Revolutionizing Resource Recycling: The Role of Lithium Battery Recycling Equipment

In the current wave of rapid development in the electric vehicle sector, power batteries play a crucial role as the heart of these vehicles. However, as numerous power batteries are retired from use, an important issue regarding resources and the environment has arisen: the recycling, processing, and regeneration of used lithium batteries. This challenge not only tests our technological capabilities but also embodies our commitment to sustainable development.

Potential Value and Risks of Used Lithium Batteries
Retired power batteries do not lose all their value; in fact, they retain about 80% of their capacity. This indicates that if properly recycled, these batteries can continue to serve in energy storage systems and low-speed electric vehicles, extending their life cycle and significantly reducing resource waste. In the long term, this practice helps alleviate the pressure on the demand for new battery materials and reduces dependence on the mining of scarce metal resources. However, neglecting used lithium batteries poses significant risks. Inside these batteries are various heavy metals and harmful substances, such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, lithium, and organic solvents found in the electrolyte. Should these materials leak into the environment, they could severely pollute soil, water sources, and air, threatening human health. Therefore, the recycling and processing of used lithium batteries is not only about resource regeneration but is also a critical measure for environmental protection and ecological balance.

Advanced Recycling and Processing Technologies
The first step in the recycling of used lithium batteries is the crushing process. Individual batteries are sent to a shredder for low-power crushing. While this process may seem straightforward, it involves numerous technical details. During crushing, the positive and negative electrode materials can rapidly heat up due to short circuits, posing safety risks. To effectively control this heating, nitrogen is injected throughout the process to regulate oxygen concentration. Additionally, the concentration of low-flashpoint, flammable volatile gases is strictly monitored. These volatile gases are not allowed to disperse freely; instead, they are collected and processed through specialized recovery systems to ensure safety and minimize potential environmental hazards during the crushing process.

Precise Pyrolysis and Material Separation
Following the crushing stage, precise oxygen control technology and temperature zoned pyrolysis furnaces become crucial. These furnaces adjust temperature and stirring speed according to the properties of the materials at different locations. This process is vital, as the collector can easily oxidize in a pyrolysis environment. By maintaining precise control, oxidation can be effectively prevented, ensuring the integrity and recyclability of the materials. After pyrolysis, the separated positive and negative electrode sheets require further processing. Through crushing and sieving, active materials and collectors are thoroughly separated, preparing for subsequent metal extraction and material regeneration. This series of meticulous separation processes is akin to performing “surgery” on the micro-level, allowing for the efficient recovery of various useful components from used lithium batteries.

Copper-Aluminum Separation and Exhaust Gas Purification
Separating copper and aluminum from their mixed forms is a key step in the recycling of used lithium batteries. Utilizing a density separation machine efficiently separates these two metals, achieving classified resource recovery. During this process, harmful substances such as pyrolysis gases and fluorides are thoroughly purified through secondary combustion, alkaline washing, and activated carbon adsorption methods, ultimately meeting stringent exhaust emission standards. The application of these exhaust treatment technologies underscores a strong commitment to environmental protection and demonstrates the scientific and eco-friendly nature of the recycling processes for used lithium batteries.

Organic Pyrolysis and Active Material Recovery
In the realm of pyrolysis technology, retired lithium batteries contain various organic substances, with organic binders posing significant challenges to the separation of active materials from collectors. However, high-temperature pyrolysis technology allows for the complete decomposition of residual electrolytes and binders. This process not only reduces emissions and alleviates environmental stress but also enhances the efficiency of separating active materials, thereby improving recovery rates. Taking ternary batteries as an example, the positive electrode materials contain various valuable metals, while the electrolyte and membrane include flammable organic substances. High-temperature pyrolysis effectively removes these organic materials, creating favorable conditions for the extraction of valuable metals and the regeneration of active materials.

Global Collaboration and Technology Promotion
Green捷 environmental lithium battery recycling and processing equipment plays a vital role in the field of used lithium battery recycling. With its advanced technology and reliable quality, this equipment has facilitated the successful establishment of lithium battery regeneration projects in 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, India, South Korea, Poland, and Pakistan. This is not only a transfer of technology but also a dissemination of sustainable development concepts. Worldwide, more countries and regions are starting to prioritize the recycling and processing of used lithium batteries, actively introducing advanced technologies and equipment to explore new models for resource regeneration.

The development of recycling and processing technologies for used lithium batteries provides strong support for the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry. It addresses the issue of retired power batteries and achieves efficient resource recycling, reducing negative impacts on the environment. With continuous technological advancements and deepening global collaborations, the used lithium battery recycling industry is poised for broader development prospects. We have reason to believe that in the near future, used lithium batteries will no longer be an environmental burden but rather a valuable resource that contributes significantly to the sustainable development of human society.