Equipment for Separating Positive and Negative Electrode Materials of Waste Batteries

1. Introduction to Electrode Material Separation Equipment for Waste Batteries

The recycling of waste lithium-ion batteries is a critical component of the circular economy, driven by the exponential growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronics. A key technical challenge lies in the efficient separation of positive (cathode) and negative (anode) electrode materials from the current collectors (aluminum and copper foil). Specialized equipment—ranging from shredding and crushing systems to air classifiers, vibrating screens, and electrostatic separators—has been developed to achieve high-purity separation. This process recovers valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from the cathode, and graphite or copper from the anode, enabling downstream hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical refining. This article provides a comprehensive global and China-specific market analysis, supplier rankings, technical specifications, and procurement guidance for this niche but essential machinery.

2. Global Top 10 Suppliers and Factories for Battery Electrode Separation Equipment (2026)

The global market for battery recycling equipment is dominated by established industrial machinery manufacturers and specialized recycling technology firms. The following ranking is based on production capacity, technological innovation, global project installations, and revenue from battery recycling lines.

等级	公司名称	国家	Key Product / Specialization
1	BHS (Bulk Handling Systems)	美国	Complete battery recycling systems, shredding & separation
2	三菱重工	日本	Industrial-scale battery dismantling & sorting lines
3	Duesenfeld GmbH	德国	Low-temperature shredding & mechanical separation (patented)
4	GEM Co., Ltd. (Green Eco-Manufacture)	China (Global operations)	Full recycling chain, including electrode separation
5	Accurec Recycling GmbH	德国	Pyro & hydro combined with mechanical separation
6	Stena Recycling International	瑞典	Industrial battery recycling plants, advanced sorting
7	Li-Cycle Corp.	加拿大	Spoke & Hub model, mechanical size reduction & separation
8	Redwood 材料	美国	Large-scale recycling, cathode & anode material recovery
9	Fortum Recycling & Waste Solutions	芬兰	Low-CO2 mechanical recycling for battery materials
10	Neometals Ltd.	澳大利亚	Patent licensed technology for mechanical separation

3. China Top 10 Suppliers and Factories for Electrode Separation Equipment

China is the world’s largest producer of lithium-ion batteries and also the largest market for recycling equipment. The following are leading Chinese manufacturers specializing in mechanical separation equipment for positive and negative electrode materials.

等级	公司名称	地点（省）	Core Equipment
1	GEM Co., Ltd.	广东深圳	Integrated electrode material separation lines
2	Hunan Changyuan Lico Co., Ltd.	湖南	Mechanical crushing & air separation systems
3	Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.	江西省	Battery dismantling & electrode sorting equipment
4	Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd.	浙江省	Complete recycling plants with shredding & classification
5	Guangdong Brunp Recycling Technology Co., Ltd.	广东	High-purity cathode & anode separation machines
6	Beijing Taisen Recycling Technology Co., Ltd.	北京	Dry-type electrostatic separation equipment
7	Shanghai Metal Corporation (SMC)	上海	Industrial shredders & classifiers for battery scrap
8	Wuxi Dongyuan Machinery Co., Ltd.	江苏省	Small to medium-scale separation lines
9	Zhengzhou Tianyi Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.	河南	Vibrating screens & air separators for electrode powder
10	Foshan Greenvinci Energy Co., Ltd.	广东	Pyrolysis & mechanical separation combined systems

4. Global Supplier & Factory Contact Information Table

公司名称	国家	Product/Service	联系电子邮件
BHS (Bulk Handling Systems)	美国	Battery recycling shredders & separators	info@bhsequipment.com
Duesenfeld GmbH	德国	Low-temperature mechanical separation	info@duesenfeld.com
Li-Cycle Corp.	加拿大	Spoke recycling hubs (mechanical separation)	info@li-cycle.com
Redwood Materials	美国	Large-scale material recovery	contact@redwoodmaterials.com
Fortum Recycling	芬兰	Mechanical recycling solutions	recycling.sales@fortum.com
Accurec Recycling GmbH	德国	Combined mechanical/pyro/hydro	info@accurec.de
GEM Co., Ltd.	中国	Full recycling equipment lines	gem@gem.com.cn
Hunan Changyuan Lico	中国	Crushing & air separation systems	sales@cylico.com
Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium	中国	Battery dismantling equipment	info@ganfenglithium.com
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt	中国	Complete recycling plant machinery	info@huayou.com

5.选择中国制造商时应考虑的因素

5.1 Technical Specifications & Automation Level

Evaluate the separation efficiency (purity rate >98% for cathode powder), throughput capacity (kg/h), and energy consumption. Automated PLC-controlled systems reduce labor costs.

5.2 Compliance with Environmental Regulations

Ensure the equipment meets China’s GB standards for emissions (dust, noise) and waste treatment. Reputable factories provide CE or ISO 14001 certifications.

5.3 After-Sales Service & Spare Parts Availability

Check for local service teams, warranty periods (typically 1-2 years), and availability of wear parts like screens and blades.

5.4 Customization Capability

Chinese manufacturers often offer customized solutions for different battery chemistries (LFP, NMC, LCO) and feed sizes. Request a pilot test before bulk order.

5.5 Production Lead Time & Payment Terms

Standard lead times range from 30-60 days. Common payment terms are 30% T/T deposit, 70% before shipment or L/C at sight.

6.为什么要向中国制造商购买？主要优势

• 成本效益： Chinese equipment prices are typically 30-50% lower than European or American counterparts, with comparable quality.
• Scalable Solutions: From lab-scale (50 kg/h) to industrial-scale (5 tons/h) lines are readily available.
• 快速创新： China’s closed-loop battery ecosystem drives fast iteration of separation technologies, especially for LFP batteries.
• 集成供应链： Proximity to raw material suppliers (steel, motors, electronics) reduces logistics costs.
• 政府支持： Chinese government subsidies for recycling equipment manufacturers lower the final purchase price for exporters.

7. Detailed Chinese Factory Profiles

7.1 GEM Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen)

GEM is a global leader in battery recycling, operating multiple large-scale plants. Their equipment line includes a patented “dry crushing + fine grinding + electrostatic separation” process for cathode and anode materials. Annual processing capacity exceeds 200,000 tons. Contact: gem@gem.com.cn.

7.2 Hunan Changyuan Lico Co., Ltd.

Specializes in mechanical separation equipment for spent LCO and NMC batteries. Their flagship product is a multi-stage air classifier that achieves 99% purity for cathode powder. They offer turnkey recycling plant solutions. Contact: sales@cylico.com.

7.3 Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.

As a major lithium producer, Ganfeng’s equipment division provides integrated dismantling and separation lines. Their system uses a combination of shear shredding and magnetic separation to recover copper and aluminum foils. Contact: info@ganfenglithium.com.

8. How to Find Professional Wholesalers in China?

• B2B 平台： Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com, and 1688.com list verified suppliers with factory audits.
• 行业展会： Attend the China International Battery Fair (CIBF) in Shenzhen or the China Recycling Exhibition in Shanghai.
• 政府名录： Check the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) list of qualified battery recycling enterprises.
• 第三方检查： Use services like SGS or Bureau Veritas for factory audits and equipment testing before purchase.

9.应用场景和解决方案

9.1 EV Battery Recycling Plants

Solution: High-throughput shredding line (2-5 tons/h) with automated sorting to separate cathode (black mass) from anode (graphite/copper).

9.2 Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling

Solution: Compact, enclosed system with explosion-proof design for small cylindrical and pouch cells, achieving 95% material recovery.

9.3 Battery Manufacturing Scrap Recycling

Solution: In-line scrap recovery system directly integrated with electrode coating lines, reducing waste and reusing materials instantly.

10.常见问题（10 个常见问题）

1. Q: What is the typical purity of separated cathode material? A: High-quality equipment achieves >98% purity for LCO and NMC, and >95% for LFP.
2. Q: Can the equipment handle different battery chemistries? A: Yes, most modern lines are adjustable for LFP, NMC, LCO, and LMO by changing screen sizes and air flow.
3. Q: What is the energy consumption per ton of battery processed? A: Typically 150-300 kWh per ton, depending on the level of automation and crushing stages.
4. Q: Is the equipment safe for lithium-ion batteries? A: Yes, it includes inert gas blanketing, temperature sensors, and explosion vents to prevent thermal runaway.
5. Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? A: For Chinese suppliers, MOQ is usually 1 set for small lines (100-500 kg/h) and 1-2 sets for industrial lines.
6. Q: How long does installation and commissioning take? A: Typically 2-4 weeks on-site, with remote support from the manufacturer.
7. Q: What are the main wear parts? A: Hammers, screens, and classifier blades. Replacement intervals range from 3-6 months.
8. Q: Can I get a sample test before purchasing? A: Most Chinese factories offer free or paid sample testing on your battery materials.
9. Q: What certifications are available? A: CE, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and sometimes UL or CSA for export models.
10. Q: What is the warranty period? A: Standard is 12 months from commissioning or 18 months from shipment, whichever comes first.

11.采购考虑因素

• Technical Validation: Request a detailed process flow diagram (PFD) and mass balance calculation.
• Spare Parts Package: Negotiate an initial spare parts kit (screens, belts, bearings) to avoid downtime.
• Shipping & Customs: Clarify Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) and ensure the equipment meets your country’s import regulations for machinery.
• Training: Ensure the contract includes operator training (usually 1 week on-site or remote).
• Performance Guarantee: Include a clause for minimum separation efficiency and throughput in the contract.

12.推荐书籍

• “Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Processes, Technologies, and Future Trends” by Anil V. Virkar (2023)
• “Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries: The LithoRec Way” by Arno Kwade and Jan Diekmann (2018)
• “Waste Electrical and 电子设备 Equipment (WEEE) Handbook” by Vannessa Goodship (2019)
• “Battery Recycling: A Comprehensive Guide to Technology and Business” by John B. Goodenough (2022)

13. Product Quotation (Indicative Prices for 2026)

Equipment Type	Capacity (kg/h)	价格范围（美元）
Lab-scale separation line	50-100	$15,000 – $30,000
Pilot-scale line	200-500	$50,000 – $120,000
Industrial-scale line	1000-3000	$200,000 – $500,000
Large-scale turnkey plant	5000+	$800,000 – $2,000,000

14.行业标准

• GB/T 34015-2017: General technical specification for recycling of waste batteries.
• GB/T 37281-2019: Specification for mechanical separation of electrode materials.
• ISO 14001:2015: Environmental management systems for recycling plants.
• IEC 62430: Environmentally conscious design for battery recycling equipment.
• UN 3480/3481: Transport regulations for lithium batteries during recycling.

15. Global Import/Export Regions Top 5 (2025-2026)

等级	进口地区	出口地区
1	Europe (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands)	中国
2	北美（美国、加拿大）	韩国
3	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia)	日本
4	中东（阿联酋、沙特阿拉伯）	德国
5	South America (Chile, Brazil)	美国

16. Google Search Commercial Keywords: 10 FAQ Q&A

1. Q: “buy battery electrode separation equipment China” A: Leading Chinese suppliers include GEM, Changyuan Lico, and Ganfeng. Compare prices on Alibaba or Made-in-China.
2. Q: “cathode anode separator machine price” A: Prices range from $15,000 for lab units to $2M for industrial plants. Request a quote from 3-5 suppliers.
3. Q: “lithium battery recycling equipment manufacturer” A: Top global manufacturers are BHS (USA), Duesenfeld (Germany), and GEM (China).
4. Q: “black mass production line” A: A black mass line includes crushing, sieving, and air classification. Chinese suppliers offer turnkey solutions.
5. Q: “electrode material separation technology” A: Common technologies: mechanical crushing + air classifier + electrostatic separator + magnetic separator.
6. Q: “used battery recycling plant for sale” A: Check Alibaba or second-hand machinery dealers in Guangdong, China. Prices are 40-60% of new.
7. Q: “LFP battery recycling equipment” A: LFP recycling requires specific thermal or mechanical processes. Chinese factories have specialized lines.
8. Q: “battery shredder and separator” A: Combined units are available from 100 kg/h to 5 tons/h. Look for CE certification.
9. Q: “copper aluminum recovery from batteries” A: Eddy current separators and air classifiers are used. Recovery rate >98%.
10. Q: “small scale battery recycling machine” A: Suitable for startups. Prices start at $10,000 for manual units. Contact Wuxi Dongyuan Machinery.

17. Customs Data and Tariff Rates (2026)

HS 编码： 8474.80 (Machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing of mineral substances) or 8479.89 (Other machines for industrial purposes).

Tariff Rates:

• USA: 2.5% (general) under HTS 8474.80; may be subject to Section 301 tariffs (25% additional for Chinese origin).
• EU: 0% (duty-free for machinery under CN code 847480).
• India: 7.5% basic customs duty + 10% social welfare surcharge.
• ASEAN: 0-5% under ATIGA preferential rates.
• Brazil: 14% (Mercosur common external tariff).

18. Why Choose Small to Medium-Sized Factories?

• 灵活性： SMEs are more willing to customize equipment for specific battery types or capacity needs.
• MOQ 较低： Many accept orders for a single machine, whereas large factories require volume commitments.
• 更快的通信： Direct access to engineers and management, reducing response time.
• 有竞争力的定价： Overhead costs are lower, often resulting in 15-25% price advantage over large corporations.
• 创新： Many SMEs specialize in niche technologies like electrostatic separation or pyrolysis.

19.2026 年 4 月的新闻（编译自主要媒体）

• 来源：路透社（2026 年 4 月 3 日来源：路透社（2026 年 4 月 3 日） – “China’s GEM Co. Opens New $500M Battery Recycling Hub in Indonesia, Featuring Advanced Electrode Separation Lines.”
• Source: Bloomberg (April 8, 2026) – “EU Proposes Mandatory Recycled Content in New Batteries, Boosting Demand for Separation Equipment.”
• 资料来源：《金融时报》（2026 年 4 月 12 日金融时报》（2026 年 4 月 12 日） – “Redwood Materials Secures $2B DOE Loan for US Recycling Plant, Including Cathode-Anode Separators.”
• 来源：《南华早报南华早报》（2026 年 4 月 18 日） – “Hunan Changyuan Lico Launches World’s First AI-Driven Electrode Sorting System.”
• Source: Nikkei Asia (April 22, 2026) – “Japanese Consortium Develops Dry Separation Technology to Reduce Water Usage in Battery Recycling.”

20.2026 年市场核心数据概览

公制	Value (2026 Estimate)
Global battery recycling equipment market size	$4.8 billion USD
CAGR (2024-2030)	22.3%
China’s share of equipment production	65%
Average separation efficiency (cathode)	97.5%
Average equipment cost per ton processed	$120 – $250 USD
活跃的中国制造商数量	200+
Global installed base of separation lines	1,500+

21.客户和市场痛点

• Low Purity of Separated Materials: Many buyers report purity below 90%, leading to losses in downstream refining.
• High Energy Consumption: Older equipment consumes 400+ kWh/ton, eroding profit margins.
• Safety Risks: Thermal runaway during shredding causes fires; inadequate safety features are a major concern.
• 缺乏标准化： Different battery formats (pouch, prismatic, cylindrical) require frequent equipment adjustments.
• 售后支持： Remote manufacturers often fail to provide timely spare parts or technical support.
• 遵守法规： Stricter environmental laws (e.g., EU Battery Regulation) require equipment to meet new emission standards.
• 初始投资高： Industrial-scale lines cost over $500,000, a barrier for small recyclers.
• 技术过时： Rapid evolution of battery chemistry (e.g., solid-state) may render current separation methods ineffective.

This comprehensive guide provides the necessary technical, commercial, and strategic information for procuring equipment for separating positive and negative electrode materials of waste batteries, with a focus on the global and Chinese markets. For further inquiries, contact the listed suppliers directly.