A pre-study on dust explosion risks for LIB Recycling

Growing number of LIBs in various applications present a serious waste-management challenge at the end-of-life (EoL). Safe operation at the battery recycling plants is crucial for the battery manufacturers to comply with the upcoming EU regulations. However, there is limited knowledge about dust explosion risks at the battery recycling plants.

SafeDust ReLIB aims at (i) summarizing the available knowledge regarding the dust explosion safety at Lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling plants, (ii) identifying the knowledge gaps in dust explosion risks at battery recycling plants, and (iii) proposing new research ideas which ensure a safe recycling of LIB.

In the short term, the safety knowledge regarding the dust explosion risks at the battery recycling plants will be increased. New research proposals will be formulated to improve combustible dust safety at the battery recycling plants. In the long term, the results of this project will lead to reduced incidents, economic loss, and improved work environment. It in term will lead to a cost- and resource-effective battery recycling process.

A video of black mass dust explosion.