- Qingqingquan
- Shandong
- 20 days
- 300 units per month
RO+NF systems recover 95% Li from battery wastewater. Case study shows 85% water reuse. Download metal recovery technical guide now.
Lithium Battery Recycling Wastewater Treatment System - Highly efficient lithium cobalt and nickel recovery by membrane method
1. Characteristics of lithium battery recycling wastewater
Why is it difficult to be treated by traditional process?
🔋 High heavy metal content:
• Black Mass (Black Mass) leaching solution contains Li 500-2000mg/L, Co 800-3000mg/L
• High pH fluctuation (1.5-11.0)
⚠️ Treatment difficulties:
• Chemical precipitation method produces hazardous waste sludge (disposal cost ↑40%)
• Ion exchange resin is prone to poisoning and failure
Industry data: Global lithium battery recycling market will reach $2.37 billion by 2025 (Circular Energy Insights).
2. Membrane integrated process (RO+NF) solution
Realize heavy metal recovery and wastewater reuse
① Pre-treatment system
• pH adjustment: automatic dosing control (pH 6.5-7.5)
• Ultrafiltration (UF): removal of colloids/suspended matter (SDI<3)
② Membrane Separation Core
Nanofiltration (NF):
• Retention of Co/Ni (recovery >95%)
• Permeate with Li+ (purity >98%)
Reverse osmosis (RO):
• Produced water reuse (conductivity <50μS/cm)
• Concentrated water metal concentration increased by 5-8 times
Process comparison table:
| Indicator | Chemical Precipitation Method | RO+NF Membrane Method |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Recovery Rate | 60-75% | 90-98% |
| Hazardous Waste Generation | 1.2 tons/day | 0.05 tons/day |
| Running Cost (USD/ton) | $11.20/ton | $4.90/ton |
3. Successful cases: Sainty Battery Recycling Project
Effect of the implementation of a recycling industrial park in Guangdong
Raw water quality:
• Li 1200mg/L, Co 2500mg/L, Ni 1800mg/L
• pH 2.1, COD 5000mg/L
Solution:
• Design 50T/H integrated membrane system
• Supporting automated pH adjustment + UF pre-treatment
Achievements:
✅ 92% metal recovery rate (Li 95%, Co 90%, Ni 91%)
✅ 85% wastewater reuse rate
✅ Certified by Ministry of Ecology and Environment for hazardous waste reduction.
4. Key Equipment Selection Guide
3 Core Configuration Requirements
1️⃣ Anti-pollution Membrane Element:
• Acid resistant NF membrane (pH 1-12)
• Anti-organic matter RO membrane (FRP housing)
2️⃣ Intelligent control system:
• Online monitoring of ORP/heavy metal concentration
• Automatic cleaning warning (trans-membrane differential pressure >15%)
3️⃣ Material corrosion resistance:
• Piping/pump valves: Hastelloy/CPVC
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