Numerical investigation and optimization of vertical pneumatic separation of film-like particles in lithium iron phosphate battery recycling
Battery recycling is crucial due to its environmental and economic benefits, with efficient separation of the crushed battery mixture forming the basis of the process. However, numerical studies on this process remain limited primarily due to the highly non-spherical shapes of the particles involved.
Spherical particles are commonly used in limited numerical investigations with compromised accuracy and reliability. In this study, the separation of crushed battery mixture by vertical pneumatic separator is simulated using the coupled method of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM).
The non-spherical particles in the crushed battery mixture is resembled by cylindrical film-like particles, and the Hölzer and Sommerfeld drag coefficient is applied to enhance the accuracy of the drag force calculation. After model validation, simulations are conducted to evaluate the effects of the airflow velocity, separation zone height, and initial particle velocity on the separation efficiency, followed by parameter optimization.
The results indicate that the optimal separation airflow velocity is 2.0 m/s for plastic films and 3.4 m/s for anode copper and cathode aluminum foils. The ideal separation zone height is 300–350 mm for plastic films, and 300 mm optimal for anode copper and cathode aluminum foils.
Additionally, a slight increase in initial velocity improves plastic film separation, whereas maintaining 0.2 m/s ensures effective separation of anode copper and cathode aluminum foils. Optimizing such parameters enhances the efficiency of the separation process, improves operating strategies, reduces material losses, and increases the overall effectiveness of battery recycling for sustainability and economic gains.
Global Particle Physics Excellence Awards
#Sciencefather
#BatteryRecycling
#LithiumBattery
#PneumaticSeparation
#SustainableEnergy
#MaterialRecovery
#CircularEconomy
#LiFePO4
#EWasteRecycling
#NumericalSimulation
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