Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd., known globally as Headpowder, has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art dense phase pneumatic conveying system for lithium battery anode powder in Geneva, Switzerland. This project represents a milestone in the field of pneumatic conveying for fine, cohesive, and abrasive powders, particularly within the lithium battery supply chain. The system utilizes a dense phase pump (airlock feeder) to transport anode powder over long distances with minimal degradation, low energy consumption, and high reliability. The customer in Geneva required a solution that could handle the specific challenges of lithium battery anode materials, including their tendency to agglomerate, their electrostatic sensitivity, and the need for absolute product purity. Headpowder’s engineering team designed a fully enclosed, nitrogen-inerted conveying line that ensures safety and material integrity.
The lithium battery anode powder produced in Geneva is a high-value, fine-grained material with particle sizes typically below 50 microns. Conventional dilute phase conveying would cause excessive wear, particle breakage, and dust generation, leading to yield loss and safety hazards. The client required a dense phase conveying system capable of moving the powder from storage silos to blending and feeding units at a rate of 10 tons per hour, over a distance of 150 meters, with multiple bends and elevation changes. Headpowder’s dense phase pump technology, also known as a pressure vessel conveying system, was selected because it operates at low gas velocities (typically 2–6 m/s), which reduces particle attrition and minimizes the risk of static electricity buildup. The system also features a unique bottom discharge design that prevents bridging and ensures consistent flow, even for sticky or cohesive powders.
The conveying system installed in Geneva comprises several key components: a series of pressure vessels (dense phase pumps), a nitrogen supply and control unit, a pipeline network with wear-resistant bends, and a receiving hopper with a dust collector. Each dense phase pump is equipped with a fluidizing membrane and a discharge valve that modulates the flow rate. The system operates in a batch mode: the vessel is filled with anode powder, pressurized with nitrogen, and then discharged into the pipeline in a controlled slug flow. This dense phase conveying method ensures that the powder moves as a compact plug, reducing friction and wear. The pipeline is made of stainless steel with an internal surface finish of Ra 0.4 to prevent contamination and facilitate cleaning. All components are ATEX-certified for explosive atmospheres, as lithium battery anode powders can be combustible under certain conditions.
Headpowder’s dense phase pneumatic conveying system offers several distinct advantages for lithium battery anode powder handling. First, the low conveying velocity minimizes particle breakage, preserving the particle size distribution that is critical for battery performance. Second, the closed-loop nitrogen atmosphere prevents oxidation and moisture ingress, maintaining the chemical stability of the anode material. Third, the system’s robust design reduces maintenance downtime: the wear-resistant bends and replaceable discharge nozzles extend the service life of the equipment. Fourth, the precise control system allows for accurate dosing and blending, which is essential for consistent battery electrode quality. The Geneva facility has reported a 30% reduction in material loss compared to their previous dilute phase system, and energy consumption has been reduced by 40% due to the lower gas flow requirements.
Switzerland, and particularly the Geneva region, has become a hub for advanced battery materials research and production. The dense phase conveying system installed by Headpowder supports a local manufacturer that supplies anode powder to European battery cell producers. The system’s reliability and low maintenance have been critical for maintaining a continuous production schedule. The customer values the ability to transport the powder without segregation or contamination, as even minor impurities can affect battery cycle life. Headpowder’s engineers provided on-site commissioning and training for the local team, ensuring smooth operation from day one. The successful implementation in Geneva has led to additional inquiries from other Swiss and European battery material producers, highlighting the growing demand for specialized pneumatic conveying solutions in the lithium battery industry.
The dense phase conveying system in Geneva is designed to handle a bulk density of 0.6–0.8 g/cm³ for the anode powder. The conveying pipeline has a nominal diameter of DN100 (4 inches) and includes 12 elbows with a radius of 1.5D to minimize pressure loss. The system pressure is maintained at 3–5 bar(g) using nitrogen, and the conveying rate can be adjusted from 5 to 12 tons per hour via the PLC control interface. The dense phase pump has a volume of 1.5 m³ and is equipped with a high-pressure discharge valve that opens for 10–20 seconds per cycle. The material-to-gas ratio is typically 20:1 to 30:1 by weight, which is characteristic of dense phase conveying. The system is designed to operate 24/7 with a mean time between failures (MTBF) of over 8000 hours, as validated by the first six months of operation in Geneva.
For more information about dense phase pneumatic conveying systems for lithium battery anode powder or other fine powder applications, please contact Manager Zhang at Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. The company is based in Shandong, China, and serves clients worldwide including Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, and the United States. Manager Zhang can be reached via WeChat at 15662777102 for immediate technical consultation and project quotation. Headpowder’s team of experienced engineers is ready to design custom conveying solutions for your specific material characteristics and site conditions. Whether you need a single dense phase pump or a complete turnkey conveying system, Headpowder delivers reliable, efficient, and safe equipment that meets the highest standards of the lithium battery industry.
Headpowder has been a leading provider of pneumatic conveying systems since 2005, with over 500 successful installations worldwide. The company’s expertise in dense phase conveying for challenging materials like lithium battery anode powder is unmatched. Headpowder offers a comprehensive service from material testing and flow characterization to system design, fabrication, installation, and after-sales support. The dense phase pump technology used in the Geneva project is patented and proven in many industries including battery materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. By choosing Headpowder, clients benefit from reduced operating costs, improved product quality, and enhanced safety. The Geneva case study is a testament to the company’s ability to deliver complex solutions in demanding environments. For a free consultation, contact Manager Zhang on WeChat: 15662777102.
In summary, the lithium battery anode powder dense phase pneumatic conveying system installed by Headpowder in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrates the company’s capability to address the most critical challenges in fine powder handling. The system successfully conveys a cohesive, abrasive, and potentially explosive material with minimal degradation, zero contamination, and high energy efficiency. The project showcases the advantages of dense phase conveying over other methods, particularly for high-value materials used in lithium batteries. Headpowder’s commitment to quality, safety, and customer support ensures that the system continues to perform optimally, contributing to the success of the client’s battery material production. For any inquiries about similar pneumatic conveying solutions, please contact Manager Zhang at Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd. via WeChat: 15662777102.
Shandong Headpowder Engineering Co., Ltd.
156-6277-7102（Manager Zhang） 
0531-83386006 
Jinan, Shandong Province, China 
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