The Xiamen Tungsten Group's production base in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, China, is a significant facility involved in critical industrial processes, particularly within the burgeoning lithium battery sector. The efficiency and reliability of its operations are paramount, especially when handling sensitive and corrosive materials.

The Challenge:

Prior to engaging with Ovell Pump, the Xiamen Tungsten Group faced several pressing challenges in their lithium iron phosphate slurry transfer process. These issues directly impacted product purity, operational efficiency, and overall production safety.

Key problems included:

• ‍Copper Contamination of Lithium Iron Phosphate Slurry: A primary concern was the potential for copper contamination. In lithium battery production, even trace amounts of copper can significantly compromise the purity and performance of the final product. The client's existing pumping solutions likely posed a risk, necessitating a specialised approach to eliminate any metallic leaching into the sensitive slurry. Maintaining high product purity is non-negotiable for leading lithium battery manufacturers.‍
• Corrosion and Material Incompatibility: The process involved handling various corrosive substances, including common acids, alkalis, and even strong acids and bases. This presented a significant challenge regarding material compatibility with their existing equipment. Pumps not specifically designed with resistant wetted parts would inevitably suffer from degradation, leading to premature wear, leaks, and compromised performance. Such material breakdown not only affects pump longevity but also introduces impurities, exacerbating contamination risks.‍
• Frequent Downtime and High Maintenance Costs: Material-related issues and the demanding operational environment contributed to frequent breakdowns and high maintenance. When pumps are not robust enough to withstand corrosive materials or continuous slurry transfer, they require frequent repairs, part replacements, and unscheduled shutdowns. This directly translated to increased operational expenditure and reduced production throughput, impacting the client's bottom line. The search for a more durable and reliable pumping solution was a key objective.‍
• Production Safety Concerns: The transfer of corrosive and sensitive slurries inherently carries production safety risks. Leaks, equipment failures, or material breaches can pose risks to personnel and the environment. The client needed a fluid management solution that would not only be efficient but also significantly enhance safety protocols within their facility, ensuring secure and contained transfer of hazardous materials.

Recognising these multifaceted challenges, the Xiamen Tungsten Group sought a partner capable of providing advanced, reliable diaphragm pumps tailored to their specific needs, leading them to consult with Ovell Pump.

The Solution:

Ovell Pump collaborated closely with the Xiamen Tungsten Group to implement a comprehensive fluid transfer solution. The chosen approach involved the deployment of approximately 80 units of Ovell's specialised 3-inch PP polypropylene-cased pumps (Model: A30PAGGG). These diaphragm pumps were specifically engineered for the rigorous demands of the lithium battery industry.

The solution's critical aspects included:

• ‍Copper-Free Design: A unique design ensured all components in contact with the slurry were free of copper elements. This directly addressed the client's primary concern regarding copper contamination, guaranteeing enhanced purity of the lithium iron phosphate slurry throughout the transfer process.‍
• Superior Material Compatibility: The selection of PP polypropylene casings and the use of materials resistant to a wide range of corrosive substances for all wetted parts were pivotal. This ensured the chemical diaphragm pump could reliably handle various acids, alkalis, and strong bases, promising long-term stable operation without degradation.‍
• Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The air operated double diaphragm pump design further contributed to safe and efficient transfer, minimising the risk of leaks and spills inherent in handling challenging media.‍
• Reduced Maintenance: The robust construction and material science behind Ovell’s pumps were key to providing a solution that promised reduced maintenance. By designing for durability and compatibility, Ovell offered a system that would significantly decrease the frequency of repairs and replacements, thereby lowering overall operational costs for Xiamen Tungsten Group.

Transformative Results:

The implementation of Ovell Pump’s specialised diaphragm pumps yielded significant positive outcomes for the Xiamen Tungsten Group, directly addressing their previously identified challenges and enhancing their production capabilities.

Key results included:

• ‍Elimination of Copper Contamination: The copper-free design of the A30PAGGG pumps successfully eliminated the risk of copper contamination in the lithium iron phosphate slurry. This critical achievement led to a noticeable enhancement in product purity, vital for the quality and performance of the lithium batteries produced.‍
• Long-Term Stable Operation and Reduced Costs: The superior material compatibility of the PP polypropylene casings and corrosion-resistant wetted parts resulted in long-term stable operation when handling highly corrosive acids and bases. This drastically reduced equipment degradation and the need for frequent part replacements, leading to a substantial reduction in maintenance costs. The pumps demonstrated exceptional durability, ensuring continuous operation without unexpected breakdowns.‍
• Improved Production Safety: The enhanced reliability and material integrity of the pumping system also led to a marked improvement in production safety. By minimising the risk of leaks and equipment failures when transferring hazardous materials, Ovell’s pumps contributed to a safer working environment for the Xiamen Tungsten Group’s personnel.‍
• Optimised Production Throughput: The deployment of approximately 80 units of these diaphragm pumps facilitated a highly efficient and reliable transfer of lithium iron phosphate slurry from the tank area to the workshop and through the filtration process. This robust fluid management solution supported the continuous operation of the production equipment, contributing to optimised production throughput.

Ultimately, Ovell Pump's tailored solution not only resolved the Xiamen Tungsten Group's specific pumping challenges but also reinforced their position as a major manufacturer in the lithium battery industry, alongside other industry leaders who also rely on Ovell’s proven technology. The successful integration of these pumps underscores Ovell's commitment to delivering innovative and efficient pumping solutions that meet the stringent demands of specialised industrial applications.

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