Alkaline Processing
Technology Grounded in
greener outcomes
Cirba Solutions has long been on the cutting-edge of developing advanced battery recycling technologies.
Cirba Solutions has long been on the cutting-edge of developing advanced battery recycling technologies. After years of leading research, we’ve pioneered a groundbreaking, patented process to safely and efficiently recycle alkaline batteries.
Our new process not only revolutionizes the existing landscape for how alkaline batteries can be recycled, but optimizes recycled material to now be reutilized in the production of new batteries.
At the Forefront, and the Future, of Alkaline Recycling
Uniquely Engineered Solutions
Alkaline batteries contain three primary components: manganese dioxide (the positive electrode), zinc (the negative electrode) and steel (the battery casing). These three components makeup 93% of the average alkaline battery. Our process is superior to our competitors, in that these components are recovered using minimal energy outlay – at purity levels on par with virgin materials.
Our process starts with the controlled crushing of alkaline batteries through an industrial hammermill. Using mechanical separation equipment, the discharge from the hammermill is divided into two streams: (1) steel from the battery casing; and (2) a mixture of manganese oxide and zinc from the battery electrodes. The steel is washed and cleaned of impurities, producing a final steel product that can be sold into secondary steel markets for reuse in countless new products.
The additional processing of the manganese oxide and zinc mixture is at the core of our recycling innovation which undergoes our proprietary hydrometallurgical process. Two highly pure product streams result from this: (1) a zinc oxide product; and (2) a manganese oxide product. Both products can displace virgin materials produced from mining and high temperature refining operations.
Alkaline Processing
The Impact
There are numerous sustainable options for the recovered materials, the most interesting comes from the zinc and manganese concentrate – which can be used as a dietary supplement. Zinc and manganese are considered micronutrients. Increasing zinc in the diet can reduce potential for malaria, respiratory disease, and other illnesses. While manganese plays an important role in blood sugar regulation and because of its strong antioxidant properties it can reduce the risk for disease.
At Battery Solutions zinc and manganese concentrate is used as micronutrients in fertilizers. This fertilizer is then used for crops such as corn and soybeans.
Batteries can make a big impact when recycled.
Cirba Solutions, transforming the way we use our finite resources.
Recycling todays batteries to make tomorrows.