Climate conscious and safe: Gas detection when recycling Lithium-ion batteries

 

 

Intelligent gas detector from MSR-Electronic in Lower Bavaria enable reliable gas detection during battery recycling

 

Efficient recycling of lithium-ion storage batteries and the reuse of their raw materials are an important component for a resource-saving and sustainable battery cycle. Lithium-ion batteries serve as an important energy storage device and are thus of central importance in the energy transition.

Battery recycling ensures the security of supply of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and manganese. Furthermore it also makes a significant contribution to the progress of electromobility, because the demand for recycled lithium-ion batteries is continuously increasing due to the large number of electrified cars. Depending on the recycling process, up to 90 % of the lithium ions can be recycled from a cell.

 

green battery surrounded by some batteries

©Shutterstock: 1356941468, Batteries for reuse

 

However, during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, toxic and combustible gases are emitted to an increasing degree, posing a higher risk of fires, explosions and poisoning. It is therefore particularly important that the gases and the oxygen concentration in the room are continuously monitored with gas measuring devices and that hazards are prevented at an early stage in order to protect people and equipment.

 

 

 

 

Gas detection with gas detector during the mechanical shredding

 

In battery recycling, different technologies and processes are used to extract the raw materials. The majority of toxic gases that have to be filtered out of the exhaust air result from mechanical shredding. This is precisely where the gas leak detectors from MSR-Electronic find application. So the gas detector ensure maximum protection of people and systems at all times.

 

Shredded batteries

©Farasis Energy/Arne Hartenburg, Battery residues after shredding process

 

Shredding takes place after the battery systems have been dismantled, exposing the individual cells. The cells are then placed in a shredder and crushed for further processing.

The supply of nitrogen prevents the fire of the materials and causes the electrolyte to drain off. Then the shredded parts are sorted. In this way, up to more than 90 % of the raw material can be recovered from a cell during mechanical shredding and returned to the production cycle.

 

 

 

Solutions from MSR-Electronic: Intelligent gas detector for safe gas detection during battery recycling

 

Gas detector with SC2 digital gas sensor are used for gas detection.

SC2 Sensor in gray

©MSR-Electronic Gmbh, Gas sensor SC2

 

Thanks to digital measured value processing, temperature compensation and self-monitoring, the exchangeable sensor is optimally qualified for continuous monitoring of the ambient air to detect combustible gases in non-Ex areas.

 

In addition to the sensor element and the measuring amplifier, the sensor also contains a μController for efficient measured value processing. The μController stores all relevant data and measured values of the sensor element in a fail-safe manner and sends them digitally to the sensor board (e.g. SB2).

 

 

 

 

BENEFITS DURING GAS DETECTION 

 

  • Digital measured value processing incl. temperature compensation
  • Internal function monitoring with integrated watchdog
  • Data/measured values in μC of the sensor, thus easy exchange of sensor uncalibrated <> calibrated
  • High accuracy and reliability
  • Sensor with long service-life
  • Hardware and software according to SIL-compliant development process
  • Modular technology (plug-in and exchangeable)
  • Easy maintenance and calibration by replacing the sensor or by convenient on-site calibration
  • Reverse polarity protected, overload and short-circuit proof
  • IP65 version
  • Conformity to: EN 50545:2017, EN 50271, EN 61010-1, ANSI/UL 61010 1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1
  • Duct-mounting set (accessories)

 

Thanks to the X-Change technology, calibration can be carried out by simply exchanging the sensor or by using the integrated, convenient calibration routine directly on the system.

 

Further information on MSR products can be found here in the current online catalog or in the webshop www.msr-24.com.

 

MSR-Electronic is a manufacturer of fixed gas warning systems with decades of experience in the field of gas measurement technology.  The international company with headquarters in Germany has a wide range of methods for the detection of toxic, combustible gases and oxygen. On this basis MSR-Electronic develops individual gas sensors, controllers and warning devices for many applications, such as  parking garages, tunnelspetrochemical industry  or  shipping. The products meet more than the  general standards and regulations  and can therefore guarantee the safety of the plantIf you have any questions please send us an email or give us a call.