Accumulator Treatment Plant With X-Ray Sorting Before Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for treating spent lead-acid accumulators are unsafe due to the risk of explosions from lithium-ion accumulators being mistakenly processed, as they can retain electric charge and contain hazardous substances, leading to potential explosions and chemical risks during the grinding process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an X-ray analysis system that distinguishes lead-acid accumulators from other types, such as lithium-ion accumulators, by utilizing X-ray detectors to identify lead content and prevent non-lead accumulators from entering the grinding mill, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of explosions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sorting by operator is used to separate lead-acid accumulators from other types, then initial classification is achieved, but sorting errors occur leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated X-ray detection system that uses radiation transmission properties to identify and sort accumulators. The system uses X-ray sources and detectors to automatically distinguish lead-acid accumulators from lithium-ion accumulators based on their different radiation absorption characteristics, eliminating human error in classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an X-ray detection system as an intermediary between the mixed accumulator input and the grinding mill. This intermediary system measures radiation transmission through each accumulator and automatically diverts non-lead-acid accumulators before they reach the mill, preventing safety hazards while maintaining process continuity.
2Productivity
If lithium-ion accumulators are processed in the grinding mill, then material recovery is attempted, but explosions occur causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and separation of lithium-ion accumulators using X-ray detection before they enter the grinding mill. The system measures radiation transmission characteristics upstream in the process flow and automatically diverts non-lead-acid accumulators, preventing the harmful explosion effect from occurring in the first place rather than responding after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the X-ray detection system to identify and divert lithium-ion accumulators before they can cause explosions in the grinding mill. The system actively prevents the harmful effect by counteracting the potential danger through automated classification and separation upstream in the process.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray analysis is implemented to identify lead-acid accumulators, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential distinguishing feature (radiation transmission property) needed to differentiate lead-acid accumulators from other types. The X-ray detection system focuses solely on measuring this single critical parameter rather than attempting to analyze all possible characteristics, simplifying the detection approach while maintaining high sorting precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively increases safety by accurately sorting lead-acid accumulators from other types, preventing explosions and minimizing exposure to hazardous substances, ensuring a safer treatment process for both facilities and operators.
Implementation Method 1
a source of X-ray radiation (12) arranged to emit a beam of X-ray radiation (48) towards said detection location (11)
Implementation Method 2
in view of their low cost, in particular in the automotive industry to allow the starting of the heat engine and power all on-board electric utilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A spent and/or decommissioned accumulator treatment plant and process, wherein a plurality of objects originating from separate waste collection of spent and/or decommissioned accumulators, nominally comprising lead-acid accumulators and accumulators and objects of a different type, are subject to an X-ray scan. If an analysis of the X-ray scan indicates that an object is not a lead-acid accumulator, and in particular is a lithium-ion battery or accumulator, it is deviated out of the treatment workflow, that comprises grinding the objects and separating lead from other materials.