Inline disperser for high-viscosity slurry.

In dispersion processes, viscosity is an important factor that significantly affects dispersion efficiency. Generally, as viscosity increases, fluidity decreases, making it more difficult for dispersion energy to be transmitted to the particles. When viscosity is low, liquids flow easily, and shear energy is widely transmitted throughout the system, making it relatively easy to break apart particle agglomerates. On the other hand, as viscosity increases, flow becomes localized, and shear tends to be concentrated near the equipment. As a result, there is a mixture of particles that receive sufficient energy and those that do not, leading to variability in the dispersion state. Additionally, under high viscosity conditions, the movement of particles is also restricted, making collisions and breakdowns between agglomerates less likely. Consequently, even if the mixture appears homogeneous, there may be undispersed regions remaining internally. To enhance dispersion efficiency, it is crucial to implement appropriate shear conditions and flow designs according to viscosity. Particularly in inline continuous processing, it is possible to provide uniform shear to the particles within the flow, allowing for efficient transmission of dispersion energy even under high viscosity conditions. In dispersion processes, optimizing flow, shear, and processing time while considering the effects of viscosity is key to achieving stable dispersion quality.

In the manufacturing process of battery material slurry, it is important to uniformly disperse multiple materials such as conductive materials, active substances, and binders. However, on-site challenges arise, including the residual aggregation of conductive materials, variations in particle size distribution, and instability in coating properties. These issues stem from differences in dispersion behavior due to material characteristics. In particular, carbon-based conductive materials are prone to aggregation and can form a network structure if insufficient shear is applied, leading to poor dispersion. Additionally, battery material slurries often have high solid content and high viscosity, which can lead to reduced fluidity and make it difficult for dispersion energy to be transmitted uniformly. Furthermore, poor wetting during powder addition and differences in mixing order can also affect the dispersion state and final quality. Even if dispersion can be achieved without issues in the lab, variations in flow conditions and shear history during mass production may prevent the reproduction of similar quality. To resolve these challenges, it is crucial to design dispersion conditions tailored to the characteristics of the materials and to optimize the entire process, including flow, shear, and residence time. In inline continuous processing, particles are treated under consistent conditions, which helps to minimize variations in dispersion history and achieve uniform and reproducible quality. The design of the dispersion process plays a vital role in stabilizing battery performance.