How to process | Lithium

Handling lithium‑bearing materials presents unique challenges – and the right rotary valve plays a critical role in process reliability.

Processing lithium powder | the challenge

Lithium powders and concentrates typically consist of extremely fine particles. Depending on the processing stage, they may be abrasive, chemically reactive, or sensitive to moisture.

Equipment that is not designed for these characteristics can quickly lead to excessive wear, air leakage, inconsistent feeding, and unplanned downtime – ultimately impacting both efficiency and product quality.

Why lithium is difficult to handle | contamination control

In lithium processing, contamination control is critical. Even trace amounts of foreign (non‑lithium) metal particles introduced through wear, poor material selection, or inadequate sealing can disrupt downstream processes. In battery manufacturing, this can result in internal short circuits, reduced performance, safety risks, or complete battery failure.

This makes the rotary valve more than just a transfer device – it becomes a key control point for maintaining product purity.

The role of the rotary valve

Rotary valves designed for lithium applications must meet high standards of precision and durability.

Key design considerations include:

Tight clearances for consistent and controlled material flow
Carefully selected, low‑wear materials to minimise contamination risks
Hardened or coated rotors to handle abrasion
Abrasion‑resistant housings for longer service life
Controlled venting to stabilise operation
Application‑specific sealing solutions

These features ensure reliable performance in applications such as pneumatic conveying, isolation, and accurate metering.

Optimal lithium powder flow | the result

When lithium flows consistently and contamination is controlled, operations benefit from:

Improved process stability
Reduced maintenance and downtime
Greater confidence in final product performance

With the right solution in place, you can protect product quality, optimise performance, and meet the demanding requirements of lithium processing.

Choosing the right rotary valve | the takeaway

Choosing the right rotary valve is not just a component decision – it is a process reliability decision. We know the challenges, and we’re here to help you choose the right solution.

Give us a call at +31252375068 of send an email to sales@tbma.com

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Image: H-ARDG-R2-200 rotary valve with guiding bars

Application: handling lithium powder
Type: guiding bars for easy frequent cleaning and inspection
Execution: stainless steel
ATEX: protective system up to 10 barg