Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC) has completed the final design phase for the front-end calciners as well as the corresponding plant layout for its cutting-edge Silumina Anodes™ pilot plant project in Saxony, Germany.
This work is part of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the planned Silumina Anodes™ 10,000 tonnes per annum plant, which Altech says is on track and progressing well.
To further advance pre-development activities, the company has also commenced preliminary discussions with regulatory bodies on permitting.
Pilot plant
As Altech accelerates efforts to introduce its patented technology to the market, it has initiated the construction of a pilot plant in close proximity to the intended project site.
This pilot plant's primary objective is to support the qualification process for the Silumina Anodes™ product.
It will have the capability to supply interested customers with commercial samples to facilitate their testing and qualification procedures.
Design work for DFS
Designs for the calciners and plant layout were undertaken as part of a more comprehensive engineering design required to complete the DFS for it to be sourced and priced from suppliers.
The calciners have been designed in-house, are of the packed bed type and are intended to operate at temperatures around 600 degrees Celsius.
They have a crucial role in the Silumina Anodes™ process as they facilitate the conversion of aluminum chloride present on the surface of graphite and silicon particles into alumina. This innovative coating technology has been developed by Altech.
In-house designed packed bed calciners.
Managing impurities crucial
A distinctive feature of these calciners is the utilisation of 3D-printed silicon carbide linings, which are employed to effectively handle the acidic atmosphere during the calcination process.
The process developed by Altech places strong emphasis on managing impurities, which highlights the calciners’ role in the overall production process.
Altech has progressed the design of the calciner and cooler to a more advanced stage by incorporating manufacturing and stress test data from the research plant's component production and testing phase.
This evolution has resulted from comprehensive testing that has refined the dimensions of the dryers, calciners and coolers for the DFS.
As a result, the finalised design now consists of two dryers and a four-circuit calciner/cooler configuration.
The geometry of the calciners and cooler has undergone refinement, leading to the optimisation of a twin-chamber design. This design choice results in lighter modules that facilitate assembly and maintenance processes.
Additionally, the components have been meticulously designed to remain within the constraints of available manufacturing equipment size and capabilities.
SiC discussions
Altech has efforts to advance manufacturing discussions underway and detailed conversations are being held with leading Silicon Carbide (SiC) vendors in Europe, strategically located in proximity to the Spreetal plant.
These discussions are focused on the suitability of the DFS plant design for 3D printing, encompassing aspects such as material selection optimisation, manufacturing processes, standardisation and production consistency.
Considering the specialised demands of the battery coating process, the manufacturing techniques required are cutting-edge and incorporate the latest advancements in SiC industry technology.
This dynamic collaboration involving Altech, Australian designers, Specialist Dryer technology vendors and German manufacturers has paved the way for continuous development of the SiC components essential for the drying and calcination phases.
DFS progress
Altech says notable progress on the Silumina Anodes™ DFS has been made and the work is on track.
Final quotations from essential suppliers have been obtained and work on the conclusive design of civil and site infrastructure is underway.
Concurrently, Arikon has initiated initial dialogues with regulatory authorities to initiate the permitting process for the Schwarze Pumpe project.
Up to this point, favourable cooperation and backing have been observed from local authorities and regulatory entities.
The company has previously concluded a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) concerning the establishment of a 10,000 tonnes per annum Silumina Anodes™ plant in Saxony, which yielded an NPV of US$507 million.