Precision spray drying for high-performance lithium battery materials
As demand for advanced lithium battery materials grows, optimizing production efficiency and particle quality is crucial. GEA’s state-of-the-art spray drying technology produces fine powders with a focus on both consistency and performance. Our innovative rotary atomizers and COMBI-NOZZLE® systems are designed to provide flexibility and support a wide range of product and process requirements. With over 120 successful installations worldwide, we deliver scalable, high-precision solutions tailored to anode and cathode material production - powering the next generation of lithium ion batteries.
Your reliable partner
Backed by decades of engineering expertise, a global installed base and a commitment to innovation, GEA delivers future-ready spray drying solutions that ensure performance, reliability and long-term value in lithium ion battery applications.
GEA COMBI-NOZZLE®
The GEA COMBI-NOZZLE® combines the best of both pressure and pneumatic nozzle technologies to produce finer, narrower particle distributions with lower energy use -ideal for high-capacity, continuous lithium battery material production.
GEA Test Center
GEA’s Test Center enables customers to optimize spray drying through full-scale simulations, ensuring precise particle sizing, scalable production and tailored, warranty-backed solutions for lithium battery material processing.
Whatever your unique requirements for spray drying lithium battery materials, GEA has the solution
GEA delivers advanced atomization technologies tailored to the evolving needs of the battery industry, focusing on materials such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) for cathodes, silicon and graphite-based compounds for anodes. With a focus on energy efficiency, precise particle size control and scalability, GEA ensures consistently high-quality material production.
Rotary atomization for cathodes
GEA’s Rotary Atomizer is the go-to solution for cathode materials, such as LFP. It handles high feed rates, making it ideal for large-scale production. Designed to process abrasive feedstocks common in cathode material processing, the Rotary Atomizer also minimizes maintenance and enhances equipment lifespan.
Benefits include:
- Versatility: Handles various feed types and particle sizes in both open and closed cycle designs.
- Cost-effective: Ideal for producing quality powder in standard applications like LFP battery materials.
- Robust design: Abrasive-resistant wheel reduces metal contamination, ensuring high-quality powder.
- Scalable: Test data supports easy scale-up for different production capacities.
COMBI-NOZZLE® technology for anodes
The COMBI-NOZZLE® system, a hybrid of pressure and two-fluid nozzles, is ideal for producing uniform particles essential for high-performance anode materials like silicon and graphite-based compounds. It achieves target particle sizes directly, minimizing the need for post-processing. The result is a highly efficient solution that delivers excellent uniformity and performance for demanding lithium battery applications.
Key benefits include:
- High particle quality: Smaller particle size and narrow particle size distribution for better battery performance.
- Cost-effective for high-end use: Delivers performance for premium battery materials.
- Versatile: Handles various feeds and particle sizes for flexible production.
Two-Fluid Nozzle for fine particles
For applications requiring smaller particle size, GEA offers the Two-Fluid Nozzle for producing the fine powders needed in both cathode and anode material production. The Two-Fluid Nozzle offers precision and uniformity – perfect for when smaller particle sizes are required in smaller capacities.
Benefits include:
- High particle quality: Produces smaller, denser particles for better battery performance.
- Cost-effective for high-end use: Supports high-performance battery material production.
- Versatile: Adapts to various feeds and particle sizes for flexible output.
The test center for drying processes: performance optimization and scalability
GEA’s Test Center plays a key role in refining spray drying processes. Customers can conduct trials in a controlled environment to fine-tune atomization parameters and achieve the desired particle sizes. The Test Center simulates full-scale production, ensuring customers can confidently scale up while maintaining product consistency and performance. This allows GEA to offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each customer which are guaranteed by warranty.
Mitigating risks of abrasive materials
GEA’s Rotary Atomizer and COMBI-NOZZLE® systems are designed to handle abrasive feedstocks, ensuring durability and minimal maintenance. These atomizers are built to withstand the wear associated with abrasive materials, guaranteeing reliable performance and long-term efficiency.
Enhancing energy efficiency with GEA Heat Recovery System
GEA’s heat recovery technology optimizes energy efficiency by capturing and reusing waste heat from the spray drying process. This reduces thermal energy demand, lowering operating costs while improving resource-efficiency.
