From portable electronics to EVs, power tools and energy storage, rechargeable batteries have become an indispensable part of daily life. It’s an industry that’s continuing to evolve with a variety of battery chemistries in play from well-established formulations to emerging compositions, each offering a different mix of properties, longevity and performance.Even as researchers work to develop alternative battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries remain the only commercially viable choice for the foreseeable future. Currently there are five key lithium chemistries with distinct applications, from the nickel-manganese-cobalt (LiNiMnCoO2, or NMC) chemistry used in current EVs to compositions such as lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP) for high current/high endurance uses, lithium-cobalt (LCO) used in laptops and phones, lithium-manganese (LMO) used in power tools and medical devices, and lithium-titanium (LTO) used in uninterruptible power supplies.Because of heavy worldwide investment in battery manufacturing, the need for rare earth metals and chemicals such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide continues to skyrocket: global lithium demand is expected to triple by 2035 as a result.
Built for difficult, hazardous materials
Many of the materials that go into batteries, from lithium salts derived from brine to electrolyte chemicals, are abrasive, corrosive or both. This calls for equipment able to hold up under adverse conditions without premature wear and without sacrificing performance or precision. Schenck FPM technology includes equipment designed specifically to cope with the harsh environments and materials found in many battery manufacturing processes.Our equipment is also designed for ease of maintenance, service and cleaning, to reduce downtime and maintain compliance. Our solutions help to shield workers from hazardous materials through highly efficient dust control that helps to ensure the facility falls within acceptable occupational exposure limits (OELs).Other materials used in battery manufacturing such as graphite powder and chemical binders bring their own challenges. Many of these are cohesive and difficult to handle efficiently. Our vacuum dense-phase pneumatic conveying technology offers significant benefits over the more commonly used dilute-phase pneumatic conveyors through greater energy efficiency, gentle material handling and less stress on system components such as piping.
Design for durability Ceramic linings and hardened components are used to promote long service life where wear is a concern, such as rotary valves, airlocks, piping, elbows and conveyor lines.
Solution integration expertise Deep industry knowledge enables us to develop future-ready process solutions for the battery value chain, from lithium refining to cell manufacturing and beyond.
Precision and automation Repeatable accuracy and extensive process automation helps to ensure efficient use of raw materials, reducing waste and helping to maintain quality assurance.
We take a distinctive approach to the processes that drive manufacturing. Let us know how we can help you achieve your goals for efficiency, productivity, safety and sustainability.
