Graphite anode spheroidization modification adopts a closed negative-pressure vortex spheroidization system. It is not a single standalone machine, but a complete integrated production line centered on the vortex spheroidizer with built-in turbo air classifier. This set of equipment is specially developed to convert potato-shaped natural graphite precursor into near-spherical graphite with sphericity ≥0.85 for lithium battery anode. The whole line focuses on particle-to-particle collision and edge curling, while minimizing direct hammer impact to avoid excessive fine powder generation.
1. Core Host: JACAN Vortex Spheroidization Machine (Integrated with Turbo Classifier)
This is the heart of spheroidization modification.
- High-speed pin rotor: Creates strong vortex flow inside the shaping chamber to accelerate graphite particles. The main force comes from particle‑to‑particle collision and friction rather than rotor hammer striking. Flat flakes fold and curl into compact near-spherical particles.
- Built-in variable-frequency turbo classifier wheel: Separates qualified spheroidized particles, sends incompletely rounded coarse particles back to spheroidization chamber for closed-loop reprocessing, and extracts excess ultra-fine fines independently. Adjusting classifier wheel speed precisely controls final D50 and particle size distribution.
- Wear-resistant anti-contamination chamber lining: Ceramic or PU non-metallic liners and pins are used instead of metal alloy, effectively reducing iron impurity pollution and meeting battery-grade anode purity requirements.
- Water cooling jacket: Controls chamber temperature to prevent powder agglomeration caused by heat accumulation during high-speed vortex collision.
- PLC frequency control system: Real-time adjustment for rotor speed, classifier rotation speed and feeding rate, to stabilize sphericity and PSD batch by batch.
2. Auxiliary Supporting Equipment of The Spheroidization Line
(1) Quantitative screw feeder
Delivers stable continuous feeding of potato-shaped graphite precursor. Constant feeding avoids overfeeding (insufficient collision) or underfeeding (over-fracture and excess fines). Equipped with loss-in-weight option for high-precision feeding in mass production.
(2) Pneumatic conveying system
Transports powder between upstream pre-shaping stage, spheroidization host and collection section under negative pressure. It prevents powder leakage and maintains stable airflow circulation inside the closed loop.
(3) Cyclone collector
Primary gas-solid separation, collecting most qualified spheroidized graphite powder.
(4) Pulse bag dust collector
Captures ultra-fine graphite dust separated by classifier. It recovers fine powder by-products and keeps exhaust gas clean, complying with environmental standards.
(5) Induced draft fan
Provides stable negative pressure for the whole closed circulation system, controls air volume and particle residence time in the spheroidization chamber.
(6) Magnetic separator
Installed after spheroidization host. Removes ferromagnetic metal impurities generated by equipment wear, ensuring ultra-low metal impurity index of graphite anode powder.
(7) Online sampling & particle detection unit
Automatic sampling port for offline testing of PSD, sphericity (SEM circularity analysis), tap density and SSA. Provides feedback signal for parameter adjustment of spheroidization host.
3. Difference Between Spheroidizer And Pre-shaping Mill (JCSM710)
- JCSM710 air classifier mill: Mainly for primary grinding and potato pre-shaping; relatively low vortex energy, focus on trimming flake edges.
- Vortex spheroidization machine: Higher vortex collision intensity, multiple closed-loop recirculation to fold and wrap flakes, targeting sphericity ≥0.85. It is dedicated to final spheroidization modification after potato shaping.
4. Optional Follow-up Equipment
After spheroidization, the near-spherical graphite flows to the carbon coating modification system for pitch coating and high-temperature carbonization:
- Mechanical fusion coating machine
- High-temperature rotary carbonization furnace
- De-agglomeration and screening machine
5. Key Equipment Design Advantages
- Fully closed negative-pressure circulation: No dust escape, stable particle residence time.
- Integrated spheroidization + classification: Real-time screening and recirculation, improves spheroidization yield.
- Non-metallic wear parts: Low iron contamination for lithium battery anode.
- Intelligent frequency control: Flexible tuning for different target D50 and sphericity requirements.
The core equipment for graphite anode spheroidization modification is the JACAN vortex spheroidization machine with built-in turbo air classifier. Matched with screw feeder, pneumatic conveying, cyclone collector, pulse dust collector, induced draft fan and magnetic separator, it forms a complete closed-loop spheroidization line. This equipment system realizes repeated particle collision and flake curling, to produce near-spherical graphite powder with sphericity ≥0.85, which is the key mechanical modification equipment for natural flake graphite anode production.
