ITS historically supported the Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing Industry for decades before being tasked by multiple new companies in emerging battery technologies to help develop oven, furnace, and cooling technology for their processes.
These projects were perfect opportunities to leverage our R&D Team at ITS, a true differentiator between ITS and other furnace suppliers. Both projects also provided us with opportunities provide options to customers in emerging battery technologies.
Lithium-Ion Recycling
As the global demand for lithium batteries continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and sustainable recycling solutions. Lithium batteries power everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage systems, but when they reach the end of their lifecycle, they require specialized handling to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental impact. International Thermal Systems (ITS) is at the forefront of this effort, providing advanced thermal processing equipment designed to optimize the recycling process for lithium batteries. By using ITS technology, manufacturers and recyclers can enhance material recovery, improve safety, and minimize waste in this critical industry.
Thermal processing plays a vital role in lithium battery recycling by breaking down complex chemical structures and separating valuable components like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. International Thermal Systems’ equipment is specifically designed to handle these high-temperature processes with precision and efficiency. Our furnaces and ovens create controlled environments where battery materials can be safely heated to separate and recover essential elements without compromising their quality. This approach ensures that maximum value is extracted from each battery, reducing the need for virgin materials in the manufacturing of new batteries.
ITS’ Lithium-Ion Recycling Solution for a Start-Up
This industry has predominantly been supported by rotary kiln manufacturers. A lithium-ion recycling start up came to ITS with the challenge of creating a linear conveyor furnace that required minimal rotation of the product while limiting splatter and containing sparks and fire to individual trays within the furnace. This would prevent entire loads from being lost to fire, something rotary kilns are notorious for.
To meet this, need ITS developed an 85’ (~26m) furnace with multiple, individually controlled zones including a cooling zone at the end of the furnace. The heated length was powered by two indirect fired burner tubes capable of putting out roughly 10.6MBTU and the cooling zone was capable of cooling product from nearly 1000°F to 150°F.
Partnering closely with our environmental suppliers, we developed an exhaust system which took the toxic off put gas and moved it to another part the facility to be treated. ITS successfully proved out our tray design during testing when a water/lithium reaction occurred in the test furnace and the fire was limited to one of four trays being tested.
ITS’ end solution for this customer helps produce nearly 2000kg of recycled battery material an hour safely, far exceeding the customer’s requirements.
Other ITS Battery Solution
ITS has also successfully partnered with various other battery technology manufacturers, including iron-air, lithium-sulfur, and polymer-based technologies. One particular start up is known for its ability to store energy for long periods of time with minimal loss and at a minimal footprint, recently came to us with plans to pilot a facility before going to market with a half dozen facilities across the US.
This project was another fantastic opportunity to leverage our R&D Lab and the long-tenured engineering team at ITS. The ITS team together with the customer’s process team, chemists, and engineers, ITS was able to develop a 20’ (~6m) oven with a 10’ (~3m) cooling zone.
This particular project was a success as we were able to succeed their daily output goals with one dual-lane oven rather than the 2-5 furnaces they had anticipated needing per facility.
Pioneering the Future of Lithium Battery Recycling
International Thermal Systems is committed to driving progress in the lithium battery recycling industry with our state-of-the-art equipment and solutions. As the world moves towards resources that are reused and recycled, ITS is proud to support this transformation through innovative thermal processing technology. By partnering with us, recyclers and manufacturers can ensure that they are not only meeting their sustainability goals but also contributing to a cleaner and more energy-efficient future. With ITS at your side, the future of lithium battery recycling looks brighter and more sustainable than ever. If your organization is in the recycling industry and looking for a new furnace, reach out to ITS today!
ITS – International Thermal Systems is a global original equipment manufacturer of industrial ovens, furnaces, and aqueous washers for automotive, aerospace, power generation, battery manufacturing, building products, foundry, ice builders, and metal packaging industries. ITS is in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA, with another manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China. https://www.internationalthermalsystems.com/
