Sophisticated in every detail
In the production of lithium batteries, extremely high-quality demands are placed on the preparation of the required raw materials, even to the limits of technical feasibility. For example, the contamination of cathode masses by foreign ions – in particular iron – must be avoided at all costs. Lödige has addressed this challenging process-technical task with a special version of the proven Ploughshare® Mixer.
The mixing drum has a ceramic lining, but a different covering was required for the mixing elements due to their more complex geometry. Together with the mixer shaft and choppers, they were provided with a thin, but extremely tough ceramic coating.
Coatings can be tailored to the respective application. Standard coating materials are based on aluminium oxide or tungsten carbide. In any event, these wear-resistant, hard coatings are designed for long-term operation.
Because the battery masses contain toxic and carcinogenic components such as cobalt, uncontrolled spillage of the fine powdery substance must be strictly avoided. In particular, the shaft seal is often a weak point. However, modern application-specific sealing systems guarantee a seal that is superior to classical stuff box packing.
The Lödige Ploughshare® Mixer achieves homogeneous mixing of the cathode masses in the shortest possible time. This is essential for the consistent, reproducible quality of these high-tech materials.