Battery Recycle - Technology - Electronics

More than 75 million nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries were sold in the United States in 2000. Market forecasts indicate that demand for nickel-cadmium batteries, a six percent annual increase for 2003. Demand for other chemicals such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) is a faster pace. Where are the mountains of batteries go, well spent? The answer is recycling.

The lead-acid battery has led the way in recycling. The automotive industry is expected to credit the organization of ways to get rid of old car batteries will be given. United States, 98 percent of all lead-acid batteries are recycled. Compared to aluminum cans (65 percent), newspapers (59 percent) and glass bottles (37 percent), lead-acid batteries very effective treatment as part of the legislation.

Only one in six households in North America to recycle small batteries. The owners have the lowest return for the money, but this should further improve the recycling of reference are available and a greater awareness of the environment is highlighted.

The battery is a NiCd battery disposal of hazardous waste. If used in landfills, the cadmium will eventually dissolve and the poison that seeps into the water, causing serious health problems. Our oceans are already the first traces of cadmium (with aspirin, penicillin and antidepressants), but show the source of contamination is unknown. In any case, the batteries burned, as this can cause them to burst.

Although NiMH batteries are considered environmentally friendly, this chemistry is also provided to a recycling plant. The main derivative is nickel, which is considered semi-toxic. NiMH also contains an electrolyte that is in large quantities, dangerous to the environment.

If no pickup service is available in a region, individual NiMH batteries can be disposed of with household waste. If ten or more batteries are collected, the user should consider removing the batteries in a secure landfill.

Lithium (metal) batteries contain no toxic metals, however, the possibility of fire if metallic lithium is exposed to moisture while the cells are corroding. Most lithium batteries are not rechargeable and are used by defense organizations. Cameras and other commercial products, lithium batteries. To dispose of these batteries must be fully downloaded in order to consume the entire contents of lithium metal. Li-ion (rechargeable battery), not however, do not contain lithium metal and there is a disposal problem. Most lithium systems contain toxic and flammable electrolyte, however.

In 1994, the Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) was established to promote the recycling of batteries in North America. RBRC is a nonprofit organization that collects batteries from consumers and businesses and Inmetco Toxco and sent for recycling. Inmetco specializes in the recycling of NiCd batteries, but also accepts NiMH and lead acid. Toxco, focuses on the lithium metal and lithium-ion system. Currently only planned for the recycling program and expand NiCd RBRC NiMH, Li-ion and SLA batteries.

They have programs to recycle used batteries in Europe and Asia for many years. Sony and Sumitomo Metal in Japan have HP pavilion dv9000 battery developed technology to recycle cobalt and other precious metals developed from Li-Ion batteries. The rest of Asia grew at a slower pace. Some movements in the recycling of waste batteries from Taiwan and China, but there are significant infrastructure.

Recycling plants of the battery cell sorting by chemistry. Some classification of the battery before you arrive at the recycling plant. NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and lead are often placed in certain areas of the collection. The batteries must be done manually, an operation that adds the cost of recycling.

If a steady stream of a variety of batteries are available for free, would be recycled at low cost to the user. The logistics of collection, transportation and labor to do the kind of expensive batteries for recycling.

The HP Compaq 6510b battery recycling process begins with the removal of combustible materials such as plastics and insulation with a thermal oxidizing gas. The gases are the TRT treatment plant, where they are neutralized to remove pollutants to be sent. The process leaves the cell clean, bare with the precious metal content.

The cells are then cut, heated until the metal liquefies hacked. Non-metallic substances are burned, leaving a black slag, which is removed with a slag arm. Different alloys satisfied according to their weight and are made from raw milk and skim milk.

Cadmium is relatively light and easily evaporates at high temperatures. In a process that occurs as a boiling pot, a fan blows the cadmium vapor into a large tube which is cooled with water spray. This causes the vapor to condense. A level of purity 99.95 percent of the cadmium may be using this method.

Some recyclers do not separate the metals on site but pour the liquid metal that directly affect the industry as "pigs" (65 pounds) or 'hogs' (2000 pounds). Hogs and pigs are sent to metal recovery plants. Here is the equipment used to produce nickel, chromium and iron re-melt alloy for the manufacture of stainless steel and other high-end products.

Current methods of battery recycling requires a high energy level. It takes energy from 60 to 10 times more than the Dell latitude d600 battery recycled metal recovered by other means. A new method is studied, which may have more energy and be inexpensive. One method is the resolution of the battery with a reagent. The reagent used is recycled without the formation of atmospheric residue, liquid or solid.

Who pays for the recycling of batteries in the crowd? Participating countries to impose their own rules on recycling. In North America, some recycling plants bill on weight. Prices vary depending on the chemistry. Systems, recovery of metals of high resulting in a lower cost than those that produce less valuable metals.

The highest fees applicable to recycle NiCd and Li-ion, because the demand for low-cadmium and lithium-ion batteries contain little metal available. The cost of recycling is 33 percent less than in alkaline, NiCd and Li-ion, because the alkaline battery contains iron. The NiMH battery provides the best performance. Recycling NiMH produces enough nickel to pay for the process.

Not all countries support the cost of recycling the chemistry of the battery, put a bit of tonnage alone. The average cost of recycling batteries is $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 U.S. $ per tonne. Europe aims to achieve a cost per ton of $ 300US. Ideally, include transportation, however, moves the goods to double the total cost. For this reason, Europe is the creation of several small processing areas in strategic locations.

Large grants are the holders of manufacturers, organizations and governments around the battery recycling program support. Grants will be added as a tax on each cell produces. RBRC is funded by this legislation.

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