Electrode Paste Vacuum Defoaming via Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing electrode paste using a twin-screw extrusion kneader and mohno-pump system are inefficient in removing bubbles, leading to prolonged production time and reduced yield due to inadequate defoaming techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method involving vacuum-defoaming in a closed circuit system where the flow rate of the electrode paste is adjusted to create a slower rising velocity of the fluid surface compared to the bubbles, ensuring effective bubble removal by maintaining the pipe system in a vacuum state and using a mohno-pump with a specific configuration to facilitate continuous defoaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If batch processing is performed in a defoaming tank after twin-screw extrusion kneading, then the electrode paste can be produced with acceptable quality, but the production time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous vacuum defoaming during the paste conveyance process through the pipe system, eliminating the need for separate batch processing in a defoaming tank. The vacuum pump maintains continuous removal of bubbles as the paste flows continuously from the extruder to the next processing stage, thereby maintaining paste quality while significantly reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the extrusion kneading function and vacuum defoaming function into a single integrated process. The pipe system conveying the paste is simultaneously used as the vacuum defoaming chamber, merging transportation and defoaming operations that were previously separate batch processes, thus eliminating idle time and continuous production interruptions.
2Reliability
If conventional defoaming methods are used in the defoaming tank, then some bubbles are removed, but the defoaming process takes too much time
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum defoaming operates continuously throughout the entire paste conveyance process rather than as a discrete batch operation. As paste flows continuously through the pipe system under vacuum, bubbles are continuously removed, eliminating the time required to fill and process batches in a tank while maintaining reliable bubble removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical agitation and batch processing method with a vacuum-based defoaming system. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure that actively draws bubbles out of the paste during conveyance, which is more efficient than conventional mechanical defoaming methods that require prolonged tank processing time.
3Reliability
If conventional defoaming is performed, then some bubbles are removed, but yield is reduced due to exclusion of bubbly portions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum defoaming is performed preliminarily during the conveyance process before the paste reaches subsequent processing stages. By removing bubbles in advance while the paste is still flowing and accessible, the entire paste volume can be processed without needing to exclude portions, thereby maintaining high yield while achieving reliable bubble removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous vacuum defoaming process treats the entire continuous flow of paste uniformly, removing bubbles from all portions as they pass through the pipe system. This eliminates the need to discard bubbly portions that would occur with batch processing, thereby maximizing paste yield while ensuring consistent bubble removal throughout the entire production batch.
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 approach reliably removes bubbles from the electrode paste, improving yield and reducing production time, resulting in higher quality electrode paste suitable for secondary batteries with fewer defects.
Implementation Method 1
a step for performing vacuum-defoaming of bubbles present in the electrode paste by vacuuming an inside of a defoaming tank
Implementation Method 2
performing the vacuum-defoaming of the electrode paste continuously inside the pipe system on the defoaming tank side of the airtight line and inside the defoaming tank by conveying the electrode paste to the defoaming tank with the mohno-pump while maintaining the pipe system on the defoaming tank side of the airtight line in a vacuum state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for producing an electrode paste capable of readily and reliably removing bubbles from the produced electrode paste. A method includes a step for performing vacuum-defoaming of bubbles present in an electrode paste (8) by vacuuming the inside of a defoaming tank (6) while introducing the electrode paste (8) to the defoaming tank (6). In the step for performing vacuum-defoaming of bubbles present in an electrode paste (8), a rising velocity (fluid surface rising velocity VL) of the fluid surface of the electrode paste (8) in the defoaming tank (6) is made smaller than a rising velocity (reference bubble rising velocity VGa) of the bubbles in the electrode paste (8) by adjusting a flow rate (supply flow rate Q) of the electrode paste (8) introduced to the defoaming tank (6).