International technology group ANDRITZ has launched a new helix dryer tailored to the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
The new solution efficiently and safely removes both low- and high-boiling solvents from heterogeneous shredded battery materials, enabling high black mass purity and ensuring safe, stable operations.
Reliable processing of variable feed materials
The new model builds on proven ANDRITZ contact dryer technology that has been specifically optimized for battery-recycling applications. It uses indirect heating under vacuum within an inert, closed-loop environment to ensure controlled drying across highly variable feed materials, including pouch and prismatic cells containing foil strings, black mass, and metal chips. This enables recyclers to handle complex input streams with reduced energy consumption and enhanced reliability.
The system’s performance is based on a combination of optimized heat transfer, uniform product mixing via a helical agitator, and vacuum drying that increases solvent evaporation efficiency while maintaining a safe operating environment. An integrated product filter helps ensure that all material remains within the vessel even at deep vacuum levels, and the conical dryer geometry supports full product discharge with minimal losses. The batch-based process also provides flexibility for sites processing different battery chemistries and feed compositions.
99.5% solvent extraction
Extensive trials with pouch and prismatic aluminum shell batteries demonstrated solvent extraction rates of up to 99.5%, confirming the robust performance of the helix dryer and its ability to support high purity black mass recovery.
“This development reflects our commitment to engineering solutions that support the circular economy and respond directly to customer needs. The helix dryer delivers stable and efficient solvent evaporation even from highly complex feed materials, helping recyclers achieve consistently high recovery rates while maintaining low foil attrition and safe, reliable operation,” explains Jasper Aalders, Sales Director and Product Manager at ANDRITZ Separation.
Strengthening the ANDRITZ battery lifecycle portfolio
The development reflects ANDRITZ’s strategic focus on technologies that support the circular economy and enable more sustainable industrial production. With the helix dryer, ANDRITZ expands its portfolio of solutions for the battery lifecycle, from drying of anode and cathode active materials to cell assembly, finishing, and testing, and advanced solutions for recycling and black mass recovery. The new model strengthens the company’s position as a technology partner for customers seeking stable, scalable, and high-performance solutions.
[Source: Andritz Newsroom, 26.3.2026]