Climate conscious and safe: H2 detection when recycling Lithium-ion batteries

Intelligent sensors from MSR-Electronic in Lower Bavaria enable reliable gas monitoring 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 not only ensures the security of supply of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and manganese, but 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.

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 and the hazards are prevented at an early stage in order to protect people and equipment.

Detection of gases 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 sensors from MSR-Electronic are employed. This ensures maximum protection of people and systems at all times.

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. The shredded parts are then 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 for safe gas detection during battery recycling

The digital SC2 gas sensor is used for gas detection.

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 

• 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.

MSR-Electronic is a manufacturer of fixed gas warning systems with decades of experience in the field of building automation and gas measurement technology. The international company with headquarters in Germany has a wide range of methods for the detection of toxic and combustible gases. On this basis MSR-Electronic develops individual gas sensors, controllers and warning devices for many applications, such as parking garages, tunnels, petrochemical industry or shipping. The products meet more than the general standards and regulations and can therefore guarantee the safety of the plant. www.msr-electronic.de/en/