Cutting-Edge Wet Gas Scrubbers and Gas Analyzers for Battery Production and Testing Facilities

The utilization of batteries has brought about a significant transformation in the global landscape concerning the extraction of essential raw materials, the manufacturing of batteries, and their subsequent usage and management. This shift implies that various sectors within the supply chain will encounter a range of specific risks. Particularly, the substantial increase in the mining of necessary resources, the activities of manufacturers and factories, as well as the application of batteries, will lead to an escalation in both the risks and the consequences of accidents across all sectors.

It is expected that mining companies and producers will adequately address potential risks through risk assessments and analyses and measures aimed at preventing or significantly reducing the emissions of harmful gases or particulate matter into the environment. However, continuous monitoring is essential due to the significant market pressure that historically often results in increased risk-taking and neglect of environmental concerns. Particularly, consumers, who are frequently unaware, pose a potential risk regarding the safe use and responsible disposal of batteries.

Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important to enhance awareness regarding safety and environmental issues. Governments have anticipated this need for years by establishing standards that producers must consider to ensure that both the production and use of batteries, particularly by consumers, are conducted safely.

The initiative to test batteries focuses on the independent assessment of performance and safety, conducting experimental battery tests for applications in transportation and energy storage. Research is being undertaken to facilitate the integration of batteries into vehicle traction and energy storage systems, thereby contributing to the objectives of low-carbon, safe, and sustainable transportation. Traction batteries are recognized as a critical technology for the drive systems of electric vehicles. This program is designed to address the specific safety risks associated with electric vehicles, ensuring that the safety level for occupants of these vehicles is comparable to that of conventionally powered vehicles.

Currently, there are international testing facilities available that conduct various practical experiments on batteries, including the following:

• Testing batteries in cycles under controlled temperature conditions is a vital evaluation method for assessing performance and degradation. This testing procedure involves the repeated charging and discharging of the battery according to a specific protocol that simulates the expected usage conditions in the intended application. Given the significant impact of temperature on battery performance, it is crucial to maintain regulated thermal conditions.
• The creation of a two-dimensional image (Rontgen) that represents a cross-section of real-time, three-dimensional in-situ imaging of processes occurring within batteries during charging and discharging.
• Mechanical, electrical, and thermal stress tests on batteries, which include high-speed, high-definition video recordings, gas detection/analysis, and thermal imaging. In this context, the battery is intentionally damaged or deformed to accurately map the effects of such conditions.

Ravebo can play a significant role in these tests. Certain tests will result in emissions that need to be measured in real time. The emissions will primarily consist of water vapor, carbon dioxide, various hydrocarbons, and a range of chemicals. This application is particularly well-suited for high-end gas analyzers that have been specifically designed for research purposes.

Ravebo employs the Gasmet GT6000 Mobilis for this application, a portable, mains-powered high-performance multicomponent gas analyzer. The GT6000 Mobilis features a temperature-stabilized sample cell operating at either 50 °C or 180 °C, enabling the analysis of hot and humid gas streams. The system comprises a sampling probe, heated sampling lines, and a pump that may include an oxygen sensor, along with the FTIR analyzer, the GT6000. Both the sampling probe and the pump are equipped with filters that effectively eliminate particles larger than 2 μm with an efficiency of 50%. Calculations based on the spectrum are performed using Calcmet® software, which identifies the concentrations of all components listed in the library. In cases where unknown components are present, the software can facilitate the identification of these components through CLS or peak fitting methods.

It is imperative that the released harmful gases are not emitted into the environment. To address this issue, Ravebo offers wet gas scrubbers that operate based on the open-spray principle. A significant advantage of these systems is their near maintenance-free nature and very low and stable pressure loss, which eliminates the need for large, heavy fans. While many scrubber systems typically require an operator for management, Ravebo believes that, given the nature of the application, scientists should not be burdened with this responsibility. The design of the scrubbers is often vertical, requiring minimal space, and they are delivered fully assembled with instrumentation and control on a convenient plug-and-play skid. Furthermore, the separation efficiencies are exceptionally high, and the scrubbers can be utilized with both polar and non-polar liquids. If necessary, fully explosion-proof versions are also available.