Lithium batteries are a type of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloy as positive/negative electrode materials and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions. They are an important part of the global clean energy. In the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries, many things must be strictly controlled, one is dust, the other is metal particles, and the third is water.

It is of primary importance to use good dust collection facilities to control dust in lithium battery factories. The purpose of dust collection is to prevent impurities from being mixed on the welding surface, and also to prevent ionization arcing.

Because the chemical properties of lithium batteries are very active, the surface of lithium batteries needs to be in a clean state. Therefore, lithium batteries need to be dusted before storage to remove dust from the outer surface of lithium batteries. For example, the welding slag generated during the welding of the tabs of laminated lithium batteries can easily enter the battery core if it is not well controlled. The welding slag causes a short circuit inside the battery, which is dangerous. A grain of welding slag may be a great source of danger. Therefore, the surface of lithium batteries needs to be clean.

The production process of lithium batteries is relatively long, involving more than 50 processes, and the production process of many processes is accompanied by the generation of dust pollutants. The raised dust/smoke not only pollutes the working environment, but also affects the safety and stability of the battery, while also increasing the risk of fire and dust explosion.

Sources of lithium ion battery dust

Electrode materials: including positive electrode materials (such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, etc.) and negative electrode materials (such as graphite).

Conductive additives: such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, etc.

Binder: usually PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).

Electrolyte Components: Although electrolytes are generally liquid, hazardous dust may be generated during handling and drying.

Health effects of dust exposure

Respiratory diseases: Inhalation of particulate matter may lead to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. Tiny particulate matter (especially nanoscale dust) may also penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering problems such as lung inflammation and fibrosis.

Skin diseases: Some battery materials may be irritating or corrosive, and long-term exposure may cause skin allergies, dermatitis and other problems.

Poisoning and other systemic effects: Certain specific materials (e.g., cobalt, nickel) are potentially toxic, and long-term exposure may lead to poisoning and other systemic effects, including neurological damage, kidney disease, etc.

Personal protective measures

Wear protective equipment:

Staff should wear personal protective equipment such as qualified dust masks, protective gloves, protective glasses, etc. to reduce direct contact with dust.

Choose the appropriate protective equipment according to different working environments, for example, N95 masks are suitable for general dust protection, while more severe environments may require a higher level of protection PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirators).

Personal hygiene management:

Staff are required to wash thoroughly after work to avoid bringing dust into living areas.

Eating and drinking are prohibited in the work area to minimize the risk of dust entering the body through the mouth.

In order to effectively solve the dust problem generated during the production of lithium-ion batteries, it is crucial to use a suitable dust collector. The following are several common types of dust collectors and their applications in lithium-ion battery production:

1. Bag dust collector

Bag dust collectors intercept dust from dust-laden gas through filter bag materials, and the purified gas is discharged through the filter bag. The filter bag material usually includes synthetic fiber, glass fiber and various coated filter cloths.

Advantages

- High efficiency, can effectively capture small particles of irregular shapes.

- Strong adaptability, can handle a variety of types of dust.

- Easy maintenance, filter bags can be reused or replaced.

2. Electrostatic precipitator

Electrostatic precipitator uses a high-voltage electrostatic field to charge dust particles and adsorb them to the electrode plate for removal. The purified gas is discharged through the dust collecting electrode.

Advantages

- High dust removal efficiency, especially for fine dust.

- Small pressure loss, energy saving and high efficiency.

3. Cyclone dust collector

The cyclone dust collector separates the particles in the dust-laden gas from the airflow under the action of centrifugal force by rotating the airflow, thereby separating the dust from the gas.

Advantages

- Simple structure and low cost.

- Wide application range and easy maintenance.

For different production environments and dust characteristics, it is usually necessary to combine multiple dust collectors, for example:

- **Primary dust removal**: Use a cyclone dust collector to remove larger particles of dust.

- **Secondary dust removal**: Electrostatic precipitator or bag filter for further purification.

- **Final dust removal**: HEPA filter ensures that the fine dust in the air is completely filtered.

Integrated dust removal system

In the production of lithium-ion batteries, an integrated dust removal system must also be established, including:

Central control system: Real-time monitoring of dust concentration and equipment operation status in each link.

Automatic dust cleaning system: Regularly clean the dust on the filter bag and electrode plate to ensure the long-term and efficient operation of the dust collector.

Waste gas emission system: Reasonably discharge the purified gas to ensure compliance with environmental protection requirements.

Dust removal in lithium-ion battery production is a systematic project. It is necessary to select the appropriate dust collector type and use it in a reasonable combination according to the specific process and dust properties. Through scientific dust removal solutions, not only can product quality and production efficiency be improved, but also employee health and the environment can be effectively protected, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the enterprise.