Andritz Dryer
Equipment
Info Current and Verified

Submitted 02/2026

Helix Dryer GHD-LIB 4000

Model Number

GHD-LIB 4000

Scope

Lab Scale

Industrial Scale

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ANDRITZ AG

Short Description

The GHD-LIB 4000 is a helix dryer designed for lithium-ion battery materials. It operates under low-pressure, elevated-temperature conditions to gently remove electrolyte. The rotating helix screw ensures continuous material movement for uniform drying, while the vertical design supports compact integration in recycling systems. The process minimizes HF formation and supports safe, efficient thermal treatment prior to downstream processing.

Technical Parameters

Input
Shredded lithium-ion battery material with ~10 wt% solvent content; ideally preheated to below 80 °C for efficient drying
Output
Dried battery material with residual moisture content ≤ 0.5 wt%, depending on battery chemistry
Capacity & Throughput
2 tonnes/hour plant: requires 3 dryers 4 tonnes/hour plant: requires 5 dryers
System Footprint & Dimensions
2.5 m × 2.5 m × 3.7 m (L × W × H)
Chamber Size
~5 m³ total volume; maximum fill level: 4 m³
Utility & Nominal Consumption
The system features a 37 kW main drive, with additional low-power sensors and solenoid valves. It requires: Heated or cooled water for the jacket, Nitrogen for purging and cleaning, Connection to a vacuum pump

Product Information in Detail

  • The GHD-LIB 4000 is a vertical, deep vacuum batch dryer designed specifically for lithium-ion battery recycling.
  • With a product chamber volume of ~5 m³ and a filling capacity of up to 4,000 liters per batch, it plays a key role in the Material Separation stage by extracting solvents and moisture from shredded battery material with high precision and safety.
  • This dryer can operate under deep vacuum conditions which significantly lowers the boiling point of the solvents present in battery materials. The result is efficient drying at low temperatures (below 80 °C), reducing thermal stress on the material. The process is designed to effectively minimize HF (hydrogen fluoride) formation, improving process safety and environmental compatibility.
  • The agitation system is specially engineered for shredded lithium-ion batteries. Its unique, low-speed agitator ensures uniform product movement and efficient solvent removal without damaging the sensitive materials. The agitator rotates clockwise only, as reverse motion could compromise seal integrity.
  • The unit is purged with nitrogen before each cycle to maintain an inert atmosphere, ensuring safe startup and operation. The drying process occurs under vacuum, and nitrogen remains present at all times for added safety. ATEX-rated sensors are included where required.
  • The drying process itself can be adapted to suit different battery chemistries and operating conditions. While the current setup is optimized for low-temperature drying under vacuum, the system design allows for modification depending on process requirements.

Features & USPs

Vertical design

Compact footprint with high batch capacity—ideal for space-constrained facilities.

Deep vacuum drying

Allows low-temperature solvent removal and effectively minimizes HF formation for safe battery processing.

Unique agitator shape

Unique agitator shape specifically designed for uniform drying of shredded lithium-ion batteries.

Type of Solution

Standard Product

The GHD-LIB 4000 is a standard product available worldwide with a typical 6–8 month lead time. The unit is manufactured in the Netherlands and designed for global deployment, meeting all major industry standards including PED, ASME, and ATEX.

Product Usage & Scope

Lab and Industrial Scale

Available in both lab and full industrial scale, offering flexibility for pilot studies and production-scale operations. Industrial-scale configurations are based on a set of dryers, with the number of units tailored to specific throughput requirements.

Technical Details

Automation Level
Semi-automated; fill level determined visually, with the option for full cycle automation
Software & Controls System
Compatible with plant-wide automation systems
Safety System
Operates in a nitrogen atmosphere; spark-free design with ATEX-compliant sensors where required
Drying Environment
Inert atmosphere throughout drying; vacuum with nitrogen purge during startup
Operation Mode
Batch process
Operating Pressure
From atmospheric pressure down to deep vacuum
Temperature Range
Battery shreds: room temperature to < 80 °C; jacket: > 10 °C to ~ 60 °C
Agitation Speed
0–40 RPM; typical operation at 15 RPM; clockwise only
Drive Power
37 kW main drive including sensors, solenoid valves, vacuum connections, and integrated heating
Offgas Treatment
Handled externally; not included in system scope

Service & Support Offerings

Availability of Services
Worldwide
Installation Services
Yes
Operator Training
Yes
Maintenance & After-Sales Support
Yes
Remote Monitoring & Troubleshooting
Yes