LIBs Recycling Process: Crushing Unit Development

📆 Date and time: Nov 18, 2024 03:00 PM Bangkok

✒️ Prof. Dr. Nurak Grisdanurak

Department of Chemical Engineering Center of Excellence in Environmental Catalysis and

Adsorption Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University

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lack mass (BM) from electric vehicle batteries and electric devices (EV batteries, LIBs) consists of precious compounds such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are key metals in LIBs, depending on the type of LIBs. These essential metals have not found domestically (Thailand) and must be imported. Due to environmental reasons, the availability of natural resources, and the high market prices of these critical metals used in LIBs, the government recognizes the need to recycle these precious metals following the principles of a Green Circular Economy. 

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has concerned on the benefits of a Green Circular Economy under the issue of increasing use of electric vehicles. The institute, therefore, has promoted research studies. This research project is the second in a series, focusing on "A prototype continuous operation unit for separation of black mass from electric vehicle batteries and electric devices with a production capacity of 50-100 kg batteries/hour."  

 The research outcomes could be extracted into the following points:

·      The environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions from the crushing and separation process is only 3.30-4.47 kg CO2 eq per 25.9 kg of battery waste, which is much lower than using an incineration, which emits 655 kg CO2 eq per 25.9 kg of battery waste.

·      The economic feasibility of operating the grinding system for 2,261 kilograms of spent batteries, sold as black mass, shows cost-effectiveness (price data as of May 31, 2024).

·      Occupational health assessments indicate that the crushing process does not impact noise levels or cause heavy metal accumulation in workers throughout the operation. However, due to significant dust release, PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceed workplace TLV standards.

·      The use of plasma technology to enhance the separation performance of black mass powder depends on the size of the dust particles (< 10 microns), and the plasma generation must be of an insulating barrier type. 

Thailand has developed a sustainable logistics system for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), involving multiple stakeholders, as illustrated in the diagram below. This system plays a key role in promoting a circular green economy.

Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series