How to Safely Test Recyclable Batteries? Industrial and Home-Level Operation Guidelines

As batteries are widely used in everyday life, particularly lithium and dry batteries in various devices, battery recycling and disposal have become increasingly important. Improper handling can not only cause environmental pollution but also lead to safety incidents. Therefore, safely testing recyclable batteries is a crucial step that must be followed. This article will introduce the battery testing and recycling procedures for both industrial and home users to ensure safety.

Core Principles: Three “Nos” and One “Confirmation”

When handling recyclable batteries, it is essential to adhere to the “three nos and one confirmation” principle:

• Do not dismantle damaged batteries: Damaged batteries may already have internal short circuits or leaks, and dismantling them can easily lead to accidents.
• Do not test batteries of unknown origin: Batteries of unknown origin pose great uncertainty, and their potential risks cannot be assessed during testing.
• Do not use metal tools to directly contact the battery: Metal tools can cause short circuits or lead to battery explosions, so direct contact with the battery’s terminals should be avoided.
• Confirm the working area: Ensure the working area is well-ventilated, fireproof, and equipped with anti-static devices to protect the battery from damage.

Industrial-Level Safety Testing: The Five-Step Method

For industrial battery recycling and testing, stricter safety protocols must be followed. Below are the five key steps:

1. Initial Appearance Screening
   Before testing the battery, a visual inspection must be conducted. A thermal imaging scanner is used to check the battery surface for any temperature differences exceeding 5°C. If anomalies are detected, the battery should be isolated. X-ray inspection is then used to check for metal deposits inside the battery. If the swelling rate exceeds 5mm, the battery should be marked with a red warning sign as a high-risk battery and should not proceed.
2. Voltage Stabilization
   Before further disassembly, the battery must be discharged to below 1V using a professional discharge cabinet, ensuring that the remaining energy is less than 10%. This minimizes the risk of accidental energy release during disassembly and ensures safety.
3. Chemical Testing
   The chemical composition of the battery is also a critical safety testing point. A handheld LIBS laser device is used to measure the lithium content in just 2 seconds. If the battery leaks electrolyte, pH test strips should be used to ensure the leaking substances do not pose a hazard to operators or the environment.
4. Environmental Simulation
   To simulate the battery’s performance in different environments, industrial-level recycling operations require the use of vibration tables and temperature chambers. A 30-minute vibration test simulates the vibrations a battery may encounter during transport, while the temperature chamber tests the battery at extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, verifying if the battery will leak or explode under extreme conditions.

Home User Self-Test Safety Tips

For ordinary home users, extra care must be taken when testing recyclable batteries:

• DIY Risks: Home users should avoid disassembling batteries on their own, especially lithium batteries and button cells. DIY disassembly not only risks damaging the battery but also could lead to fires or explosions.
• Necessary Operations: If a simple test is needed, a multimeter can be used to measure the battery’s voltage. Insulating gloves should be worn during this process to ensure safety. If the battery voltage is below 0.5V, it can be temporarily stored in a moisture-proof box, with the terminals taped with insulating tape to avoid short circuits or accidental discharge.
• Simple Classification: For home users, it’s essential to classify the batteries correctly. Dry batteries and alkaline batteries can be disposed of directly if they are intact, while lithium batteries and button cells require special handling regardless of their condition.

Storage and Transport Regulations Are More Important than Testing

Proper storage and transportation of batteries are just as crucial as testing:

• Industrial Storage: Storage cabinets for batteries must meet UL72 standards, ensuring safe storage conditions.
• Home Storage: For home users, batteries should be stored in an iron box containing no more than 5 batteries, with a distance of at least 3 meters from flammable materials. The storage area should also be checked monthly for any leakage.

Red Alert! Stop Immediately in These Situations

There are certain situations where the battery poses a significant safety risk, and operations must stop immediately:

• If the battery emits a hissing sound or smells burnt.
• If white crystalline formations appear on the surface of the battery, indicating leakage or corrosion.
• If the battery’s voltage fluctuates by more than 0.2V during measurement, indicating a severe internal issue.

In such cases, the battery should be placed in a fireproof sandbox immediately, and professionals should be notified for further handling.

Ultimate Solution: Use Pre-Detection Recycling Boxes

For ordinary users, the safest and simplest solution is to use pre-detection recycling boxes. These boxes are pre-tested and can effectively isolate hazardous batteries, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Conclusion

Battery recycling and disposal involve complex safety technologies and operational standards. Especially when batteries are damaged or of unknown origin, safety issues become more prominent. Whether it is industrial or home-level recycling, understanding and following relevant safety guidelines is crucial. Only through scientific testing and standardized operations can we ensure the safety of both people and the environment, minimizing the risks posed by batteries.