Continuous Vacuum Deaerating Electrode Paste Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing electrode paste using a twin screw extrusion mixer face challenges in reducing production time and effectively removing bubbles, especially when the solid fraction exceeds 50%, leading to increased viscosity and poor yield due to the need for batch processing and difficulties in vacuum deaerating.
Innovation Solution
A continuous vacuum deaerating process is implemented using a mohno pump and deaerating tank system, where the conduit system is kept in a vacuum state, allowing for the electrode paste to flow as a thin film along the tank's inner wall, and bubbles are popped by discharging solvent or reducing surfactant concentration, enabling reliable bubble removal without batch processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batch processing is used in a non-airtight system, then all electrode paste can be processed, but production time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous vacuum deaerating processing where electrode paste is continuously transferred from the mixing chamber through the mohno pump to the deaerating tank while maintaining vacuum conditions throughout. This eliminates the batch processing step where paste is collected and then processed separately, achieving continuous operation that reduces production time while handling all produced paste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mixing chamber and deaerating tank into a connected airtight system, eliminating the intermediate batch processing step. The mixing chamber is modified to include a discharge port that connects directly to the deaerating tank, allowing paste to flow continuously from mixing to deaerating without breaking the vacuum seal or requiring batch collection.
2Quantity of substance
If the solid fraction is increased to 50% or more, then solvent amount is reduced, but viscosity increases making bubble removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical agitation or batch vacuum processing with a continuous vacuum deaerating system that maintains vacuum conditions throughout the paste flow path. The mohno pump creates and maintains negative pressure in the conduit system, allowing continuous removal of bubbles even from high-viscosity paste with 50% or more solid fraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by maintaining vacuum conditions (negative pressure) throughout the continuous processing system. This pressure change facilitates bubble removal from high-viscosity electrode paste by creating a pressure gradient that draws bubbles out as the paste flows through the deaerating tank, enabling effective deaerating even when solid fraction is 50% or more.
3Manufacturing precision
If a twin screw extrusion mixer is used, then homogeneous paste is produced, but the system is not airtight requiring batch processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the twin screw extrusion mixer with the deaerating tank into a single airtight integrated system. The mixing chamber is modified to include a discharge port that connects directly to the deaerating tank, creating a continuous airtight pathway that allows both homogeneous mixing and continuous vacuum deaerating without breaking the seal or requiring batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation by maintaining airtight connections between the twin screw extrusion mixer and deaerating tank. The system operates continuously with paste flowing from mixing to deaerating under vacuum conditions, eliminating the batch processing interruption while preserving the homogeneous mixing quality produced by the twin screw extrusion mixer.
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 method significantly reduces the time required for deaerating and improves the quality of the electrode paste by effectively removing bubbles, enhancing the yield and reducing manufacturing costs, resulting in a higher quality secondary battery.
Implementation Method 1
evacuating a deaerating tank to which an outlet of a mohno pump is connected, by a vacuum pump that is connected at an inlet thereof to the deaerating tank
Implementation Method 2
continuously vacuum deaerating the electrode paste inside the conduit system on the deaerating tank side of the airtight line and inside the deaerating tank
Implementation Method 3
transferring the electrode paste to the deaerating tank using the mohno pump
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode paste manufacturing system that includes, a twin screw extrusion mixer, a mohno pump that is connected at an inlet thereof to an outlet of the twin screw extrusion mixer, a deaerating tank that is connected to an outlet of the mohno pump, and a vacuum pump that is connected at an inlet thereof to the deaerating tank. The vacuum pump is configured such that a conduit system on the deaerating tank side of an airtight line formed at a contact portion between a rotor and a stator of the mohno pump is a closed system with the airtight line being a boundary.