Sensor-based processing of fractions from lithium-ion batteries

An end-of-life battery system is usually first dismantled to expose the modules, which are then sent for further processing. The so-called periphery (cables, plastics, electronics, housings) resulting from the dismantling process is sorted by type and can then be sorted using sensor technology to determine the metal alloy or plastic. The shredded modules also produce a coarse solid fraction consisting of copper, aluminium and separator foils and housing components. These can also be sorted into individual fractions using sensor technology and thus fed into a high-quality recycling system. The following sensor technologies can be used as examples here: Near infrared (NIR), visual sensors (VIS), X-ray fluorescence (XRD), X-ray transmission (XRT).