As the green wave sweeps the globe, demand for lithium batteries has surged due to their role as key energy carriers in electric vehicles and energy storage industries. To meet the growing demand, the leading new energy company BYD planned to build a 30,000-ton battery-grade lithium carbonate project in Nanning, Guangxi. After rigorous selection processes, Minebea Intec was chosen to provide weighing systems for lithium carbonate thickeners. „With the long-standing history of the Minebea Intec brand, we have full confidence in product quality, reliability and safety.” emphasized Gao Yuhong, BYD R&D Engineer.
Enhancing lithium carbonate production with tailored solutions
Within lithium carbonate production process, thickening plays a critical role in concentration enhancement, serving as a key quality control point. Weighing process allows customers to dose additives precisely, control product quality and document material usage. Minebea Intec tailored the solution based on multiple aspects and BYD precision requirements. Four load cells “PR 6212” and mounting kits “PR 6012” were installed under every vessel. The collected signals were then transmitted via a junction box to the weight indicator X2, subsequently uploaded to the DCS system for automated control of the charging and discharging process.
By installing load cells, an ordinary vessel transforms into a scale. Unlike static scales, the application accuracy of vessel weighing is influenced by multiple factors. The horizontal force caused by stirring is one of the major challenges.
Specifically chosen for its integrated constrainer, mounting kit “PR 6012” can counteract horizontal force, implementing precision and stabile. Another factor is the fluctuating temperature. The lithium carbonate thickener vessels are located outdoors, therefore the expansion and contraction effects caused by seasonal changes should be considered. With a working temperature range of -30 degrees Celsius to 95 degrees Celsius, Minebea Intec load cells “PR 6212” can perform reliably under challenging conditions.
Minebea Intec ensures safety in challenging chemical production environments
Safety is essential in the production of chemical products. Potential threats such as strong wind, thunderstorms and chemical corrosion cannot be ignored. When it comes to safety, Minebea Intec’s product can be trusted. The compact structure reduces installation height, and integrated lift-off protection provides anti-lift-off force up to 45 kN, which eliminates the risk of tipping. In terms of corrosion resistance, the load cells “PR 6212” are made of innovative 1.4418 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance compared to regular stainless steel. Unique inverted installation and sloped surface provide additional protection, which means the load cell can endure longer in humid and corrosive environments.
