Used lead acid batteries (ULABs) represent one of the largest recycling streams in the world. With over 90% of a lead acid battery being recyclable, establishing an efficient recycling plant is not just an environmental imperative — it is a sound business investment. However, selecting the right lead acid battery recycling equipment is the single most critical decision that determines your plant's throughput, recovery rate, and long-term profitability. This guide walks you through the essential equipment needed for a modern lead acid battery recycling plant.
The Battery Breaking and Separation System — The Heart of Your Plant
Every recycling operation begins with breaking and separating the battery into its core components: lead paste, lead grid, plastic (PP/PVC), and sulfuric acid. A high-quality lead acid battery breaking and separation system crushes entire batteries and classifies these materials through a multi-stage mechanical process. San Lan Technologies offers breaking and separation systems with capacities ranging from 1 to 10 metric tons per hour. The automated system separates used lead acid batteries into four distinct product streams — lead grid (metallic lead), lead paste, PVC/PP plastic, and hard rubber — minimizing manual handling and ensuring consistent output quality.
For operations that prefer a manual pre-processing step, the hydraulic lead battery cutter (model HBC-045) cuts each battery into four parts and empties the acid in approximately 45 seconds per piece, with blade hardness reaching HRC 56-62.
Lead Paste Processing — From Paste to Pure Lead
Once separated, the lead paste requires a series of processing steps. The filter press collects lead paste from the slurry generated during breaking and separation. San Lan's filter press features 60 filter plates (800×800mm each) with a total filtration area of 60m², providing efficient solid-liquid separation.
The next critical step is de-sulfurization. The de-sulfurization unit removes sulfur from PbSO₄ in the lead paste, which lowers the melting temperature, reduces SO₂ emissions, and saves energy and additives — a vital step for both environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
The de-sulfurized paste then enters the rotary furnace for paste reduction. San Lan's lead smelting rotary furnace handles 2 to 20 metric tons per batch and achieves a higher lead recovery rate than traditional blast furnaces. For larger operations, the blast (cupola) furnace delivers 40 to 100 metric tons per 24 hours at a maximum temperature of 1800°C with a 95% lead recovery rate.
Refining — Achieving 99.999% Purity
Crude lead from the smelting process must be refined to meet commercial specifications. The lead refinery furnace from San Lan Technologies refines crude lead to 99.999% purity. Available in natural gas/diesel heated or electric heated configurations, the electric type uses near-infrared heating technology that reduces energy consumption by 30-50% compared to conventional heating methods.
Environmental Control Systems — Compliance Without Compromise
Environmental compliance is non-negotiable in lead battery recycling. The air pollution control system purifies gases from the rotary furnace, blast furnace, and refinery kettle, ensuring emissions meet regulatory standards. The water treatment plant processes acidic wastewater from the breaking-separating process and cleaning operations, enabling closed-loop water reuse and minimizing environmental discharge.
Why Choose San Lan Technologies for Your Recycling Equipment
San Lan Technologies Co., Ltd, established in 2007 and headquartered in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China, has been manufacturing lead acid battery recycling equipment for nearly two decades. The company's technical team holds master's degrees in mechanical engineering with over 15 years of hands-on experience in e-waste recycling machinery.
Key advantages of working with San Lan:
- Complete EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) project services — from customized plant design to on-site installation and commissioning
- Assistance in sourcing waste materials (cable scrap, PCB scrap, used lead acid batteries) for your plant
- Help selling end products from your recycling plant (copper rice, copper powder, lead ingots)
- Investor and partner matching for recycling plant construction
- Bilingual English & Chinese communication with strong intercultural understanding
San Lan has delivered equipment to customers in over 21 countries worldwide:
- Singapore
- Colombia
- Vietnam
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Korea
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- India
- Kenya
- Saudi Arabia
- Philippines
- Zambia
- Israel
Beyond Lead Acid — A Complete E-Waste Recycling Solution
While lead acid battery recycling is a core focus, San Lan also manufactures equipment for lithium battery recycling, circuit board recycling, cable recycling, CRT recycling, refrigerator and AC recycling, motor recycling, and lithium ore extraction. This breadth of expertise means customers can rely on a single supplier for all their e-waste recycling equipment needs, simplifying procurement, installation, and after-sales support.
Ready to Build Your Lead Acid Battery Recycling Plant?
Whether you are starting a new recycling facility or upgrading an existing one, San Lan Technologies provides the equipment, engineering expertise, and ongoing support to help you succeed.
Contact us today at info@san-lan.com or WhatsApp: +86 139 2377 4083
