Electrode Coating Die Slurry Circulation During Line Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the electrode coating process for secondary batteries, line stops lead to slurry stagnation, agglomeration, and gelation in the coating die, resulting in surface defects and reduced productivity due to the lack of a circulation system during interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A slurry circulation system that connects the coating die to a tank via circulation piping from at least one of the left, right, rear, or lower surfaces, allowing continuous slurry circulation, including a manifold structure and a pump, filter, and valve to maintain process temperature and prevent agglomeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slurry is discharged through return valve during line stop, then slurry can be prevented from remaining in coating die, but slurry agglomeration and gelation occur due to lack of circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous slurry circulation during line stops by activating the circulation pump to maintain slurry flow from the coating die back to the slurry tank through the circulation pipeline. This continuous circulation prevents slurry stagnation, agglomeration, and gelation that would otherwise occur when slurry is simply discharged through the return valve, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and circulation reliability.
2Reliability
If circulation piping is connected to coating die, then slurry circulation is enabled during line stop, but device complexity increases due to additional piping and components
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation piping system is designed to serve multiple functions: it enables slurry circulation during line stops to prevent agglomeration, maintains slurry flow during normal operation, and integrates with existing components like the circulation pump and slurry tank. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circulation equipment, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining circulation reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If slurry circulates continuously during line stop, then coating quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates periodically rather than continuously during line stops. The system monitors line stop conditions and activates the pump only when needed to maintain slurry circulation, then pauses when circulation is sufficient. This periodic operation maintains coating quality by preventing slurry agglomeration while reducing unnecessary energy consumption compared to continuous pump operation.
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 system prevents slurry stagnation and agglomeration, minimizing defects and maintaining coating quality and productivity by ensuring continuous slurry circulation during line stops, applicable to both positive and negative electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation piping for connecting the coating die and the tank, in which a slurry circulates at the time of a line stop
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for circulating a slurry including, a coating die for applying a electrode active material slurry on the current collector; a tank for supplying the electrode active material slurry to the coating die; and a circulation piping for connecting the coating die and the tank, wherein the slurry circulates through the circulation piping connected from at least one of the left surface, the right surface, the rear surface, and the lower surface of the coating die to the tank at the time of a line stop.