism, preferably auger 60, to tumbler 65 where the blend is tumbled in accordance with known processes, for example with ceramic beads. From there underflow HSGC goes through secondary elutriator 70, and low specific gravity components are introduced into LSCG processing system 40 shown in FIG. 6. A preferred embodiment includes second elutriator 70, which can be smaller than elutriator 30, but it should be understood that it is also possible to use only one elutriator in the system to by recirculating to the elutriator for further processing,

[0107] FIG. 6 depicts the subprocess followed by LSGC 32 of FIG. 4, namely LSGC processing system 40. In this subprocess LSGC 32 are put through screen 41 , for example a trommel and / or shaking screen, which separates and retains plastic I fibrous mixture 44 from carbon I graphite slurry 42. Plastic 45 is further separated from fibrous material 46, for example by an air table or elutriator, for respective recycling. Carbon I graphite slurry 42 is concentrated, preferably using a hydrocyclone, into carbon / graphite material 43, filtered, the recovered carbon I graphite is recycled, and the extracted aqueous solution 22 is returned to aqueous solution tank 20. Ni and Co are recovered by pyro metallurgical and / or hydrometallurgical process from hydrocyclone underflow 49 and recycled. Also, excess aqueous solution 22 from elutriation process is collected for subsequent recovery of water-soluble components, for example lithium rich bleed 47, which is subsequently precipitated and diverted to lithium recovery stream 48 of FIG. 5.

[0108] It is noted that certain components, for example nickel, may separate into HSGC 34 or LSGC 32, depending on the form. By way of example, powdered and / or pulverized Ni is likely to rise during elutriation as a LSCG, while more intact masses of Ni are likely to settle during elutriation as a HSGC. Accordingly, Ni and similar components may be found in alternative or multiple locations, for example in cathode material blend 59 and / or plastic I fibrous mixture 44.

[0109] FIGS. 7-9 and 10-12 set forth two elutriator 30 embodiments of the present invention, namely rectangular elutriator (“RE”) 130 and cylindrical elutriator (“CE”) 230, respectively. Both embodiments employ aqueous solution 22 to scrub and separate black mass 18 into HSGC 34 and LSGC 32 streams based on whether the terminal sedimentation velocity is higher or lower than the velocity of the rising fluid.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, rectangular elutriator 130 generally includes RE intake trough 132 into which black mass 18 is fed, RE separation zone 134 within which particles are scrubbed and separated, and RE HSGC settling zone 136 into which HSGC 34, and in particular cathode material blend 59, settles.

[0111] RE intake trough 132 preferably includes at least one RE upper sloped wall 133, which forms an angle of approximately 45Q- 60Qrelative to the upper plane, as this orientation helps prevent plugging. Within the intake trough is RE LSGC retainer 146, upon which scrubbed and separated LSGC particles settle prior to evacuation via RE LSGC outlet 149 to LSGC processing 40 of FIG.6. In a preferred embodiment RE LSGC retainer 146 is a half-pipe, or is semi-circular, and is oriented with the open side pointed upwardly, but other shapes and orientations that facilitate retention of settled LSGC particles are also within the scope of the invention. At least two RE LSGC retainer gaps 147, also shown in FIG. 8, allow aqueous solution having LSGC particles to float above RE LSGC retainer 146 for eventual downward settling on the retainer itself.

[0112] Aqueous solution 22 is introduced into rectangular elutriator 130 via RE aqueous solution inlet 140, with RE aqueous solution inlet valve 141 controlling the injection rate. Aqueous solution injected into the system flows upwardly where it interacts with RE diverter 143, thereby creating the requisite turbulence to separate and scrub black mass 18. Aqueous solution bypasses RE diverter 143 via at least one RE diverter gap 144, shown best in FIG. 8.

[0113] HSGC 34 that have been separated and scrubbed, and in particular cathode material blend 59 and metallic material blend 52, migrate to RE HSGC settling zone 136 for evacuation through RE HSGC outlet 151 to HSGC processing 50 of FIG.5. RE HSGC first outlet valve 153 and RE HSGC second outlet valves 154 each open one at a time in a cycle whereby heavy metals accumulate at the closed first valve, are allowed past the first valve but stopped at the second valve, then the first valve is closed, and finally the washed heavy metals are allowed past the second valve. RE lower sloped wall 137 facilitates the settling of particulates.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, cylindrical elutriator 230 generally includes CE intake pipe 232 into which black mass 18 is fed, CE separation zone 234 within which particles are scrubbed and separated, and CE HSGC settling zone 236 into which HSGC 34, and in particular cathode material blend 59 settles.

[0115] CE intake pipe 232 travels downwardly into CE separation zone 234, preferably with CE diverter apex 245 extending into CE intake pipe 232. CE diverter gap 244 allows black mass 18 to exit CE intake pipe 232. This is also shown in FIG. 1 1 .

[0116] Scrubbed and separated LSGC particles settle in CE LSGC retainer 246, for evacuation via CE LSGC outlet 249 to LSGC processing 40 of FIG. 6. CE LSCG retainer 246 has a circular trough shape, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . Aqueous solution 22 is introduced into cylindrical elutriator 230 via CE aqueous solution inlet 240, where solution enters CE aqueous solution inlet wheel 241 for injection into CE HSGC outlet 251 via a plurality of CE aqueous solution inlet spokes 242 which are in fluid communication with CE HSGC outlet 251 as shown best in FIG. 12. Aqueous solution injected into the system flows upwardly where it interacts with CE diverter 243, thereby creating the requisite turbulence to separate and scrub black mass 18.

[0117] HSGC 34 that have been separated and scrubbed, and in particular cathode material blend 59 and metallic material blend 52, migrate to CE HSGC settling zone 236 for evacuation through CE HSGC outlet 251 to HSGC processing 50 of FIG.5. CE HSGC first outlet valve 253 and RE HSGC second outlet valves 254 each open one at a time in a cycle whereby heavy metals accumulate at the closed first valve, are allowed past the first valve but stopped at the second valve, then the first valve is closed, and finally the washed heavy metals are allowed past the second valve. CE conical wall 237 facilitates the settling of particulates.

[0118] A real-life example of a system of the present invention is set forth in Example 1 :

[0119] A test sample of 371.2 pounds of flattened TOYOTA LIB’s was shredded using a WEIMA shredder and wetted with municipal water having a pH of 8. The resulting black mass (18) was fed into a rectangular elutriator (130) with the flow rate of the aqueous solution (22) entering the RE aqueous solution inlet (140) adjusted so that shredded plastic (45), fiber (46) and liberated carbon-graphite (43) and cathode material blend (59) were floated. The floated material was screened using a SWECO screen to yield plastic I fibrous mixture (44), carbon I graphite material (43) and cathode material blend (59).

[0120] 1 13 pounds of plastic I fibrous mixture (44) was recovered consisting of approximately 70 percent of the feed material by volume (30.4% by weight) from the coarse fraction on the SWECO screen deck. Fine fraction, namely minus 30 mesh material that was discharged by the SWECO screen was fed into a sump that fed a standard centrifugal water pump. The discharge from that water pump fed a hydrocyclone, thereby producing a thick underflow and very dilute overflow. The hydrocyclone overflow discharged to a cone bottom settling tank and then to a sump and pump to return the aqueous solution to rectangular elutriator (130).

[0121] Material that settled in the sump feeding the hydrocyclone weighed 17.3 pounds and produced 47% metal by weight of the composition: Ni: 84.5%, Co: 5.36%, Fe: 7.1 % and Mn: 2.9%.

[0122] The underflow from the hydrocyclone weighed 31.4 pounds and produced 56.1 % metal by weight of the composition: Ni: 85%, Co: 7.29%, Fe: 1.2% and Mn: 6.5%.

[0123] The cyclone overflow produced a product which after settling in the cone bottom tank weighed 2.5 pounds and produced 48.4% metal by weight of the composition: Ni: 86.63%, Co: 9.06%, Fe: 1 .61 % and Mn: 2.76%.

[0124] Additional cathodic material was recovered from the rectangular elutriator (130) sink product, by tumbling and sieving’ yielding 17.2 pounds of fine fraction and produced 75.5% metal by weight of the composition: Ni: 71.4%, Co: 2.5% and Fe: 25.5%.

[0125] The total of cathodic materials recovered represents 68.4 pounds or 18.4% by weight of the batteries processed which are approximately 5% of the original volume.

[0126] The sink, or underflow, from the rectangular elutriator consisted of 166 pounds of clean washed metal with some adherent cathodic material. After tumbling and screening 17.2 pounds of the additional cathodic material was liberated as above discussed. The remaining 149 pounds of washed metals tested as 60% Ni and 40% Fe and represents 40% of the battery by weight and approximately 25% by volume. This material was predominantly stainless steel by analysis and appearance.

[0127] After the completion of the scrubbing and separation of the sample the pH of the solution had risen to 12.5, representing approximately 8.8 pounds of LiOH, lithium hydroxide. This material was precipitated from the solution using soda ash (Na2OO3) yielding a white crystalline precipitate, or approximately 2.4% of the total sample weight.

[0128] The balance of the un-reported weight (8.8%) was predominantly extremely fine carbon I graphite which remained in the settling tanks.

[0129] It is noted that a critical feature of the present invention is that the aqueous solution is circulated in a substantially closed system, thereby alleviating the need for a constant water source and / or disposing of contaminated water. This functionality also lends the invention to being implemented as a transportable plant, for example a recycling system substantially mounted on one or more semi-trailers configured to travel to various sites to recycle LIB’s in situ.

[0130] Certain structures and components are disclosed for purposes of describing an embodiment, and setting forth the best mode, but should not be construed as teaching the only possible embodiment. Rather, modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Examples of modifications include using heavy liquids to separate carbon from graphite, and carbon and graphite, from the nickel - cobalt rich cyclone underflow and screen fractions. Heavy liquid is desirable because it is independent of the size of the particles, i.e, it is based on the actual specific gravity not an apparent specific gravity which is defined through the understanding of Stokes law.

[0131] It should be understood that all specifications, unless otherwise stated or contrary to common sense, are + / - 10%, and that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between. Also, “substantially” as used herein, shall mean generally. By way of example a “substantially planar” surface includes surface imperfections but is generally planar.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A lithium-ion battery separation system including:A. An aqueous solution tank including a volume of aqueous solution;B. A shredder for converting a deconstructed battery into black mass, said shredder in liquid communication with said aqueous solution tank;C. A first elutriator for sequestering high specific gravity components and low specific gravity components from said black mass, said first elutriator in liquid communication with said aqueous solution tank; andD. A weak acid suitable for recovering lithium from said volume of aqueous solution, wherein said volume of aqueous solution is circulated in a substantially closed system.

2. The lithium-ion battery separation system of claim 1 further including a second elutriator downstream from said first elutriator, said second elutriator configured for lower volume processing.

3. The lithium-ion battery separation system of claim 1 wherein said first elutriator includes a semi-circular retainer for said low specific gravity components.

4. The lithium-ion battery separation system of claim 1 wherein said first elutriator includes a conical diverter for creating turbulence of said volume of aqueous solution.

5. The lithium-battery separation system of claim 1 wherein said weak acid is further suitable for recovering and aluminum from said volume of aqueous solution.

6. The lithium battery separation system of claim 1 further including at least one semi-trailer for in situ operation of said system.

7. An elutriator for a lithium-ion battery separation system including:A. An inlet for the ingress of an aqueous solution;B. A diverter in fluid communication with said inlet, said diverter configured to create turbulence of said aqueous solution;C. A low specific gravity components retainer for temporarily retaining a volume of low specific gravity components separated from said aqueous solution, said low specific gravity components retainer positioned above said inlet;D. A high specific gravity components settling zone for temporarily retaining a volume of high specific gravity components separated from said aqueous solution, said high specific gravity components settling zone positioned below said diverter;E. A high specific gravity components outlet in fluid communication with said high specific gravity components settling zone;F. A high specific gravity components first outlet valve in fluid communication with said high specific gravity components settling zone; andG. A high specific gravity components second outlet valve downstream from said high specific gravity components first outlet valve, wherein said high specific gravity components first outlet valve and said high specific gravity components second outlet valve are each open one at a time relative to the other.

8. The elutriator of claim 7 wherein said low specific gravity components retainer includes an upwardly opened half-pipe.

9. The elutriator of claim 8 wherein said upwardly opened half-pipe is in fluid communication with a low specific gravity components outlet.

10. The elutriator of claim 7 wherein said low specific gravity components retainer includes a circular trough.1 1. The elutriator of claim 10 wherein said circular trough is in fluid communication with a low specific gravity components outlet.

12. A method of separating the components of a lithium-ion for recycling, said method including the steps of:A. Discharging a raw lithium-ion battery;B. Shredding components of a discharged battery in the presence of a volume of aqueous solution to create black mass;C. Sequestering high specific gravity components and low specific gravity components from said black mass by elutriation, said elutriation step utilizing said volume of aqueous solution;D. Adding a weak acid to a fraction of said aqueous solution to form a lithium salt; andE. Filtering out said lithium salt, wherein said method recirculates substantially all of said volume of aqueous solution to yield a substantially closed system.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said step of adding a weak acid to form a lithium salt includes the step of adding a weak acid to form a lithium salt and an aluminum salt.

14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of filtering out said aluminum salt.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said step of sequestering high specific gravity components and low specific gravity components by elutriation includes the step of employing an elutriator having a tubular intake pipe and a conical diverter, said conical diverter having an apex positioned within said intake pipe.

16. The method of claim 12 further including the step of concentrating a slurry of carbon and graphite to yield carbon and graphite material and underflow liquid.

17. The method of claim 16 further including the step of extracting nickel and cobalt from said underflow.

18. The method of claim 12 further including the step of elutriating said high specific gravity components for the extraction of elements selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, cobalt, copper and combinations thereof.

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