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Nothing less than perfect.

Post Dryers

Drying is not just drying: Not only do we know this, but we use the data to ensure that each and every battery drying system we design is perfect. After all, the quality of the post-electrode drying process determines the performance of the finished lithium-ion battery cell.

R2R post-drying systems for LIB coating

  • Convection drying
  • Infrared radiation (IR)
  • Near infrared radiation (NIR)
  • Laser drying (coming soon)

The right drying process: in battery production, perfection counts

When it comes to finding the best possible process for your unique anode and cathode drying requirements, nothing is left to chance. Based on solid process and material data from previous LIB coating processes, our experienced r2r post-drying engineers define the perfect process for the job.

To do this, they use relevant variables as the basis for the system design.

Variables in the post-drying process

Physical variables Outlet velocity of the nozzles
  Air temperature
Material variables air properties
Slit Dies Nozzle Type Venturi / WebConStar
  Flotation / FlowStar
  Perforated plate / LaminarStar
Geometric variables Distance between nozzles
  Size of the slots
  Distance between nozzle and substrate

Further information on r2r post drying

Learn more on the subject of "Post-drying systems" in our data sheet.


Download "R2R Post Drying & Triplex DryStar Dryer" flyer

Theory meets practice: the key to perfection

In close cooperation with universities and research institutes, we combine theoretical basic research, the latest developments and years of experience to create ground-breaking practical possibilities. Because when drying substrates coated with micrometer precision, little things make a big difference.

Our own drying nozzle

Our self-developed WebConStar nozzle allows us to combine effective drying and optimum web guidance. We use the Venturi effect.

Background knowledge: Drying and analysis methods

Drying describes the transfer of energy from a solid surface and the adjacent liquid or surrounding moving gas. The combined effects of convection and fluid movement come into play here: the greater the movement of the fluid, the greater the convection heat transfer. The speed at which the heat is transferred (heat transfer rate) is just as decisive for drying as it is difficult to determine. It is described by the heat transfer coefficient hconvection (HTC).

Venturi effect

In industrial convection drying, a variety of nozzles are available. They vary in their form, and most importantly in the way they guide the drying air towards the wet substrate. 

For dryer design and process optimization, knowing the available drying capacity, i.e. the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) for each nozzle and parameter set is crucial.

We use CFD simulations to calculate the HTC and the air distribution inside the dryer. Computational fluid dynamics simulation is a numerical method that uses the 2D or 3D variables of the CAD file of the specific system.

We test the uniform distribution of speed and flow volume of the nozzles. We also use CFD to determine the pressure loss in the entire drying module.

The result is a local and averaged HTC, which defines the drying process of your application.

 

fig. 1

fig. 2

fig. 3

 

Once we have determined the heat transfer coefficient for the dryer geometry, we can calculate and ultimately implement the optimum drying process for a specific product.
We use the following process parameters for the simulation run:

  • Coating:
    • Coating weight [ kg x m-2 ]
    • Solid content [ Weight % ]
    • Solvent type
  • Substrate:
    • Substrate weight [ kg x m-2 ]
    • Substrate type
  • Web speed
  • Web temperature
  • Fresh air temperature

The curves show the temperature profile, the drying rate and the residual moisture content over the drying section.
 

fig. 1 

fig. 2 fig. 3

 

Simulation of the post-drying process with DrySign® 

At the end of our comprehensive analyses is the simulation of the individual post-drying solution. It allows conclusions to be drawn about your efficiency and any weak points even before we implement the concept technically.
We create a process and instrument diagram for this purpose:

  • Incoming fresh air volume flow 
  • Exhaust air and fresh air in each section
  • Required heating capacity
  • Required fan output
  • Exhaust air temperature

We use our proprietary DrySign® drying simulation software for this. It is able to simulate the drying of single-sided, double-sided and even multi-layer coatings and even take diffusion effects into account. This final simulation forms the basis for further adjustments as well as the final design and its technical implementation.

Our post-drying solutions in real life

Would you like to find out more?

Our experts are looking forward to speaking to you in person!

Contact us now

Additional technologies

 

Battery coating unit

Our pilot lines and battery production systems cover all levels of scaling for innovative LIB coating processes. Regardless of the application, our technologies will help you create the future.

 

Coating slot dies

Innovation that warrants precision: In addition to highly developed electrode coating slot dies, we offer liquid measurements, process window calculations, CFD simulations and practical feasibility studies.

 

Winders

Endless web guidance, limitless precision: Kampf LSF's TechWinder turret winder and unwinder stands for highest quality in the production of innovative electrode substrates for lithium-ion batteries.