Development of two hydochemical pilot scale processes
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Institutionen för kemi- och bioteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 550 000 |
| Project duration | November 2012 - December 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim of the NiMH battery recycling optimization was to improve the proposed methods for dismantling, leaching of valuable metals from different battery parts and separation of pure metal fractions. A new dismantling method was developed, leaching times were shortened and the removal of impurities was significantly improved. All optimized processes were tested in pilot scale. The aim of the LCDs was to improve the leaching process and produce more concentrated leachate and to improve the solvent extraction process to give a higher indium recovery. Both aims were met.
Results and expected effects
Two hydro chemical processes for recycling of valuable metals from NiMH-batteries and LCD screens, have been refined and optimized. They were brought from lab-scale to pilot scale with improvement of the purity of the products. The results are positive and the processes have been brought much closer to industrial implementation. The results show the great value of the testbed for hydrochemical processes built at Chalmers with the support of Stena Metall AB and Vinnova.
Approach and implementation
The optimization of the two metal recycling processes was done by investigation of the influence of significant parameters and optimization of both leaching and purification steps. The work brought new ideas for improvement of some processes. All optimizations were performed in semi-large scale equipment. After optimization, all processes were tested in a large scale equipment, to simulate conditions expected in a real plant. Still some improvements are needed for one of the processes, but both were brought closer to industrial implementation.