Introduction

In the current rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage industries, the recycling of waste power lithium batteries has become a core measure to solve the dual dilemma of “resource shortage+environmental pollution”. Among them, the crushing and sorting process is a key step in the “turning waste into treasure” of waste lithium batteries. This article will analyze its technical logic and industrial value in depth based on the process flow diagram.

Lithium battery crushing and sorting process

From the process flow diagram, it can be seen that the crushing and sorting of waste power lithium batteries forms a closed loop of “feeding → crushing → pyrolysis → sorting → environmental protection management”, achieving the dual goals of “harmless treatment+resource recycling”:

1. Front end preprocessing: loading and safe crushing

Loading system: Through automated conveying equipment such as chain plate conveyors and vibrating feeders, waste power lithium batteries (including modules and battery packs) are evenly fed into the production line to ensure process continuity.
Charged crushing+inert gas protection: In an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen, a shear/hammer crusher is used to crush lithium batteries. Inert gas eliminates the risk of electrolyte combustion when exposed to air, and the cooling circulating water system synchronously cools the equipment to avoid thermal runaway.

2. Thermal decomposition process: achieving “preliminary peeling” of materials

The crushed materials enter the pyrolysis system through the transfer equipment. Pyrolysis is carried out in a low oxygen environment, and the organic binder (such as PVDF) in the battery is decomposed by heating (about 500 ℃), allowing the positive electrode black powder to be preliminarily separated from the aluminum foil and copper foil, while removing volatile organic compounds such as electrolyte.

3. Sorting system: precise separation of multiple materials

After the pyrolysis material is temporarily stored in the buffer device, it enters the sorting system and achieves component separation through a combination of multiple technologies:
Magnetic separation: Separate iron substances (such as iron components in battery casings);
Wind sorting/specific gravity sorting: Separate lightweight components such as plastic shells based on density differences;
Stripping+Copper Aluminum Sorting: Further separate black powder (containing lithium, cobalt, etc.), aluminum powder, and copper powder accurately, paving the way for regeneration and purification.

4. Environmental protection guarantee: “Standard treatment” of exhaust gas and dust

The exhaust gas and dust generated by the process need to be strictly treated:
Tail gas treatment: The pyrolysis waste gas is first treated by a spray system to remove acidic gases and soluble organic compounds, and then deeply purified by activated carbon adsorption to ultimately meet emission standards;
Admission system: The black powder and other dust generated by sorting are collected centrally, which not only avoids pollution but also recovers valuable resources.

The crushing and sorting process of waste power lithium batteries is a “win-win” solution that meets environmental requirements and resource value. With the iteration of intelligent sorting and efficient pyrolysis technology, this process will further improve the purity and efficiency of recycling in the future, laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the new energy industry in terms of “resource recycling”.