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In the fast-growing lithium battery industry, transferring battery slurry safely and efficiently is essential to maintaining consistent production quality. This case study explores how a 3-inch stainless steel diaphragm pump with a PTFE diaphragm was deployed in a lithium battery manufacturing facility to handle high-viscosity slurry materials.

The need for chemical compatibility, mobility, and operational flexibility led to the selection of a mobile diaphragm pump—a solution that not only met technical requirements but also boosted overall productivity. Mounted on an independent cart and designed for movement across workstations, this pump setup became a valuable asset in high-volume battery slurry transfer.

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Why Diaphragm Pumps Are Ideal for Lithium Battery Slurry

Diaphragm pumps are commonly chosen in manufacturing environments for their ability to handle challenging fluids. Battery slurry—a thick, abrasive mix used in lithium battery production—requires precise handling and smooth flow control to prevent product loss and equipment wear.

Because a diaphragm pump uses flexible diaphragms to move fluids without exposing mechanical components to the liquid, it offers a safer, more durable option than many other pump types. Its air-operated design eliminates the need for electrical motors near sensitive chemical mixtures, making it a reliable choice in high-risk areas.

For lithium battery manufacturers, this chemical diaphragm pump is especially beneficial due to its compatibility with both high-viscosity and chemically sensitive materials.

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Key Features That Make This Pump Industry-Ready

1. 3-Inch Stainless Steel Outer Casing

The pump’s outer body is made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, ideal for demanding environments such as battery production facilities. The 3-inch size supports higher flow volumes, which is crucial when transferring dense slurry between stages of manufacturing.

Why it matters:
Battery production is a high-speed, continuous process. The larger inlet and outlet size of this pump ensures quick and consistent material transfer, helping maintain line efficiency.

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2. PTFE (Teflon) Diaphragm

The PTFE diaphragm is key to the pump’s performance. Resistant to a wide range of chemical interactions, it handles abrasive battery slurry without degrading or reacting with the contents.

Why it matters:
Battery slurry contains components that can break down traditional rubber diaphragms. PTFE offers a longer-lasting, non-reactive solution, reducing the frequency of maintenance or part replacement.

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3. Mobile Cart Configuration

This pump is mounted on a mobile, independent cart that can be moved around the facility with ease. Unlike fixed systems, this design allows for on-demand use across various workstations.

Why it matters:
Battery production lines are complex, with multiple stages that require slurry transfer. The mobile design reduces the need for multiple pumps and supports flexible, task-based deployment.

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Application Example: Battery Slurry Transfer in Lithium Manufacturing

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Within a modern lithium battery manufacturing facility, this mobile air operated double diaphragm pump is used to transfer slurry from one production stage to another. The slurry—comprising active materials, binders, and solvents—is thick and abrasive, making smooth, clog-free movement critical.

Here’s how the pump is used:

• Moved to different stations on the floor, depending on the process stage
• Connected to tanks or mixers to transfer slurry to coating or drying sections
• Cleaned and repositioned between batches to support multiple product lines

This mobile diaphragm pump enables a high degree of flexibility in how slurry is managed across production stages. Instead of installing multiple fixed pumps, the plant can use one or two mobile units, which helps optimise floor space and reduces idle equipment.

Common settings where this pump fits:

• Slurry preparation tanks
• Coating machine feeding lines
• Waste recovery or reprocessing stations
• Pilot lines for new product development

Benefits in Lithium Battery Manufacturing

1. Improved Production Flexibility

With its mobile design, the pump allows operators to quickly respond to changing process needs, relocate equipment during line changes, and manage varying batch sizes.

Result:
Faster adaptation to production shifts and reduced downtime between process stages.

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2. Enhanced Equipment Efficiency

Instead of installing several fixed pumps, the facility now uses a few mobile diaphragm pumps across multiple points.

Result:
Lower capital investment and reduced maintenance across fewer units.

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3. Reliable Handling of Battery Slurry

Thanks to its robust stainless steel build and PTFE diaphragm, the pump handles high-viscosity slurry without clogging or internal wear.

Result:
Stable flow rate and consistent product quality throughout the process.

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4. Safer Operation in Sensitive Areas

Being an air operated diaphragm pump, it runs on compressed air rather than electricity, reducing risk in chemically active zones.

Result:
Improved safety compliance and reduced hazards during operation.

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Conclusion: A Reliable Solution for Battery Slurry Transfer

The mobile 3-inch stainless steel diaphragm pump with a PTFE diaphragm is an ideal solution for lithium battery manufacturers looking for reliable slurry transfer. Its durability, mobility, and chemical compatibility make it a standout choice in environments where flexibility and performance are critical.

By reducing the need for fixed installations and offering consistent, safe operation across different workstations, this pump enhances the entire production process—from slurry preparation to final coating.

For operations that demand both strength and versatility, this diaphragm pump proves to be a smart, scalable investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes this pump suitable for battery slurry?
The combination of a large 3-inch inlet/outlet, PTFE diaphragm, and air-operated system ensures it can handle thick, abrasive slurry without clogging or wear.

2. Can the pump be moved easily?
Yes, it’s mounted on a mobile cart, allowing it to be repositioned between production stages as needed.

3. Does it require electrical power?
No, this is an air operated diaphragm pump, which uses compressed air—making it safer in areas with chemical vapours or fine particles.

4. What maintenance does it need?
Thanks to corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and PTFE, the pump requires less frequent maintenance and offers longer operational life.

5. Is it suitable for high-volume operations?
Yes, the 3-inch size allows for high flow rates, making it well-suited for batch or continuous slurry transfer in large-scale facilities.

6. Where else can this pump be used?
Beyond lithium battery production, this pump design could be adapted for use in industries handling thick or chemically aggressive fluids, such as coatings, ceramics, or specialty chemicals.