Submitted 02/2026
Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln
Industrial Scale
$1M to $5M
Short Description
The Riedhammer Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln is a continuous, fully automated thermal treatment system designed for processing black mass from lithium-ion battery recycling. Supporting both Material Separation and Material Recovery stages, it operates in an inert atmosphere at product temperatures of up to 850 °C. The system effectively removes binders, organics, fluorine compounds, and acidic components from the recyclate (such as hydrogen chloride or sulfur-containing substances), producing a clean black mass for downstream metal recovery. Integrated product cooling and off-gas treatment of battery fumes are included.
Technical Parameters
Product Information in Detail
- The Riedhammer Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln is a continuous, fully automated thermal treatment system designed for the safe and efficient processing of black mass in lithium‑ion battery recycling. It uses pyrolysis — heating the material to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen so it decomposes chemically rather than burning — to remove binders, organics, and harmful fluorine compounds.
- Material is introduced to the kiln through a precise volumetric or gravimetric dosing screw located in the furnace inlet box. This feeding system, typically comprising a buffer hopper, weighing unit, dosing screw, and aspiration lines, ensures a controlled, continuous flow of material into the process. The design prevents blockages and enables uniform process loading, which is essential for consistent thermal treatment quality.
- Once inside, the material enters an inclined, slowly rotating cylindrical tube. The rotation and preset slope, generally between zero and three degrees, convey the product steadily forward through independently controlled heating zones. Five to eight heating groups are typically used, allowing the heating profile to be adapted precisely to the organic content of the feed material.
- Heating is indirect, using high‑efficiency silicon carbide SiC elements positioned close to the kiln pipe to provide uniform heat transfer without direct contact to the kiln atmosphere.
- For battery recycling applications, the Riedhammer Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln operates in a fully sealed inert atmosphere, typically using nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to prevent combustion and minimize hydrogen fluoride formation. Gas-tight seals, combined with purge and pressure control, keep oxygen ingress to negligible levels by maintaining a slight overpressure within the kiln.
- Pyrolysis begins immediately after entry. Under these oxygen-free conditions, binders, residual electrolytes, plastics, and other organic substances in the black mass are decomposed, while fluorine-bearing compounds are removed. For lithium-ion battery applications, the process temperature is generally maintained at approximately 625 °C, though it can be configured up to 850 °C for other uses. Residence times range from 90 to 120 minutes and can be adjusted by modifying the rotation speed or kiln slope. Specific customer requirements can be defined individually at the start of each project.
- Following thermal treatment, the material is discharged into an integrated cooling stage, which can be configured as a water-jacketed cooling tube or a surface-optimized cooling screw conveyor. This rapidly and safely reduces product temperature, preventing reactivity or oxidation during handling.
- Process off-gas is continuously extracted through an integrated exhaust system directly attached to the kiln via hot exhaust piping. In collaboration with advanced partners, Riedhammer offers modular multi-stage treatment solutions, which may include cyclone separation, hot gas filtration, thermal post-combustion, NOx reduction, HF scrubbing, activated carbon or limestone dosing, big bag or cartridge filtration, HEPA filtration, and heat exchangers for energy recovery. Exhaust systems are designed in compliance with applicable local regulations and can incorporate continuous emission monitoring systems, including oxygen laser sensors and detectors for hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, ensuring compliance with legal emission limits for the respective recycling plant location.
- Through this integrated approach, the Riedhammer Pyrolysis Rotary Kiln ensures reliable, consistent, and environmentally compliant thermal conditioning of black mass, supporting the efficient recovery of valuable battery metals while safeguarding operator safety and environmental performance.
Files for Download
Features & USPs
High industrial throughput
Up to 48 t/day with automated SCADA process control
Fully inert operation
Gas‑tight sealed design with N₂ or CO₂ atmosphere ensures zero oxygen ingress and safe pyrolysis without combustion, designed to ensure safe and controlled conditions during black mass treatment.
Integrated cooling solutions
Controlled discharge temperature prevents oxidation and reactivity
Safe gas management
Integrated exhaust gas suction for secure and controlled off-gas handling.
Effective contaminant removal
Ensures efficient elimination of binders, organics, and fluorine sources.
Type of Solution
Customizable Standard Product
Custom-engineered industrial system, built to order for each application. Worldwide deployment, full integration from concept to commissioning, compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 21500. Typical lead time: engineering phase 3–4 months; manufacturing and delivery 8–12 months after purchase order.
Product Usage & Scope
Industrial Scale
Industrial-scale solution for lithium‑ion battery recycling and battery materials manufacturing. In recycling, it is used in the Material Separation and Material Recovery stages to treat black mass. In manufacturing, the same system concept can be configured for precursor synthesis, active material synthesis, and other inert‑atmosphere thermal processes.