The rapid commercialization of Lithium-Ion Batteries has led to a boom in the sale and production of Anode and Cathode Materials to manufacture these components. One of the major keys to developing high-performing Lithium-Ion batteries is controlling the particle size of the powders being integrated into these systems. Whether it be an Electric Vehicle battery, or a battery for a set of hedge trimmers, controlling particle size is at the forefront of performance and battery life. The need for finer, longer lasting batteries is expected to grow tremendously in the coming years and the need for equipment to help sieve and size these powders to keep up with an ever-changing market place is higher than ever.
Elcan Industries, Tuckahoe, NY is proud to announce that its patented Hi-Sifter is the only sieving machine in the world capable of efficiently separating Cathode Active Materials at scale. Sieving Cathode Active Materials on air classifiers or ultrasonic/conventional vibratory systems is a slow and inefficient process that leads to major yield losses and lower performing powders. Elcan Industries’ patented Hi-Sifter employs a unique high energy approach to sifting Cathode Active Materials. The density of these materials, paired with the high, vertical energy allows for fine powders to pass seamlessly through the screen mesh. The size range for the powders varies depending on the application, but Elcan has successfully installed systems for sieving at 20 micron, 44 micron, and coarser sizes for contamination removal as well. The other benefit of these systems is that the energy help deagglomerate powders while also sizing them.
There are a number of Cathode Active Materials currently being used in the market place right now. The same holds true for all of them; they need to be sized correctly and free of any impurities or contamination that may have been picked up in the manufacturing process. For this companies typically ask us to pass their powders through our high powered Electromagnetic Separator that reaches over 18500 GAUSS at full power making it the strongest electromagnet in the world. Sieving Cathode Active Materials used in Lithium-Ion batteries can be a difficult process due to the density of the powder and the high processing rates that are required in order to successfully and efficiently separate them. Whether it be Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) or any other Cathode Active Material, the key to efficiently separating these powders is energy on the screen. Aside from being able to efficiently separate these powders at high processing rates, the need to do it SAFELY is imperative to any manufacturing process.
The Hi-Sifter system was developed after years of working with various battery materials. Elcan ran the system on millions of pounds of various powders before finalizing the design that has become popular today. The system was designed with the end user in mind as Elcan relies on these systems in its contract manufacturing facility. Safety, efficiency, and reliability are at the heart of what makes the Hi-Sifter the premier screening machine in the world. Constructed of polished stainless steel, the system is extremely easy to clean and changing between materials and mesh sizes is done in minutes due to our patented tensionless screen frame assembly. The days of waiting weeks for spare parts and screens are over as are having to worry about powders leaking out of the system. Every aspect from the nuts, to the gaskets, were tested and proven before being added to the design. The result is a leak free, high-performing system that does not break down.
Elcan Industries has installations all over the world where these systems have helped companies reduce production down time and increase capacity and powder quality. Unlike traditional OEMs, Elcan runs the machinery every day and understands how important it is to have a reliable piece of equipment that doesn’t break down. Elcan has a contract manufacturing facility in Tuckahoe, NY where we toll and trial powders for companies daily and are so confident in the performance that a free day of testing is offered to prove out the capabilities.
Call today or email info@elcanindustries.com us to find out how the Hi-Sifter can help improve your lithium ion battery process!
