Variable Metering Pumps are vital to EV Battery Production

Batteries are a costly and critical part of electric vehicles (EVs)

With batteries making up roughly 40% of the total cost of an electric vehicle and their role in determining range and performance, batteries are the most critical and expensive component of the electric vehicle. The importance of batteries, particularly lithium-ion, in EVs is driving the demand for improved performance and quality in EV battery production.

Highly accurate metering pumps are necessary to guarantee quality production of Lithium-Ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of batteries used in electric vehicles.  They contain combinations of special materials such as oxidized nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NCM for short).  The combination of these materials determines the service life, energy density, and the number of charge cycles in a battery. The preparation of these materials requires the mixing of various solutions in precise quantities. The reactions must be carried out within a specific time frame, at specified temperatures, and under stable conditions. The process must be strictly controlled to determine the purity of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Using smart high-end metering pumps in this process ensures the dispensing of exact quantities of these materials and guarantees repeatability of the process with precision.

Multiple stages of EV battery manufacturing require precise metering pumps

During various stages of battery production, high-end metering pumps with ethernet capability allow for real time digital feedback and control throughout the manufacturing process.  This ensures the dispensing of correct quantities of materials at specific times. First, pumps meter soluble liquid metal mixed with nickel, cobalt, and manganese elements into a solution to meet a precise predetermined total NCM ion concentration. Fluoride is then metered to remove impurities having calcium and magnesium ions. Next, pumps are used to meter the solutions of nickel, cobalt, and manganese into a reactor. Then to ensure stable carbonate or hydroxide, pumps are used to meter quantities of NaOH and ammonia solutions. Later, metering pumps are used frequently used in battery testing or quality assurance applications to ensure they meet EV industry standards.  All these steps require state-of-the-art metering pump technology capable of handling a variety of chemical agents and executing precise dispensing of fluids.

The figure below shows the stages of battery production with an electronic variable metering pump

Zaxis Variable Metering Pumps expertly meet the needs of EV battery producers

EV battery production requires precise metering pumps to ensure quality and repeatability.  Zaxis eVmPs (electronic variable metering pumps) are specifically designed for highly precise low-volume dispensing of slurries, lubricants, and electrolytes that are used in the manufacturing of EV batteries. Furthermore, battery manufacturing lines must be flexible and able to absorb changes in the assembly lines. Manufacturers often experiment with new slurries, alloys, and mixtures to increase battery quality and output. The eVmP has a simple electronic adjustment feature specially designed for ensuring flexibility in production lines. In addition, Zaxis eVMPs have ethernet IP capability for easy digital feedback and control. With built in Ethernet IP, the pump is part of a closed feedback loop and can be digitally controlled to make precise manufacturing adjustments in real time.

The internal pump components of the eVmP are made of chemically inert, sapphire hard ceramics. The materials used in manufacturing these pumps are free from contaminants like copper, zinc, and iron that can contaminate the cathode and anode slurry. The sapphire hard ceramics used in these pumps are ideal for dispensing corrosive electrolytes and as well as viscous, abrasive slurries. Moreover, the eVmP pump heads have been designed for millions of maintenance-free cycles to ensure flexibility and longevity in the production lines.

Contact Zaxis today to find out how we can help you in your EV production.