Battery Slurry Homogenization for Higher Solids and Faster Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slurry homogenization processes for lithium-ion batteries face issues such as high equipment costs, energy consumption, large footprint, low productivity, inadequate slurry uniformity, and low solid content, leading to increased operational costs and suboptimal slurry quality.
Innovation Solution
A novel slurry homogenization process involving sequential pre-mixing and dispersing operations, followed by defoaming and cooling, to enhance slurry quality and increase solid content from 55% to 60%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a double-planetary stirring process is used for slurry homogenization, then mixing capability is improved, but production time increases to 4-7 hours per batch and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slurry preparation process into three distinct stages: pre-mixing (dry mixing of materials), wet mixing (adding first solvent and conducting dispersing operation), and post-mixing (adding second solvent and conducting final dispersing operation). This segmentation allows each stage to focus on specific mixing objectives, achieving thorough homogenization while reducing total processing time to 1-2 hours per batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs pre-mixing operations before wet mixing to preliminarily blend the main material, conductive agent, and binder in dry state. This preliminary action ensures uniform distribution of solid components before liquid solvent is added, which accelerates the subsequent wet mixing process and reduces overall processing time while maintaining slurry uniformity.
2Power
If high-power explosion-proof motors are used to drive mixing blades and dispersion wheels, then mixing power is improved, but energy consumption increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mixing elements including a three-dimensional mixing blade that rotates at variable speeds during different process stages, and a dispersion wheel with adjustable rotation speed. The mixing blade speed is controlled to be 1.5-3 times the dispersion wheel speed during wet mixing, allowing optimal power utilization without requiring excessive motor power, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective mixing capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a double-planetary device is used for slurry homogenization, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but equipment footprint increases and three or more sets of equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple mixing functions into a single mixing device that combines a mixing blade and a dispersion wheel operating within the same mixing container. This merged design eliminates the need for separate pre-mixing and wet-mixing equipment, reducing the number of equipment sets from three or more to one, and significantly decreasing equipment footprint while maintaining effective slurry homogenization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing device is designed with multi-functionality to perform pre-mixing, wet mixing, and post-mixing operations using the same equipment. The mixing blade and dispersion wheel can operate at different speeds and configurations to accommodate different mixing stages, making the equipment universal for all slurry preparation steps without requiring specialized equipment for each stage.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional slurry preparation processes are used, then basic mixing is achieved, but solid content is limited to around 55% and slurry fineness is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous dispersing operations throughout the slurry preparation process. During wet mixing, the dispersion wheel continuously rotates to break down agglomerates and distribute particles uniformly. A second dispersing operation is conducted after adding the second solvent to further refine particle distribution. This continuous useful action achieves superior slurry fineness and enables higher solid content of 60-65% without compromising uniformity.
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
The process reduces production time to under 1.3 hours, improves slurry fineness, sieving performance, and fluidity, while increasing solid content and reducing solvent usage, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first dispersing operation in a pulping machine at a high linear velocity to obtain a second mixture
Implementation Method 2
performing a defoaming operation on the third mixture to obtain a homogenized slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A slurry homogenization process and a use thereof, including the following steps: performing a first pre-mixing operation on a main material, a first conductive agent, and a binder to obtain a first mixture; adding the first mixture into a first solvent, and sequentially performing a second pre-mixing operation and a first dispersing operation to obtain a second mixture; and adding a conductive slurry into the second mixture, sequentially performing a third pre-mixing operation and a second dispersing operation to obtain a third mixture, and performing a defoaming and cooling operation on the third mixture to obtain a homogenized slurry.