Recycling Leaching Reactor
Dissolve valuable metals from battery materials using chemical solutions for further recovery.
Overview
This is a specialized vessel where black mass is dissolved in acid under controlled temperature, pressure, and agitation. Common types include autoclaves (used for high-pressure leaching) and stirred-tank reactors (used for atmospheric-pressure leaching).
The resulting solution—called leachate—is further processed for metal recovery. Solid residues and impurities, such as graphite and plastics, are separated by filtration. Leaching reactors must be properly designed to withstand highly corrosive environments, including pH levels below 1.
What to consider when choosing
What to think about when choosing a leaching reactor
- Reactor type: Choosing between autoclaves (for high-pressure applications) and stirred-tank reactors (for atmospheric conditions) depends on process requirements.
- Target metals and leaching conditions: The choice of acid type, concentration, oxidizing agent, temperature, pressure, and solid-to-liquid ratio must be tailored to the metals being recovered (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel) and the specific black mass composition.
What to look for in a leaching reactor
- Material compatibility: The reactor must be constructed from materials that can withstand strong acids (e.g., H₂SO₄, HCl) and oxidizing agents (e.g., H₂O₂) to avoid corrosion and ensure safe, long-term operation.
- Agitation efficiency: Effective mixing is essential for maximizing contact between the acid and the black mass. This improves leaching kinetics, reduces process time, and prevents solids from settling.
- Appropriate sizing: The reactor should be sized according to the desired throughput and residence time, ensuring sufficient reaction duration for complete metal dissolution.
Solutions & suppliers
Suppliers for this category are under review — verified vendor solutions will be listed here.
Leaching Reactor is one piece of the recycling line
See where leaching reactor fits into the end-to-end battery recycling process.
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