Separator removal device and method of removing separators

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separator removal device and a method of removing separators, wherein the separator removal device is for removing separators from crushed waste battery material obtained by crushing waste batteries, and comprises: a first separator sorting section for separating separators from the crushed waste battery material; a second separator sorting section for additionally sorting separators from the crushed waste battery material from which separators have been separated by the first separator sorting section; and a magnetic sorting section for separating magnetic materials from the crushed waste battery material from which separators have been separated by the second separator sorting section.

Description

Membrane removal device and membrane removal method

[0001] The present invention relates to waste battery recycling, and more specifically to a separator removal device for removing a separator from a waste battery and a method for removing a separator.

[0002] The present invention claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0154389 filed on November 4, 2024, the entire contents of said application incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Battery demand is rapidly increasing as they are widely used not only in electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile devices but also in electric vehicles. The demand for these batteries is expected to rise further as the demand for electric vehicles increases as the next-generation mode of transportation.

[0004] Since the aforementioned electric vehicle requires a battery with a large electrical capacity, it is installed and used in the vehicle in units of multiple battery cells, modules composed of multiple battery cells, and packs composed of multiple modules. As the usage of the electric vehicle increases rapidly, the amount of waste generated from batteries used in the electric vehicle is also increasing.

[0005] The lithium secondary battery described above comprises copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) used as a current collector, lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) containing oxides constituting the cathode, graphite constituting the anode, a separator separating the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte injected into the separator.

[0006] For the recycling of the aforementioned lithium secondary batteries, processes are utilized in which black powder, consisting of a mixture of cathode and anode materials, is formed into an oxide form through crushing and sorting, followed by the recovery of valuable metals, recovery in the form of black alloy, or the direct recovery of lithium and valuable metals. However, when recovering valuable metals, separator components cause environmental pollution during subsequent processes. These separator components also pose a problem by reducing heat transfer efficiency during the reduction process. Furthermore, these separator components can cause process load through coatings such as organic materials. Accordingly, it is desirable to remove these separator components through pre-separation before subsequent processes.

[0007] To solve this problem, a method is being used to recover only the separator by immersing crushed waste batteries in water under wet conditions, utilizing the hydrophobic characteristics of separators composed of polymers such as PE (Polyethylene). However, the above method has the problem of causing water pollution when the crushed waste batteries are introduced into water.

[0008] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a separator removal device that efficiently recovers only the separator from crushed waste batteries, thereby preventing environmental pollution in subsequent processes and minimizing process load.

[0009] Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for removing separators that efficiently recovers only the separator from crushed waste batteries, thereby preventing environmental contamination in subsequent processes and minimizing process load.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a separator removal device for removing a separator from crushed waste battery material obtained from a waste battery may include a first separator sorting unit that separates the separator from the crushed waste battery material using wind sorting, a second separator sorting unit that further sorts the separator from the crushed waste battery material separated by the first separator sorting unit, and a magnetic sorting unit that separates a magnetic material from the crushed waste battery material separated by the second separator sorting unit. In one embodiment, the first separator sorting unit may be performed at a wind speed in the range of 1.0 to 10.0 m / sec.

[0011] In one embodiment, the separator removal device includes a receiving portion into which the waste battery crushed material is fed, and the receiving portion includes an input portion into which the waste battery crushed material is fed, and the input portion may include a layered structure. In one embodiment, a plurality of structures within the layered structure may have an inclination angle of 20 to 50°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second separator sorting unit is positioned below the first separator sorting unit and may include a second separator recovery unit comprising a plurality of pillars. In one embodiment, the plurality of pillars may be arranged in two or more rows in at least one of a first direction in which the waste battery crushed material falls and a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the length ratio (C / B) of the thickness (C) of the second separator recovery section to the spacing (B) between the plurality of pillar sections may satisfy 0.3 to 1.0. In one embodiment, it may include a drop section disposed between the second separator sorting section and the magnetic sorting section, on which the battery crushed material sorted from the second separator sorting section falls.

[0014] In one embodiment, the diameter of the cross-section of the drop section may narrow toward the center of the drop section. In one embodiment, the first membrane sorting section, the second membrane sorting section, and the magnetic sorting section may be arranged vertically. In one embodiment, the first membrane sorting section may be performed at a wind speed in the range of 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a separator removal method relates to a method for removing a separator from a waste battery crush, and may include an input step of introducing the waste battery crush into a receiving section through an input section including a layered structure; a first separator sorting step of separating a separator from the waste battery crush and wind sorting; a second separator sorting step of further sorting a separator from the waste battery crush after the first separator sorting step; and a magnetic sorting step of separating a magnetic material from the waste battery crush separated from the second separator sorting section.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of structures within the layered structure may have an inclination angle of 20 to 50°. In one embodiment, the second membrane screening step may further separate the membrane by passing it through a plurality of pillars after further screening the membrane.

[0017] In one embodiment, between the second separator screening step and the magnetic screening step, a step of dropping the battery crushed material screened from the second separator screening step may be included. In one embodiment, the first separator screening step may be performed in a wind speed range of 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a separator removal device includes a first separator sorting unit that sorts separators by wind power and a second separator sorting unit that further sorts separators, thereby removing separators from crushed waste batteries in advance, which increases heat transfer efficiency in the reduction process and reduces tar generation factors, thereby reducing the rate of harmful substances generated in the subsequent process.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a separator removal method includes a first separator selection step of separating the separator by wind power and a second separator selection step of further separating the separator, thereby removing the separator from the waste battery crushed material in advance, which can increase the heat transfer efficiency in the reduction process and reduce the tar generation factor, thereby reducing the rate of harmful substances generated in the subsequent process.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a membrane removal device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a second membrane separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of the second membrane separator of Figure 2.

[0023] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a membrane removal device including an input section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the DD' direction of Figure 4.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for removing a separation membrane according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a photograph of a separated membrane according to an embodiment and a comparative example of the present invention.

[0027] Terms such as first, second, and third are used to describe various parts, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but are not limited thereto. These terms are used solely to distinguish one part, component, region, layer, or section from another part, component, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first part, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second part, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] The technical terms used herein are for the reference of specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms used herein include plural forms unless phrases clearly indicate otherwise. As used in the specification, the meaning of "comprising" specifies certain characteristics, areas, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, areas, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components.

[0029] When it is stated that one part is "above" or "on" another part, it may be directly above or on the other part, or other parts may be involved in between. In contrast, when it is stated that one part is "directly above" another part, no other parts are interposed in between.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are further interpreted to have meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the present disclosure, and are not interpreted in an ideal or highly formal sense unless otherwise defined.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a membrane removal device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a separator removal device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a conveying unit (110), a receiving unit (120), a first separator sorting unit (130), a second separator sorting unit (140), and a magnetic sorting unit (150). Specifically, the separator removal device (100) may be a device for removing a separator from crushed waste battery material obtained from a waste battery.

[0033] The transfer unit (110) can transfer the waste battery crushed material to the separator removal device (100). The waste battery crushed material may be a material obtained by crushing waste batteries. The waste battery may mean at least one of a cell including a lithium-ion battery, a pack including a plurality of said cells, and a module including a plurality of said packs. Specifically, the waste battery may include waste batteries such as batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan, scrap, jelly rolls, positive electrode materials such as slurries, defective products generated during the manufacturing process, residues inside the manufacturing process, and generated debris.

[0034] In one embodiment, the waste battery crushed material may include components such as a positive electrode material, a negative electrode material, an aluminum plate, a copper plate, and a separator. In this case, the size of the separator within the waste battery crushed material may be larger than that of other materials. This may be intended to facilitate the separation of only the separator during the separator separation process.

[0035] In one embodiment, the conveying unit (110) may be a member that moves the waste battery crushed material to the upper part of the separator removal device (100). Specifically, the conveying unit (110) may convey the waste battery crushed material, which has been crushed through a crusher, from the bottom to the input part of the separator removal device (100). For example, the conveying unit (110) may easily convey the waste battery crushed material using a member such as a conveyor belt.

[0036] In one embodiment, the conveying unit (110) can convey the waste battery crushed material while distributing the waste battery crushed material evenly. The conveying unit (110) can convey the waste battery crushed material while distributing the waste battery crushed material evenly so that the receiving unit (120) is not overloaded.

[0037] The receiving section (120) may be a space for receiving crushed waste battery material supplied from the transfer section (110). Specifically, the crushed waste battery material introduced into the receiving section (120) may be maintained for a predetermined time before separating the separator, and then the step of separating the separator may be performed. In another embodiment, the crushed waste battery material may be supplied to the receiving section (120) and simultaneously perform the step of separating the separator.

[0038] The first separator sorting unit (130) may be a component for separating separators from crushed waste batteries introduced into the receiving unit (120). Specifically, the first separator sorting unit (130) may be a component for wind-separating separators from the crushed waste batteries. More specifically, the first separation sorting unit (130) may apply wind power to the crushed waste batteries introduced into the receiving unit (120) to classify materials according to specific gravity. More specifically, the first separation sorting unit (130) may cause materials with high specific gravity within the crushed waste batteries, such as positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, aluminum plates, and copper plates, to descend due to the wind power, while materials that are relatively light and have low specific gravity, such as graphite and separators, may rise due to the wind power.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first separator sorting unit (130) can wind-sort the separator by controlling the wind speed in the range of 1.0 to 10.0 m / sec. Specifically, the wind speed may be 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec, more specifically 1.65 to 2.0 m / sec, and even more specifically 1.70 to 1.80 m / sec. By performing the first separator sorting step of sorting the separator in the wind speed range, only the separator within the waste battery crush material can be raised and separated separately.

[0040] If the above-mentioned wind speed exceeds the upper limit of the aforementioned range, some of the high-density materials containing valuable water are recovered along with the membrane, which may reduce the recovery rate of valuable metals in subsequent processes. If the above-mentioned wind speed exceeds the lower limit of the aforementioned range, there is a problem with insufficient separation of the membrane.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first membrane sorting unit (130) may further include a first membrane recovery unit that separately recovers the membrane sorted by wind sorting. Specifically, the first membrane recovery unit may be independently disposed within the first membrane sorting unit (130).

[0042] In one embodiment, the first membrane recovery unit may be placed inside a receiving unit (120) that includes a first membrane sorting unit (130). At this time, the first membrane recovery unit is placed at the top of the receiving unit (120) so as to easily collect the membrane rising according to the wind power of the first membrane sorting unit (130).

[0043] In another embodiment, the first membrane recovery unit may be separated from the receiving unit (120) and positioned outside the receiving unit (120). Specifically, when the first membrane recovery unit is positioned outside the receiving unit (120), it may be positioned at the top of the receiving unit (120). In yet another embodiment, the first membrane sorting unit (130) including the first membrane recovery unit may be positioned above the receiving unit (120). Specifically, the first membrane sorting unit (130) may be positioned above the receiving unit (120), and the first membrane recovery unit may be positioned above the first membrane sorting unit (130).

[0044] The second separator sorting unit (140) is positioned below the first separator sorting unit (130) and can additionally sort separators from the waste battery crushed material separated from the first separator sorting unit (130). Specifically, the waste battery crushed material separated from the first separator sorting unit (130) may be a crushed material from which the separator has been primarily removed by the first separator sorting unit (130). More specifically, the second separator sorting unit (140) may be a component that secondarily removes separators from the waste battery crushed material.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second membrane sorting unit (140) may include a second membrane recovery unit comprising a plurality of column portions (141). Specifically, the second membrane sorting unit (140) may be a member that removes a membrane with a long axis length that was not filtered by the first membrane sorting unit (130) by arranging a plurality of column portions (141) having a column shape.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second separator sorting unit (140) can classify crushed material according to length using a plurality of pillars (141). Specifically, the second separator sorting unit (140) can further sort separators by allowing small crushed material to pass between the plurality of pillars (141) and preventing long separators from passing between the plurality of pillars (141). More specifically, the second separator sorting unit (140) can separately separate defective separators having a length of 100 mm or more among the waste battery crushed material using a plurality of pillars (141).

[0047] In one embodiment, the second separation membrane sorting section (140) may have a plurality of pillar sections (141) spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the spacing between the plurality of pillar sections (141) may be 90 to 130 mm. By satisfying the aforementioned range, the separation membrane having a length of 90 mm or more, specifically 100 mm or more, can be separated secondarily to increase the sorting efficiency of the separation plate.

[0048] The magnetic separation unit (150) may be a component that separates magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials from the waste battery crushed material that has passed through the second separator separation unit (140). Specifically, the magnetic separation unit (150) may apply magnetic force to separately recover magnetic materials and magnetic materials, such as plastic containing magnetic materials, from the waste battery crushed material.

[0049] The magnetic separation unit (150) can separate particles by contacting the magnetic material using the magnetic material, and various types of magnetic separation methods can be applied. Specifically, the magnetic separation unit (150) can separate a magnetic material having magnetism from a non-magnetic material having non-magnetism.

[0050] The magnetic material may be a magnetic material comprising materials such as bolts, nuts, or battery module structures within the waste battery. Specifically, the magnetic material may comprise a magnetic material found in the shredded waste battery. The non-magnetic material may comprise a non-magnetic material found in the shredded waste battery. For example, it may refer to materials such as electrode material, graphite, fine electrode material powder, separator, or plastic.

[0051] In one embodiment, the magnetic separation unit (150) may be performed at a magnetic force of 1000 Gauss or more. Specifically, the magnetic separation unit may be performed in the range of 500 to 3000 Gauss. By performing the magnetic separation step in the above range, there is an advantage in that impurities in the magnetic material can be removed and the non-magnetic material, which is the electrode material, can be efficiently separated.

[0052] In this way, when magnetic separation is performed on the crushed material, impurities such as the aforementioned bolts, nuts, or magnetic frames can be separated. Specifically, the aforementioned impurities can be treated from the crushed material before undergoing the high-temperature reduction process, and the high-temperature reduction reactor may contain only non-magnetic electrode materials. More specifically, if the crushed material undergoes the high-temperature reduction step, the metallic material is deformed into an oxide state, making magnetic separation difficult; therefore, an impurity removal step through magnetic separation is required prior to the high-temperature reduction step.

[0053] In one embodiment, the magnetic separation unit (150) may further include a magnetic material recovery unit (151) for separately recovering magnetic materials. Specifically, magnetic materials among the shredded waste batteries may be separately recovered by the magnetic material recovery unit (151). At this time, non-magnetic materials excluding the magnetic materials may be separated and recovered separately.

[0054] In one embodiment, the separator removal device (100) may include a dropping section (160) into which crushed waste battery material selected from the second separator sorting section (140) falls. Specifically, the dropping section (160) may be a member positioned between the second separator sorting section (140) and the magnetic sorting section (150), into which the crushed waste battery material falls for a predetermined period of time. By including the dropping section (160), the separator removal device (100) can appropriately distribute the material reaching the magnetic sorting section (150) by weight according to free fall motion when crushed waste battery material selected from the second separator sorting section (140) is fed into the magnetic sorting section (150).

[0055] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the drop section (160) may have a gradient. In terms of structure, it may be a structure that narrows toward the center of the drop section (160). More specifically, by having the drop section (160) have a gradient, the dispersion of the waste battery crushed material recovered from the second separator sorting section (140) can be prevented and the recovery rate of the crushed material can be increased.

[0056] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a second membrane separator (140) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the second separator (140) may include a plurality of pillars (141). In one embodiment, the plurality of pillars (141) may be arranged in at least two rows in at least one of a first direction (Y-axis direction) in which the waste battery crushed material falls and a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. Specifically, the plurality of pillars (141) may be arranged in two or more rows rather than in a single row. As the plurality of pillars (141) are arranged in multiple rows, long separators can be easily separated.

[0058] In one embodiment, a plurality of column sections (141) may include a front column section (141F) and a rear column section (141B). The front column section (141F) may be positioned at the front end of the plurality of column sections (141), and the rear column section (141B) may be positioned at the rear end of the front column section (141F). In this way, the plurality of column sections (141) are arranged in a plurality of rows to facilitate the removal of the secondary separation membrane.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heights of the plurality of pillars (141) may be the same. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates that the heights of the plurality of pillars (141) are arranged to be the same. However, this is a non-limiting example, and the heights of the plurality of pillars (141) may be arranged differently and may be appropriately modified to control the recovery efficiency of the separation membrane.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' direction of the second membrane separator (140) of FIG. 2.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the length ratio (C / B) of the thickness (C) of the second separation membrane sorting section to the spacing (B) between the plurality of pillar sections (141) may satisfy 0.3 to 1.0. Specifically, the ratio may satisfy 0.4 to 0.8, and more specifically, 0.5 to 0.7.

[0062] As the above ratio satisfies the aforementioned range and the pillar section is arranged, the secondary separation efficiency of the membrane can be maximized. If the above ratio deviates from the aforementioned range, there is a problem in that the membrane recovery efficiency decreases.

[0063] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a membrane removal device (100) including an input part (121) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the receiving section (120) includes an input section (121) into which crushed waste battery material is fed, and the input section (121) may include a layered structure (122). Specifically, the layered structure (122) may be positioned at the front end of the input section (121) into which crushed waste battery material is fed.

[0065] The layered structure (122) may be positioned below the conveying section (110) and at the front end of the input section (121). Specifically, the membrane removal device (100) may include a predetermined receiving space between the conveying section (110) and the receiving section (120). More specifically, the crushed waste battery material conveyed through the conveying section (110) may fall from the conveying section (110), settle in the receiving space, and then be fed into the receiving section (120).

[0066] In one embodiment, the layered structure (122) may be placed in the receiving space and attached to the input section (121). Specifically, the layered structure (122) may be placed in the receiving space so that crushed waste batteries falling from the transfer section (110) may collide with the layered structure (122) and be dispersed.

[0067] In one embodiment, the layered structure (122) may be a collision-inducing structure. Specifically, it may be arranged to induce a collision and disperse the waste battery crushed material when it falls into the receiving space.

[0068] In one embodiment, the layered structure (122) may include a plurality of structures. The plurality of structures may be arranged in a stepped manner, for example. Specifically, the plurality of structures may be arranged so that their length increases from top to bottom. By arranging the plurality of structures in a stepped manner, impacts are applied to the shredded waste battery in multiple stages, thereby increasing dispersion efficiency.

[0069] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the DD' direction of Figure 4.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the plurality of structures may have an inclination angle (θ) of 20 to 50°. Specifically, the inclination angle may be 20 to 50°, more specifically, an inclination angle (θ) of 30 to 40°. The plurality of structures have an inclination angle (θ) and can facilitate the dispersion of the waste battery crushed material by inducing collision of the waste battery crushed material, and subsequently facilitate the introduction of the waste battery crushed material into the receiving portion (120).

[0071] In one embodiment, the spacing (D) between the plurality of structures may be the same. Specifically, the plurality of structures within the layered structure (122) may be spaced apart at equal intervals. By spaced apart at equal intervals, a uniform external force can be applied to the crushed waste battery to increase dispersion efficiency.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for removing a separation membrane according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the method for removing the separator may include the steps of preparing a waste battery crush (S100), sorting a first separator (S200), sorting a second separator (S300), and separating by magnetic force (S400). Specifically, the method for removing the separator of the present invention may be a method for removing the separator from the waste battery crush in advance.

[0074] The step of preparing shredded waste battery material (S100) may be a step of preparing shredded waste battery material, which is a material obtained by shredding waste batteries. The waste battery may be, for example, a battery that has reached the end of its lifespan. Specifically, the waste battery may include at least one of a cell including a lithium-ion battery, a pack including a plurality of said cells, and a module including a plurality of said packs.

[0075] In one embodiment, the step of preparing the waste battery shredder (S100) may include the step of shredding the waste battery. Specifically, the step of shredding the waste battery may have an oxygen content of 6 volume% or less. Specifically, the oxygen content may be 4 volume% or less. By shredding the waste battery while including the oxygen content within the aforementioned range, there is an advantage of preventing the occurrence of fire due to short-circuit instability during shredding.

[0076] In one embodiment, the step of crushing the waste battery may have a knife blade within the crusher with a strength of at least the strength of superalloy, as a non-limiting example.

[0077] In one embodiment, the step of crushing the waste battery may be to adjust the spacing of the blades in the crusher to 20 to 200 mm.

[0078] By performing the step of crushing the waste battery as described above under the aforementioned conditions, the waste battery crushed material can be produced in a size such that only the separator can be easily recovered by wind power in the first separator sorting step.

[0079] In one embodiment, the step of crushing the waste battery may crush the waste battery so that the average length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery is 40 to 80 mm. Specifically, the average length of the crushed waste battery may be 50 to 70 mm.

[0080] In one embodiment, the step of crushing the waste battery may cause the separator to be crushed more significantly than other crushed materials. In one embodiment, the step of crushing the waste battery may crush the separator so that the average length of the long axis of the separator within the waste battery crushed material is 100 to 350 mm. Specifically, the average length of the separator may be crushed to 150 to 350 mm.

[0081] In the step of crushing the waste battery, if the average length of the waste battery crushed material and the separator within the waste battery crushed material satisfies the aforementioned range, the separator can be recovered more easily from the waste battery crushed material during the separator sorting step. If the average length of the separator deviates from the lower limit of the aforementioned range, there is a possibility of mixing with other crushed materials, and recovery becomes difficult even if wind sorting is performed. If the average length of the separator deviates from the upper limit of the aforementioned range, the weight of the separator increases, making wind sorting difficult.

[0082] The step of sorting the first separator (S200) may be a step of sorting the separator by controlling the wind speed. Specifically, the step of sorting the first separator (S200) may be a step of classifying materials according to specific gravity by applying wind power to the crushed waste battery material. Specifically, by the wind power, materials with high specific gravity within the crushed waste battery material, such as cathode materials, anode materials, aluminum plates, and copper plates, may descend due to the wind power, while materials that are relatively light and have low specific gravity, such as graphite and separators, may rise due to the wind power.

[0083] In one embodiment, the separator can be removed by controlling the wind speed to 10.0 m / sec or less. Specifically, the separator can be removed by controlling the wind speed to a range of 1.0 to 10.0 m / sec. More specifically, the wind speed may be 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec, more specifically 1.65 to 2.0 m / sec, and even more specifically 1.70 to 1.80 m / sec. By performing a first separator sorting step of sorting the separator within the above wind speed range, only the separator within the shredded waste battery can be raised and separated separately.

[0084] If the above-mentioned wind speed exceeds the upper limit of the aforementioned range, some of the high-density materials containing valuable water are recovered along with the membrane, which may reduce the recovery rate of valuable metals in subsequent processes. If the above-mentioned wind speed exceeds the lower limit of the aforementioned range, there is a problem with insufficient separation of the membrane.

[0085] The method for removing the separator may include a step of dispersing the crushed waste battery material prior to the step (S200) of sorting the first separator. Specifically, the method may include a step of inducing a collision with the crushed waste battery material before it is introduced into a receiving section for sorting the first separator. The step of sorting the first separator may be performed after the crushed waste battery material collides with a collision-inducing structure and is properly dispersed. By dispersing the crushed waste battery material before sorting the first separator, wind separation from the crushed waste battery material can be performed more easily.

[0086] The step of sorting the second separator (S300) may be a step of additionally removing large separators from the waste battery crushed material separated through the first separator sorting step. Specifically, the waste battery crushed material may include separators with a long axis length of 100 mm or more due to poor crushing among the crushed material. There is a problem that long separators are difficult to recover in the aforementioned wind sorting process due to their weight. Thus, the step of sorting the second separator (S300) may be a step of additionally sorting long separators to recover the separators more easily.

[0087] The step of sorting the second membrane (S300) may perform a particle size sorting step. Specifically, as described above in FIGS. 1 and 2, the particle size sorting step involves the free fall of crushed material into a second membrane sorter (140) comprising a plurality of column sections (141), and in this process, membranes that are long and do not pass through the column sections (141) can be recovered separately.

[0088] The step of sorting the second separator (S300) can sort the waste battery crushed material based on a spacing of 90 to 130 mm when performing the particle size sorting step. If the spacing exceeds the upper limit of the aforementioned range, there is a problem in that an excessive amount of crushed material passes through the column section, making it difficult to recover the separator. If the spacing exceeds the lower limit of the aforementioned range, even the crushed material with properly recovered separator cannot pass through the column section, resulting in a problem in that the recovery efficiency of valuable metals within the crushed material is reduced.

[0089] The magnetic separation step (S400) may be a step of separating magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials among the crushed waste batteries that have undergone the step of separating the second separator. Specifically, the magnetic separation step may separate particles by contacting the magnetic material using the magnetic material, and various types of magnetic separation methods may be applied.

[0090] The magnetic material may be a magnetic material comprising materials such as bolts, nuts, or battery module structures within the waste battery. Specifically, the magnetic material may comprise a magnetic material found in the shredded waste battery. The non-magnetic material may comprise a non-magnetic material found in the shredded waste battery. For example, it may refer to materials such as electrode material, graphite, fine electrode material powder, separator, or plastic.

[0091] In one embodiment, the magnetic separation step may be performed at a magnetic force of 1000 Gauss or higher. Specifically, the magnetic separation step may be performed in the range of 500 to 3000 Gauss. By performing the magnetic separation step in the above range, there is an advantage in efficiently separating a magnetic material containing valuable metals from a non-magnetic material such as a separator.

[0092] When performed in a magnetic range that exceeds the upper limit of the above range, even trace amounts of valuable metals are recovered, increasing the recovery rate; however, the grade of the recovered valuable metals is lowered, and the amount of impurities such as graphite and copper is increased, resulting in lower process efficiency in the subsequent wet smelting process and causing uneconomical problems. When performed in a magnetic range that exceeds the lower limit of the above range, the recovery rate of valuable metals is lowered, and non-magnetic materials such as separators are mixed in, causing a decrease in the efficiency of subsequent processes.

[0093] In one embodiment, the step of dropping the waste battery crushed material between the second separator sorting step and the magnetic sorting step may be included. The step of dropping the crushed material may be performed for a predetermined time. Specifically, as the step of dropping the crushed material proceeds in the dropping section (160) as described above in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waste battery crushed material supplied to the magnetic sorting step is supplied uniformly, thereby increasing the magnetic sorting recovery rate.

[0094]

[0095] Preferred embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention are described below. However, the following examples are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0096]

[0097] Experimental Example 1: Whether to include the first membrane screening step and the second membrane screening step

[0098] <Example 1>

[0099] (Waste battery preparation stage)

[0100] The step of preparing the spent battery involved completely discharging the NCM622 battery. This discharge was performed under conditions where abnormal temperature zones were identified through thermal imaging monitoring.

[0101]

[0102] (Step of crushing waste batteries)

[0103] The waste battery was shredded to a size of 25 to 30 mm using a 2-axis 2-stage shredder. The shredded battery material had a layered structure in which the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator were stacked in sequence, and the layered structure was stacked in at least one layer. The size of the battery shredded material was shredded to an average length of 25 to 30 mm, and the separator within the battery shredded material was shredded to an average length of 40 mm. The size was 100 mm or less. The size of the battery shredded material refers to the length based on the major axis among the width, length, and height of the battery shredded material, and the average length refers to the average length among the sizes of the battery shredded material. At this time, the shredding condition was performed under conditions where the oxygen content was 6 volume% or less based on volume.

[0104]

[0105] (First membrane removal step)

[0106] The above-mentioned battery crushed material was moved and fed into the first separator sorting section through a conveyor-type transfer facility. The first separator sorting section includes a layered structure in which structures are spaced apart at equal intervals and have an inclination angle of about 35° at the suction port into which the battery crushed material is fed.

[0107] The above battery crushed material struck the layered structure of the first separator sorting section to maximize the dispersion effect, and subsequently, was fed into the first separator sorting section by free fall.

[0108] Subsequently, in the first membrane removal step, relatively light membranes were recovered to the first membrane recovery unit within the first membrane sorting unit through wind separation, and crushed materials other than the membranes were dropped and transported toward the second membrane sorting unit.

[0109] At this time, the first separator removal step was performed at a wind speed of 1.75 m / sec for 15 minutes. In the first separator removal step, the lightweight separator was separated into the first separator recovery unit, and the battery crushed material containing heavy valuable metals was transferred to the second separator sorting unit to primarily separate the separator by wind power.

[0110]

[0111] (Second membrane removal step)

[0112] The battery crushed material that has undergone the first separator removal step is fed into a second separator sorting unit. The second separator sorting unit can recover crushed material of 100 mm or more among the battery crushed material that has not been crushed to an appropriate size. Specifically, the second separator sorting unit may include a second separator recovery unit that includes a column-shaped structure.

[0113] The second separator recovery unit includes a plurality of column sections, which are column-shaped structures, and the plurality of column sections may be spaced apart from each other at intervals of approximately 100 mm. Additionally, the plurality of column sections are arranged in two or more rows in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to easily recover separators of 100 mm or larger from the battery crushed material. In this way, separators having a size of 100 mm or larger recovered through the second separator recovery unit were recovered separately after the process was completed.

[0114]

[0115] (Magnetic separation stage)

[0116] The battery crushed material that has undergone the second separator screening step was dropped into a magnetic separation unit, after which the magnetic material and the non-magnetic material were separated. Specifically, the magnetic separation unit performed magnetic separation with a strength of 1000 Gauss. The magnetic separation unit recovered the magnetic material and magnetic materials, such as plastic containing the magnetic material, from the battery crushed material.

[0117]

[0118] <Comparative Example 1>

[0119] It was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that it did not include the first membrane screening step and the second membrane screening step.

[0120]

[0121] <Comparative Example 2>

[0122] It was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the first membrane screening step was not included.

[0123]

[0124] <Comparative Example 3>

[0125] It was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that it did not include the second membrane screening step.

[0126] Table 1 below shows the ratio of recovered materials in the resulting product recovered according to the embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention. In Table 1 below, the recovery rate of valuable materials refers to the recovery rate of valuable materials within the battery crushed material, the separator ratio refers to the ratio of separators individually separated from the battery crushed material within the battery crushed material, and fine powder and copper foil refer to some materials of the electrode material.

[0127] Crushed Material Recovery Rate [%] Separator Ratio [Wet%] Fine Powder and Copper Foil [Wet%] Remarks Example 189.194.616.20 Includes 1st screening + 2nd screening Comparative Example 189.454.476.08 Does not include 1st screening and 2nd screening Comparative Example 299.90.010 Includes only 2nd screening Comparative Example 389.454.476.08 Includes only 1st screening

[0128]

[0129] Looking at Table 1 above, it can be seen that Example 1, which includes both the first membrane screening step and the second membrane screening step, has a higher recovery rate of individually separated membranes compared to Comparative Example 1. Specifically, in the case of Comparative Example 1, which does not include the first membrane screening step and the second membrane screening step at all, it was confirmed that there is a significant difference in the membrane recovery rate compared to Example 1. While Comparative Examples 2 and 3 show higher membrane recovery efficiency compared to Comparative Example 1, it can be seen that the membrane recovery rate is somewhat lower compared to an example that performs the first membrane screening step and the second membrane screening step simultaneously, as in Example 1.

[0130]

[0131] Experimental Example 2: Wind power control of the first membrane screening step

[0132] <Example 2>

[0133] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the wind speed was changed to 2.0 m / sec in the first membrane screening step.

[0134]

[0135] <Reference Example 1>

[0136] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the wind speed was changed to 1.5 m / sec in the first membrane screening step.

[0137]

[0138] <Reference Example 2>

[0139] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the wind speed was changed to 1.25 m / sec in the first membrane screening step.

[0140]

[0141] <Reference Example 3>

[0142] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the wind speed was changed to 1.0 m / sec in the first membrane screening step.

[0143]

[0144] <Reference Example 4>

[0145] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that the wind speed was changed to 3.0 m / sec in the first membrane screening step.

[0146]

[0147] Figure 7 is a photograph of a separated membrane according to an embodiment and a comparative example of the present invention.

[0148] FIG. 7 shows photographs of the membranes recovered according to Example 1, Example 2, Reference Example 1, and Reference Example 3, respectively. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that when the first membrane sorting step is performed within the wind speed range of the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of membrane recovered from the first membrane recovery unit is large. In contrast, when the first membrane sorting step is performed within the wind speed range of the comparative example, the amount of membrane recovered from the first membrane recovery unit is small.

[0149]

[0150] Table 2 below shows the ratio of recovered material as the wind speed is controlled in the first separator screening step according to the embodiments and reference examples of the present invention. That is, it shows the ratio of the result obtained after the first separator screening step. In Table 2 below, high-density material is a material containing the target to be recovered, such as electrode material, and low-density material is a material containing a material that has an adverse effect during high-temperature reduction reactions, such as separator. In addition, the separator is a material containing fine powder and copper foil, and high-density is defined as electrode material to measure the ratio of the result.

[0151] Wind speed of the first separator screening step [m / s] High specific gravity [weight%] Low specific gravity [weight%] Low specific gravity (separator, fine powder, copper foil) Separator [weight%] Fine powder, copper foil [weight%] Remarks Example 11.75 89.19 10.8 14.6 16.20 Example 22.08 9.86 10.14 3.36 6.78 Reference Example 11.59 7.20 2.80 1.83 0.97 Reference Example 21.259 8.67 1.33 1.17 0.16 Reference Example 31.09 8.69 1.31 1.19 0.12 Reference Example 43.08 7.63 12.37 4.90 7.47

[0152]

[0153] Looking at Table 2 above, it can be seen that in the first separator screening step, in the case of Examples 1 and 2, where the wind speed falls within the scope of the present invention, the proportion of the separator recovered separately is high. In contrast, in the case of Reference Examples 1 to 4, where the wind speed does not fall within the scope of the present invention, the proportion of the separator recovered separately is low, and it can be seen that the separator is included in the battery crushed material.

[0154]

[0155] Experimental Example 3: Length control of shredded waste battery material during the shredding stage

[0156] <Example 3>

[0157] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that in the step of crushing the waste battery, the average length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery was adjusted to 40 to 60 mm and the average length of the long axis of the separator was adjusted to 100 to 300 mm.

[0158]

[0159] <Example 4>

[0160] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that in the step of crushing the waste battery, the average length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery was adjusted to 60 to 80 mm and the average length of the long axis of the separator was adjusted to 150 to 350 mm.

[0161]

[0162] <Reference Example 5>

[0163] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that in the step of crushing the waste battery, the average length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery was adjusted to 20 to 40 mm and the average length of the long axis of the separator was adjusted to 60 to 150 mm.

[0164]

[0165] <Reference Example 6>

[0166] The procedure was performed in the same manner as Example 1, except that in the step of crushing the waste battery, the average length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery was adjusted to 100 to 150 mm and the average length of the long axis of the separator was adjusted to 300 to 550 mm.

[0167]

[0168] Table 3 below shows the ratio of recovered material when, in the step of crushing waste batteries according to the embodiments and reference examples of the present invention, the length of the long axis of the crushed waste battery is adjusted to a predetermined range and then the step of removing the separator is performed.

[0169] Average length of crushed material [mm] Wind speed of the first membrane screening stage [m / s] High specific gravity [weight%] Low specific gravity [weight%] Low specific gravity membrane [weight%] Fine powder and copper foil [weight%] Example 3 501.7589.19 10.8 14.6 16.20 Example 4 701.7589.82 10.18 3.9 46.24 Reference Example 5 301.7589.04 10.9 64.27 6.69 Reference Example 6 1201.7590.589.422.886.54

[0170]

[0171] Looking at Table 3 above, it can be seen that in Examples 1, 3, and 4, where the average length of the crushed material falls within the scope of the present invention, the proportion of the separator recovered separately is high. In contrast, in Reference Examples 5 and 6, where the average length of the crushed material does not fall within the scope of the present invention, the proportion of the separator recovered separately is low, indicating that the separator is included within the battery crushed material. The present invention is not limited to the above examples but can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the examples described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A separator removal device for removing a separator from shredded waste battery material obtained from a waste battery, A first separator sorting unit that separates the separator from the above-mentioned waste battery crushed material and sorts it by wind power; A second separator sorting unit for further sorting separators from the waste battery crushed material separated from the first separator sorting unit; and A separator removal device comprising a magnetic separation unit for separating magnetic materials from the waste battery crushed material separated from the second separator separation unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above separator removal device includes a receiving portion into which the waste battery crushed material is fed, and The above receiving section includes an input section into which the first separator sorting section receives the crushed waste battery material, and The above input section is a membrane removal device including a layered structure.

3. In Paragraph 2, A plurality of structures within the above-mentioned layered structure are a membrane removal device having an inclination angle of 20 to 50°.

4. In Paragraph 1, The second membrane sorting unit is positioned below the first membrane sorting unit, and A membrane removal device comprising a second membrane recovery section including a plurality of column sections.

5. In Paragraph 4, A separator removal device in which the plurality of pillars are arranged in at least two rows in at least one of a first direction in which the waste battery crushed material falls and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

6. In Paragraph 4, A membrane removal device satisfying a length ratio (C / B) of the thickness (C) of the second membrane recovery section to the spacing (B) between the plurality of pillar sections of the above-mentioned plurality of pillar sections of 0.3 to 1.

0.

7. In Paragraph 4, It is disposed between the second membrane separation unit and the magnetic separation unit, and A separator removal device comprising a drop section into which the battery crushed material selected from the second separator selection section falls.

8. In Paragraph 7, A membrane removal device in which the cross-sectional diameter of the above-mentioned drop section narrows toward the center of the above-mentioned drop section.

9. In Paragraph 1, A membrane removal device in which the first membrane sorting unit, the second membrane sorting unit, and the magnetic sorting unit are arranged vertically.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first membrane sorting unit is a membrane removal device that performs at a wind speed in the range of 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec.

11. A method for removing a separator from shredded waste battery material, comprising: An input step of inputting the above-mentioned crushed waste battery material into a receiving section via an input section including a layered structure; A first separator sorting step for separating the separator from the above-mentioned waste battery crushed material and wind sorting; A second separator sorting step for further sorting separators from the waste battery crushed material that has undergone the first separator sorting step; and A method for removing a separator, comprising a magnetic separation step for separating a magnetic material from the waste battery crushed material separated from the second separator separation unit.

12. In Paragraph 11, A method for removing a separation membrane in which a plurality of structures within the above-mentioned layered structure have an inclination angle of 20 to 50°.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above second membrane screening step is, A method for removing a membrane by further separating the membrane after additionally screening the above membrane and passing it through a plurality of pillar sections.

14. In Paragraph 11, Between the second membrane separation step and the magnetic separation step A method for removing a separator comprising the step of dropping the battery crushed material selected from the second separator selection step.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned first membrane screening step is a membrane removal method performed in a wind speed range of 1.6 to 2.5 m / sec.

Images