Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling lithium battery components comprises shredding used batteries into fragments, recovering electrolyte from the fragments, aspirating the fragments to remove separator membrane fragments from other solid materials, magnetically separating the cathode fragments from the non-magnetic anode fragments on a rare earth roll separator; thermally removing binder and carbon from the cathode fragments, recovering delithiated cathode active material; relithiating the delithiated cathode active material, recovering aluminum foil from the cathode fragments; removing cathode active material from the anode fragments, and recovering copper foil from the anode fragments.

Abstract: A method for producing clean black mass, anode or cathode for subsequent recycling is provided, the method comprising subjecting an intact battery to a shredding process to produce an aggregate, wherein the smallest particle generated is between 2.5 percent and 40 percent of original battery size. Also provided is a shredder for minimizing aggregation of whole batteries, the shredder comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a latitudinal axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed on said knives which fit on said shaft at an angle to the latitudinal axis selected from 15 degrees and 45 degrees, wherein the teeth have a first proximal end integrally molded to the shaft and a second free distal end.

Abstract: Method of separating individual cathode active materials from a mixture of cathode active materials by froth flotation has been developed. They are based on using appropriate chemical reagents that selectively hydrophobize individual cathode active materials to be recovered, so that they can be collected by air bubbles used in flotation and separated from other mixtures. The chemical reagents are amphiphilic molecules with specialized head groups have a strong affinity to metal elements on surfaces of cathode materials. This method enables a separation of individual cathode active material from a mixture of cathode active materials.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing lithium metal through room temperature electrodeposition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing lithium metal through room temperature electrodeposition.

Abstract: Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float.

Abstract: An elutriation column is installed in a separation tank. The elutriation column includes a vertical separation column having a first side feed arm and a second side overflow arm spaced above the first side feed arm. Water is forced upwardly through the vertical separation column at a controllable velocity. A solid feed mixture is fed through the first side feed arm to the vertical separation column. Water from the tank rising in the vertical separation column at the controlled velocity causes targeted floater materials to move upwardly in the vertical separation column and heavier sinker materials to continue to sink. The floater materials flow from an outlet in the side of the separation tank into the recovery tank. At a discharge, lower end of the vertical separation column, the heavier sinker materials are removed from the separation tank. A mechanism is provided for purging undesirable materials that can cause plugging from the feed arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating elastomeric materials from mixed material streams. A separator includes a bank of parallel rollers extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The bank of parallel rollers having a predefined inclination with the first end elevated higher than the second end. Mixed material streams are fed onto a top surface of the high end of the inclined parallel rollers. A material having less friction and elasticity slides down the inclined roller bank top surface are collected into a collection bin positioned adjacent the second, lower end of the roller bank. Other materials having a higher friction coefficient grip the rollers more and are lifted out of the valley due to friction migrating perpendicular to the rotating rollers and are collected in a collection bin positioned adjacent one side of the roller bank parallel to the longitudinal roller axis.

Abstract: An elutriation column is installed in a separation tank. The elutriation column includes a vertical separation column having a first side feed arm and a second side overflow arm spaced above the first side feed arm. Water is forced upwardly through the vertical separation column at a controllable velocity. A solid feed mixture is fed through the first side feed arm to the vertical separation column. Water from the tank rising in the vertical separation column at the controlled velocity causes targeted floater materials to move upwardly in the vertical separation column and heavier sinker materials to continue to sink. The floater materials flow from an outlet in the side of the separation tank into the recovery tank. At a discharge, lower end of the vertical separation column, the heavier sinker materials are removed from the separation tank. A mechanism is provided for purging undesirable materials that can cause plugging from the feed arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating elastomeric materials from mixed material streams. A separator includes a bank of parallel rollers extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The bank of parallel rollers having a predefined inclination with the first end elevated higher than the second end. Mixed material streams are fed onto a top surface of the high end of the inclined parallel rollers. A material having less friction and elasticity slides down the inclined roller bank top surface are collected into a collection bin positioned adjacent the second, lower end of the roller bank. Other materials having a higher friction coefficient grip the rollers more and are lifted out of the valley due to friction migrating perpendicular to the rotating rollers and are collected in a collection bin positioned adjacent one side of the roller bank parallel to the longitudinal roller axis.

Abstract: A process of washing plastics contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is provided to reduce the concentration of the PCBs. A two-step process includes a first washing step using a selected washing solution or solvent, such as, a non-flammable solvent, and followed by a second step using thermal desorption. The two-step process enables reducing the concentration of PCBs in polymers, such as recovered from shredder residue, for example, to as low as 0.253 PPM. One of the preferred solvents is Perchloroethylene.

Abstract: Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float.

Abstract: A process of washing plastics contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is provided to reduce the concentration of the PCBs. A two-step process includes a first washing step using a selected washing solution or solvent, such as, a non-flammable solvent, and followed by a second step using thermal desorption. The two-step process enables reducing the concentration of PCBs in polymers, such as recovered from shredder residue, for example, to as low as 0.253 PPM. One of the preferred solvents is Perchloroethylene.