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Ovell Pump News
March 12, 2025

Case Study: Explosion-Proof Pneumatic Diaphragm Pumps for Lithium Battery Slurry Transfer

The production of lithium batteries requires precision, efficiency, and strict safety measures, especially when handling battery slurry—a mixture of active materials, binders, and solvents used in electrode manufacturing. To ensure smooth material transfer, many manufacturers rely on aluminum diaphragm pumps, designed to handle the unique challenges of battery slurry processing.

These diaphragm pumps provide a contamination-free, efficient, and reliable method for moving cathode material slurry within electrode production lines. Their explosion-proof design makes them suitable for hazardous maenufacturing environments, ensuring compliance with strict industry safety standards.

This article explores the features, benefits, and applications of these pumps and how they enhance lithium battery production.

Why Pneumatic Diaphragm Pumps Are Essential for Battery Slurry Transfer

50 mm (2″) Aluminum Air Operated Diaphragm Pump
50 mm (2″) Aluminum Air Operated Diaphragm Pump

Battery slurry transfer is a crucial step in lithium battery manufacturing, as it directly affects electrode quality and, ultimately, battery performance. Traditional pumping methods often struggle with the viscous and abrasive nature of battery slurries, leading to issues such as:

• Material buildup that clogs pipelines and slows down production

• Inconsistent flow rates, affecting slurry uniformity and electrode coating quality

• Chemical incompatibility, causing premature pump wear and increased maintenance needs

• Safety risks, particularly in environments where flammable solvents are present

The explosion-proof pneumatic diaphragm pump overcomes these challenges with a sealed, air-powered system that ensures consistent and contamination-free slurry transfer.

Key Features of the Explosion-Proof Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump

These pumps are engineered to handle the rigorous demands of lithium battery production. Here’s what makes them an ideal choice:

1. Chemical-Resistant PTFE Diaphragm for Maximum Durability

• Equipped with PTFE (Teflon) diaphragms, offering superior resistance to corrosive and abrasive battery slurry components.

• Ensures a long lifespan and minimal maintenance, reducing downtime in production lines.

2. Explosion-Proof Design for Enhanced Safety

• Built to comply with industry safety standards, making them suitable for environments with flammable solvents.

• Eliminates the risk of electrical sparks, as the pump operates solely on compressed air.

3. Versatile Size Options to Fit Production Needs

• Available in 2-inch and 1.5-inch aluminum alloy models, providing flexibility in flow rates and system configurations.

• The lightweight aluminum alloy construction ensures both durability and easy installation.

4. Air-Operated System for Reliable Performance

• Functions as an air-operated diaphragm pump, ensuring steady fluid movement without the need for electrical power.

• Self-priming capability allows for smooth slurry transfer from mixing tanks to filtration and production lines.

Operational Benefits of Using These Diaphragm Pumps in Battery Production

For lithium battery manufacturers, maintaining a consistent and efficient slurry transfer process is critical to production quality. These pneumatic diaphragm pumps offer several operational advantages:

1. Improved Production Efficiency

• Provides a continuous and steady slurry flow, ensuring uniform electrode coating.

• Prevents blockages and reduces process interruptions, leading to higher throughput.

• Operates efficiently under variable pressures, adapting to different production requirements.

2. Enhanced Safety in Hazardous Environments

• The explosion-proof design ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations.

• Eliminates electrical hazards, making it ideal for flammable solvent environments.

• Reduces operator exposure to toxic and reactive battery materials.

3. Reduced Maintenance and Downtime

• PTFE diaphragms provide long-lasting resistance to chemical wear.

• The air-operated double diaphragm pump design minimises moving parts, reducing mechanical failures.

• Easy-to-maintain construction allows for quick servicing and minimal disruptions.

Applications in Lithium Battery Manufacturing

Ovell Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump in a battery factory
Ovell Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump in a battery factory

These chemical diaphragm pumps play a critical role in various stages of battery production, ensuring precise and contamination-free slurry handling.

Common applications include:

• Cathode Slurry Transfer – Moves thick, abrasive materials smoothly from mixing tanks to processing units.

• Electrode Coating Processes – Ensures consistent slurry application for uniform electrode thickness.

• Filtration and Separation – Supports the transfer of battery materials between purification and refinement stages.

These applications demonstrate the pump’s importance in streamlining production workflows while maintaining safety and efficiency.

How These Pumps Optimise Battery Manufacturing

The lithium battery industry demands high-precision material handling. The explosion-proof pneumatic diaphragm pump meets these demands by offering:

• Consistent Slurry Flow – Prevents clogs and fluctuations that affect electrode coating.

• Safe, Air-Powered Operation – Eliminates electrical hazards in solvent-heavy environments.

• Corrosion-Resistant Components – Handles aggressive chemicals with minimal wear.

• Customisable Size Options – Adapts to different production scales with 1.5-inch and 2-inch models.

• Low Maintenance Needs – Minimises downtime and enhances long-term performance.

By integrating these diaphragm pumps into production lines, manufacturers can increase efficiency, maintain safety compliance, and reduce operational costs.

Conclusion

In lithium battery manufacturing, ensuring safe and efficient slurry transfer is essential for maintaining product quality and production efficiency. The explosion-proof pneumatic diaphragm pump provides a high-performance, contamination-free solution, perfectly suited for battery slurry handling.

With PTFE diaphragms for chemical resistance, an explosion-proof design for safety, and air-powered reliability, this pump ensures smooth, uninterrupted material flow, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.

For battery manufacturers looking to improve slurry handling while prioritising safety, these diaphragm pumps are a reliable and cost-effective choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a diaphragm pump, and why is it used for battery slurry transfer?

A diaphragm pump is a fluid transfer pump that uses a flexible diaphragm to create pressure, moving liquids without direct contact between the fluid and pump components. It is ideal for battery slurry transfer because it ensures safe, controlled, and contamination-free movement of abrasive materials.

2. How does a pneumatic diaphragm pump work?

A pneumatic diaphragm pump operates using compressed air to flex a diaphragm back and forth, creating suction and discharge cycles. This air-powered mechanism makes it ideal for hazardous environments where electrical pumps may pose safety risks.

3. Why is PTFE used for the pump diaphragm in battery applications?

PTFE (Teflon) diaphragms provide superior chemical resistance, ensuring longevity when handling highly reactive battery slurries. They prevent material buildup and wear, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

4. Are these pumps suitable for automated production lines?

Yes, these air-operated diaphragm pumps are fully compatible with automated battery manufacturing systems. Their flange connections allow for seamless integration into existing production setups.

5. How do explosion-proof diaphragm pumps improve workplace safety?

By eliminating electrical components, these pumps reduce the risk of sparks and ignition in flammable environments. Their sealed design also prevents chemical exposure, ensuring a safer working environment for operators.