Method and apparatus for making battery paste

Abstract

Apparatus for making battery paste comprises a mixing chamber having a floor with a cylindrical upstanding side wall and a top cover. A mixing head is mounted for rotation in the chamber including at least one mulling wheel and at least one plow for moving the battery paste into the path of the mulling wheels. A cooling system is provided for the mixing chamber and its contents including a plenum chamber in direct contact with the underside of the mixing chamber floor for cooling the floor and a plurality of riser ducts extend upwardly from the plenum chamber in direct contact with the side wall. At the upper end of the risers deflectors are provided for directing a discharge of cooling air downwardly and inwardly of the upper end portion of the mixing chamber to cool the material. An exhaust system is provided for removing heat, moisture and fumes developed in the chamber and a liquid supply system is provided for additional material cooling and for washing the interior surfaces of the chamber. The washing liquid is retained for make-up liquid for the next batch of battery paste to be mixed. A method of making battery paste includes the introduction of metered quantities of solids and acid into a quantity of make-up washing water already present in the mixing chamber from the preceding washing operation. This water is used for cooling, washing and helps retain needed oxides for the battery paste which would otherwise be carried away and possibly cause water pollution problems.