Bredel 65 pumps eliminates AODD pump issues at major lithium battery plant

• Increasing in-process viscosity caused flow issues for AODD pumps
• Wear to the ball/seats resulted in leakage
• Bredel 65 hose pumps overcame both issues, providing constant efficiency

Bredel 65 hose pumps from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions are providing constant efficiency in ball-milling processes at a high-volume battery plant in China. Previously, ball milling was being compromised by a poorly performing AODD (air-operated double diaphragm) pump used for high-viscosity slurry recirculation. Reduced flow/efficiency and leaks were proving disruptive to the company’s annual output of circa 200 million rear-mounted batteries, around 50% of which is based on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) materials technology. The AODD pumps have now been replaced by the Bredel 65 models, which are providing optimum performance without any wear issues.

Sector challenge

Automotive manufacturers have committed to develop more electric vehicles which has led to an increased demand for lithium-ion batteries. Much of the extra demand will be placed on China, which dominates global lithium-ion battery production.

Due to their long-life, impressive power density and inherent safety, LiFePo4 (commonly known as LFP) batteries are increasingly favoured in applications such as electric cars and motorcycles, and solar garden and security lights. The established manufacturing technique is ball milling, which involves the mechanical co-grinding of powders to ensure fine, uniform dispersion of particles that cannot be achieved by more conventional powder metallurgy methods.

Bredel 65 hose pumps overcame both issues, providing constant efficiency

Customer problem

The ball mill at the battery plant in China has to grind LiFePo4 to micron levels, with the slurry recirculated over a 72-hour period. Until recently, the process relied on AODD pumps, but due to increasing slurry viscosity during grinding, which rises up to 5,000 cP, reduced flow and lower efficiency were the unwanted outcomes. 

A further problem at the plant was proving to be the abrasive nature of the slurry as it contains around 10-15% of solids in water when the process commences. As a result, wear to the ball/seats on the AODD pumps was leading to leakage, which caused downtime and repairs, and the associated costs these factors incur.

Solution optimises efficiency

In contrast, switching to Bredel 65 hose pumps has shown no reduction in pump capacity, ensuring that the efficiency of the production cycle is now constant. Bredel pumps are not affected by slurry viscosity, a vital advantage in a sector where the demand for lithium-ion batteries is forecast to explode over the coming years. The pumps run at 20 rpm in continuous 24/7 operation as part of a computer-controlled process. There is positive head pressure on the suction side of the pumps, while discharge pressure is 3 bar maximum.

The unique direct-coupled design of Bredel heavy-duty hose pumps combines the small footprint of close-coupled pumps with the reliability and simplicity of long-coupled pumps. Bredel pumps use heavy-duty bearings within the pump rotor, eliminating overhung load, while the ultra-compact, high-torque gearing aligns directly to the pump housing and is fully protected by an innovative buffer zone. 

Other key features of Bredel pumps include suction lift capability of up to 9.14m and dry running and self-priming capabilities. Moreover, they are ideal for high viscosity products and handle abrasive slurries without issue. Importantly, there are no seals, ball-checks, diaphragms, glands, immersed rotors, stators or pistons to leak, clog, corrode or replace.

Ultimately, the flow stability and long maintenance intervals of Bredel pumps enable battery plants to meet planned output schedules.

Bredel hose pumps