WO2025229361A1

WO2025229361A1 - Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances, equipped with artificial intelligence (ai) system.

Info

Publication number: WO2025229361A1
Application number: PCT/GR2025/050012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Konstantinos Soukos
Original assignee: Soukos Robotics EE
Current assignee: Soukos Robotics EE
Priority date: 2024-05-02
Filing date: 2025-04-25
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-02
Also published as: GR1011044B

Abstract

Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances, equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) system 5 A method for ecological management and recycling in which the automated detection of each type is carried out through an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, the breakdown and discharge of the mass and then the direct separation of the precious metals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, 10 manganese, etc.), the complete destruction of the hazardous liquid matter and solid residues and the cleaning and recovery of the metal/plastic mass, which is applied by entering in a regulated feeding system (9), in a laser pulse generation reactor, in a metal/plastic piece separator, in a processing unit (3) and mechanical separation and recovery (4) of the 15 metal mass, in a centrifugal device separation (2), in an assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5), in an allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6), in a gaseous pollutant treatment unit (7), in a closed circuit supply-recycling device of alkaline solution and in an alkaline solution management system through the 20 application of E/M pulses, while the entire operation of the system is controlled by a Control and Operation Unit (8).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances, equipped with Artificial Intelligence (Al) system

The invention refers to a method for ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances with which is carried out the automated detection of each type through an Artificial Intelligence (Al) system, the breakdown and discharge of the mass and then the immediate separation of the precious metals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, etc.), the complete destruction of the hazardous liquid matter and solid residues and the cleaning and recovery of the metal/plastic mass.

The process is completed with the production of stable final products in a recirculating aqueous alkaline solution environment of specific qualitative and quantitative composition with the effect of strong microwave radiation to eliminate any chemical or microbial agent in the solution.

The ultimate goal is the recovery/con version of the contained precious metals/chemicals into stable end products aiming to the commercial exploitation and their re-entry into the production cycle with significant commercial sales value. The method is fully automated and the system achieves the destruction of a large volume at a very high rate, over 12 tons/hour, while complying with all hygiene and increased safety and environmental protection standards, since any unwanted thermal events that could cause a fire or explosion of the battery/hazardous chemicals are prevented.

Based on industry scenarios, it is estimated that in 2030 there will be a withdrawal of 100-120 GWh of car batteries, a volume approximately equivalent to the current annual battery production. Without effective measures to address such volumes, this can become a significant environmental liability. However, properly managed used car batteries can be channeled through recycling to battery reuse. There is currently little experience in this emerging market. However, the challenges of reusing car batteries could reduce the cost of manufacturing new batteries.

By recovering critical battery materials, a strong recycling system would reduce the demand for raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions and negative local impacts from mining. In addition, domestic recycling would allow countries to reduce their reliance on imported raw materials for battery manufacturing. So far, the economic viability and market incentives for recycling due to the small volumes are small, but this will increase as the electric car market grows. This will grow and play an important role in shaping environmental awareness, encouraging recycling in the long term and guiding recycling policies accordingly.

The risk of depletion of metal reserves, as well as environmental pollution, due to reckless use and incorrect disposal of used batteries, make recycling necessary. Lithium-ion batteries consist of heavy metals, organic chemicals and plastics in a percentage of 5-20% cobalt, 5-10% nickel, 5-7% lithium, 15% organic sand, and 7% plastics. When waste produced from used lithium-ion batteries is properly processed, metals such as lithium can be recovered.

However, despite the efforts to recycle lithium-ion batteries worldwide, only 3% of them are recycled for the purpose of recovering metals. Existing methods for recycling and regeneration of Li-ion batteries mainly include physical and chemical processes. In general, the recycling of used batteries usually includes: mechanical treatment, hydrometallurgical treatment, combination of thermal pretreatment and hydrometallurgical methods or pyrometallurgical treatment

A disadvantage of the mechanical separation process is that it cannot recover all the substances contained in the batteries as the chemical elements are difficult to separate. Thermal treatment has the advantage of being a simple process but appropriate equipment must be chosen to collect some materials from the smoke or exhaust gases. The disadvantage of all pyrometallurgical processes is the high energy consumption and the strict requirements for cleaning and maintenance of the equipment since this process has been associated with high emissions of dioxins, chloride compounds and mercury. Also, pyrometallurgical recycling is a violent process in which all the lithium is lost - not an ideal result in the attempt to recycle lithium-ion batteries.

On the other hand, hydrometallurgy, while allowing the recovery of metals with high purity, good efficiency and low energy requirements, depends to a great extent on the solid/liquid ratio, the type of reducing agents, the leaching times and temperatures, making it particularly selective and time-consuming.

The materials used for the manufacture of lithium-ion battery electrodes are considered expensive and have toxic behavior towards the environment, thus making their recycling necessary. To be feasible and financially viable, recycling should be flexible and simple, there should be no large combined processes to save time and there should not be large and heavy equipment. In many cases, the two aforementioned processes are used in combination but sometimes in a pre-treatment stage such as pyrolysis or mechanical treatment.

Even before the battery itself can be recycled, a safe way must be found to return the battery, with all its toxic, flammable chemicals, to its facility. This is a process that involves many safety procedures and many regulations. This process is very expensive to do safely and is very timeconsuming. Once a battery is safely delivered to the recycling center, the disassembly and discharge process takes place. The problem is that batteries have a tendency to explode if disassembled incorrectly. Lithium, nickel, manganese, graphite and cobalt exists - all of which are enclosed in a casing of steel, metal alloy and plastic. Battery fully discharging will remove any stored energy and prevent any unwanted thermal events that could cause the battery to catch fire or explode. In many cases, the use of liquid nitrogen is recommended to avoid temperature increases and the possibility of an explosion, but this is extremely costly and energy- intensive.

Also, battery disassembly in recycling centers is currently done manually, since the design of an automated disassembly system that will speed up the process and make it safer must overcome a major obstacle, which is the design of the battery: no two are the same, forcing recycling facilities to design different processes for different car batteries.

The present invention constitutes an automated method for recycling batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical substances. The prior art US2019/10205200B2, US2004/7442848B2, US2000/6017750A and US2002/649828B1 also describe recycling methods and systems that seek to solve the same technical problems as the present invention but present technical disadvantages. Specifically, they require a combination of processes and manual processing without however providing the possibility of complete recovery of precious metals in pure form and without completely destroying the hazardous chemical-explosive substances, in contrast to the present invention which achieves this through the assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals.

By this method, the management and recycling of batteries is completed quickly and instantaneously without the emission of polluting liquids, solids or gaseous by-products and in addition it provides the possibility of recycling the produced materials. Also, the speed at which they are destroyed is such that it prevents the possible start of the explosive chain (high order explosion).

With the application of the present invention, the integrated management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical - explosive substances is carried out, on site at their collection sites, since these are mobile assemblies, with the possibility of ecological, massive and rapid destruction. The basic design principle of the system is the limitation of the exposure of the minimum number of people for the minimum time as well as the high degree of safety.

The invention focuses on an upgraded and fully ergonomic system that includes a laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focusing system, whose operation consists of high precision and speed of processing in a recirculating aqueous alkaline solution environment, which ensures the safe destruction and discharge of batteries without the requirement of manual disassembly. The combination also of assisted ionization in the separation of precious metals ensures the recovery of precious metals quickly and with a very high degree of purity. The invention also consists of a method which introduces new additional steps, not obvious to the expert, which ensure the automated process using robotic systems without human intervention, the use of an artificial intelligence system for type-based detection, continuous operation without long preparation intervals, the re-entry of the produced materials into the economic cycle (through recycling or in a useful or harmless form), the reduction to the absolute minimum of the quantities of concentrated explosives, the treatment of all process waste and the possibility of processing and utilization at the place of their storage.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned purposes, as well as many more which will be better understood below, are achieved by the method of managing and recycling batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances, which includes eight (8) autonomous units - shaped containers inside which all the individual elements are placed - electromechanical equipment and special servomechanisms as well as individual auxiliary systems.

A brief disclosure of the stages of the method and the machinery system that implements it follows. The method includes the following steps in outline:

Step 1: Entry into a regulated continuous flow feeding system (9), equipped with an artificial intelligence (Al) system for detection by type. Step 2: Entry into a laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focusing system for the instant dismemberment of batteries.

Step 3: Entry into a metal/plastic piece separator.

Step 4: Entry into a metal mass processing unit (3).

Step 5 : Entry into a mechanical separation and recovery unit of the metal mass (4).

Step 6: Entry into a centrifugal separation device (2).

Step 7 : Entry into an assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5).

Step 8: Entry into an allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6).

Step 9: Entry into a gaseous pollutants treatment unit (7). Step 10: Entry into a closed circuit supply-recycling device of alkaline solution.

Step 11 : Entry into an alkaline solution management system through the application of E/M pulses.

For the understanding of the flow chart and the description of the operation, it should be noted that the eight (8) containers, of the container type, are numbered according to the order of operation of the machines that implement the present method. Specifically:

- Container 1 which includes the laser pulse generation reactor with multiple focusing system for the instantaneous dismemberment of batteries and the Metal Pieces Separator (1)

- Container 2 which includes the centrifugal separation device (2)

- Container 3 which includes the metal mass processing unit (3)

- Container 4 which includes the mechanical separation and recovery unit of the metal mass (4)

- Container 5 which includes the assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5)

- Container 6 which includes the allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6)

- Container 7 which includes the gas pollutant treatment unit (7)

- Container 8 which includes the control and operation unit (8).

The method and the machinery system that implements it concern a continuous operation system, in the sense that the product (in this case, the expired batteries) enters its primary state and exits directly to the final state, without time-consuming procedures and in minimal time.

The entire operation of the system is controlled by a control and operation unit, from where the operators can monitor and control each phase of the process and each subsystem. The Control and Operation Unit is equipped with LCD screens, electronic control and display systems, computers with remote control application (SCADA), control and operation panels for manual and automatic operation, PLC units for automatic programming and control of processes, UPS, DVR for virtual data recording, necessary meters and devices for stopping in case of emergency. The operator can automatically or manually control the entire installation through the installed remote control application (SCADA), but also supervise the operation of the system through the screens in order to intervene if necessary.

Where there is no possibility of electricity from the network, the system can be supplied with electricity from a power generator.

The present method concerns a system of special advanced technology, the advantages of which lie in the fact that:

The present invention achieves the massive and rapid destruction of expired batteries/dangerous chemical -explosive substances, regardless of their initial state and the order in which they enter the system. Since the batteries do not undergo any disassembly process before being fed into the present invention, their destruction is carried out instantaneously.

One of the main advantages of the artificial intelligence system for detection by type is the minimization of human error, because since the decisions of an Al system come from data with the help of algorithms, accuracy increases and errors are reduced. The Al system also collaborates with various technologies that help machines make decisions faster, resulting in faster actions, as it can identify patterns from data analysis, resulting in making predictions.

Additionally, the present invention achieves the processing of many types of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for electric vehicles and others, for many of which there is no suitable method of destruction to date or those that exist involve a great risk both to the lives of the individuals involved in this process and to the environment, as no care is taken, or it is impossible to take, for its protection, if there has not been a mechanical pre-treatment that includes disassembly and discharge. Therefore, the requirement for preliminary mechanical separation to avoid explosion of lithium-ion batteries is eliminated and therefore all components of the used Li-ion batteries are completely separated, without any losses.

An advantage is the fact that the design of the laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focus system allows it to be continuously fed with expired batteries as the time required for their destruction is much shorter than any other technology. At the same time, the continuous wetting of the interior of the device with the aqueous alkaline solution ensures the discharge of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells, which is vital for stabilization during LIB disposal in order to avoid explosions, fires and toxic gas emissions.

The choice of the laser pulse generation technology with a multiple focus system also brings immediate efficiency and increased speed of destruction, because the multiple focus system creates a very small heat- affected zone compared to other cutting methods, resulting in the metal/plastic pieces of the batteries being obtained almost intact, which maximizes their purchase value.

An advantage of the present invention is also that it does not create dangerous by-products, as well as no explosions occur and no nuclear energy is used to destroy the batteries.

Another advantage is the fact that the use of electromagnetic microwave pulses interact uniformly with all the liquid effluent, causing total (spatial) heating. The incident energy is directly bound by the material and is not transferred to other points. This leads to a significant reduction in the microbial-chemical load, leading to the recovery of the aqueous alkaline solution with parallel energy savings as well as a significant reduction in the operating cost of the process.

In addition, a major advantage of the mentioned system is the fact that the resulting material from the process can be separated into its basic components, since it is performed by recovering/ converting the contained precious metals into stable end products as well as recycling the pure metal/plastic mass aiming to the commercial exploitation and re- introduction into the production cycle with significant commercial sales value.

Its operation can be characterized as ecological since the upgraded treatment of gaseous and solid residues, as well as the integrated management and recirculation of the aqueous alkaline solution minimizes the release of gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere and the creation of solid and liquid hazardous waste. Additionally, automation systems, alarm systems and temperature and pressure detectors are installed in all individual subsystems which are activated if the management functions fail to function.

The present invention also provides a specific method for the separation process of precious metals. In particular, the present invention successfully allows the separation of precious metals through assisted ionization in a multi-position separator, where the main parameters affecting the separation efficiency are the nature of the solvent, the temperature, the power and the ionization time. The materials that are separated show a low degree of aggregation, which is beneficial for the subsequent recovery process. The process is environmentally friendly and an effective separation method, because it does not require chemical reagents and has low energy consumption.

Another advantage of the present method is that the machinery system that implements it, namely the mechanical equipment, accompanied by the necessary electrical and electronic equipment, can be manufactured in such dimensions that it is possible to place it inside containers, for example, of the container type. These containers (which may also be refrigerated) can be transported, for example, by train, ship, truck and can be transported directly to any point on the planet deemed necessary, without the need to remove the batteries from their storage area. The ability to place the machine system of the invention inside the transported containers makes the invention flexible, mobile and applicable to any location.

The method of the present invention will be better understood by the following description and with the help of the attached figures, and specifically:

Figure 1 presents a perspective view of the entire electromechanical equipment that implements the present method, with the operation order of the machines that implement the present method within Container 1 that includes the laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focusing system for the instantaneous dismemberment of batteries and the Metal pieces separator (1), Container 2 that includes the centrifugal separation device (2), Container 3 that includes the metal mass processing unit (3), Container 4 that includes the mechanical separation and recovery unit of the metal mass (4), Container 5 that includes the assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5), Container 6 that includes the allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6), Container 7 that includes the gas pollutant treatment unit (7) and Container 8 which includes the control and operation unit (8). Also depicted are the regulated continuous flow feeding system (9) as well as the special liquid storage tanks (10).

Figure 2 shows a top view of the entire electromechanical equipment implementing the present method.

A non-limiting application of the method is described below with reference to the attached figures.

Step 1: Entry into a regulated continuous flow feeding system (9), equipped with an artificial intelligence (Al) system for detection by type

The batteries/hazardous chemicals are fed into Container 1 via a regulated continuous flow feeding system (9) which includes an automated robotic feeding system and a rolling feeding belt. Automatic dosing takes place via the central electrical panel.

The robotic feeding system is electro-pneumatic, of robust construction and can rotate 360 degrees. Its great flexibility of movement allows the collection of expired batteries from any collection point. The system is mounted on a rotating base for greater flexibility of movement.

The robotic feeding system is equipped with a special gripper servo mechanism suitable for the transport, holding and lifting of expired batteries of multiple dimensions. The gripper is operated via the integrated control panel on the gripper.

The robotic feeding system places the batteries on a rolling feeding belt up to 18 meters long, which ends at the entrance of the laser pulse generation reactor. The belt operates automatically and the start/stop of operation is managed by the Control Room. For safety reasons, operation shut down is also possible by the man responsible for the feeding. On the rolling feeding belt before the entrance point of the laser pulse generation reactor, the artificial intelligence (Al) type detection system is installed, where the type of each battery is detected and the movement is monitored through computer vision. The integrated automated artificial intelligence (Al) type detection system uses non-destructive detection methods in combination with pattern recognition.

Specifically, the system applies supervised learning (Machine Learning) methods. The system algorithm accepts exemplary inputs and the desired results in order to match the inputs with the results through feedback. This achieves high system performance through visual recognition of the batteries (type, battery size), automatic classification (weight, construction materials, processing time) and nonlinear statistical modeling of the data. The system's central computer in this way, through pattern recognition and modeling, adapts rapidly the time and method of processing the batteries even if it is a new type of battery without human intervention.

Step 2: Entry into a laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focusing system for the instant dismemberment of batteries

The specially designed continuous operation reactor is designed to accept "whole" the incoming batteries/hazardous chemicals, aiming to the integrated breaking down of the mass and its discharging in an aqueous alkaline solution environment to remove any stored energy.

Its operation is continuous, while its feeding is achieved at a specified rate of "piece per unit of time" . The reactor has suitable measuring and control instruments for the precise adjustment of all critical and non- critical process parameters.

The construction material includes an alloy with a special content of C, Si, Mn, P, etc. that give it excellent durability properties. It also offers a perfect balance of hardness/fracture resistance for combined protection against penetration and explosions with the lowest required weight. The basic principle of this process is based on the separation of incoming batteries into three material streams:

• Precious Metals entrapped in alkaline Solution: This concerns the various metals such as lithium, nickel, manganese, graphite and cobalt.

• Liquid matter in alkaline solution: The liquid electrolytes are condensed and neutralized by the effect of strong microwave radiation and reused or alternatively directed to the allothermal destruction device

• Metal/plastic pieces in alkaline solution: This concerns the battery casing which includes steel, metal alloy and plastic.

The operating principle of the pulse generation laser reactor is centered on the multiple focusing system consisting of the desired number of parabolic mirrors that focus the beam of rays on a very small spot with a diameter of up to 0.5mm, in order to create a very intense laser beam (with high power density per unit area), at least twice as much energy as focusing by a lens or a mirror. In order to achieve instantaneous dismemberment, the polarization direction of the rays must be rotated, as the beam moves around the circumference of the workpiece shaping curve.

The used method involves configuration under constant pressure conditions, where the material is melted by the energy produced by a combination of low-high laser energy. This method protects the cutting surface from oxidation and is mainly used for stainless steel, aluminum and their alloys, while at the same time the oxidation of the cathode materials (e.g. copper) of the battery is been avoiding.

As happens with the power, the pulse frequency must match the specific processing each time. The proposed technology, through modem automatic control mechanisms, increases and decreases the power of the laser pulses, so that it increases slowly, remains constant until the dismemberment is completed, and then gradually drops again, in order to reduce the energy and maintain the desired result.

Also, the change in the ambient temperature has negative effects on the stability of the performance and the maximum power of the high- performance laser and therefore on the quality and productivity of the work using laser. Undesirable fluctuations in the laser power are avoided with the correctly distributed and uniform cooling of the laser sources. For this reason, it is recommended to maintain the laser sources at their ideal temperature with a special water-cooled temperature stabilization system for lasers.

The laser pulse technology with a multiple focusing system ensures high precision and processing speed, has a very small heat-affected zone compared to other thermal cutting methods and therefore causes minimal shrinkage of the material, resulting in that the metal/plastic pieces of the batteries are being obtained almost intact.

In addition, the laser pulse generation reactor has appropriate holes that allow the metal/plastic elements of the batteries to exit only when they are of the desired granulometry.

To further increase the degree of safety and the complete discharge of the incoming batteries, the entire process takes place in the presence of an aqueous alkaline solution, which ensures the immediate discharge of the accumulated energy and prevents its ignition due to prevailing friction conditions of heterogeneous materials. Thus, throughout the operation of the reactor, it is sprayed internally with an excess of alkaline solution, aiming at the prevalence of safe operating conditions, without ignitions and explosions.

Step 3: Entry into the metal/plastic piece separator

A heterogeneous mixture of solids and liquids exits from the bottom of the reactor. The mixture includes the metal/plastic parts together with a large amount of alkaline solution with precious metals.

This mixed stream is led to the metal/plastic parts separator for the mechanical separation of the solids from the liquid fraction of the mixture. The metal parts separator is built for heavy industrial use.

The outgoing metal parts are exported and transported to the metal mass processing unit (3), while the plastics are collected for recovery.

Step 4: Entry into the metal mass processing unit (3) The purpose of the Unit is the complete elimination of the residues of hazardous elements that may be attached to the surfaces of the metal pieces, as they result from the breakdown of the batteries within the Laser Pulse Generation Reactor.

The metal pieces exit the metal/plastic piece separator and are led directly to the metal mass processing unit (3).

The process that takes place is electrical heating through multiple induction heating elements. The process to which the metal pieces are subjected is extremely necessary, so that they become clean and disinfected before they exit the metal mass processing unit for their safe collection and recycling.

Any waste gases generated by the process are sent for treatment to the allothermal destruction unit for hazardous chemicals (6).

Step 5: Entry into a metal parts mechanical separation-recovery unit (4)

The processed metal parts enter the unit for classification and separation based on density, magnetism and size.

First, separation takes place based on optical properties, such as induced fluorescence or reflectivity, and then the mixture of metal parts is led to the surface of a perforated table. The surface of the table vibrates continuously, performing a circular upward vertical movement that results in the different movement of the materials depending on their shape and their properties.

Finally, these materials are transported via a belt conveyor to a non- magnetizable metal separation device (mainly for aluminum).

Step 6: Entry into centrifugal separation device (2)

The separated liquid fraction from the metal/plastic separator enters the centrifugal separation device (2), where it is subjected to a continuously increasing centrifugal force at high speeds under conditions of specific rotation speed, centrifugation time and rotor radius, resulting in: solid impurities are separated and settle at the bottom of the rotating container. These elements that go to the bottom constitute the sediment. liquid impurities, in a balanced operating state, are easily separated by centrifugation where they are removed via overflow.

The liquid impurities include the liquid electrolytes in alkaline solution, where under the influence of strong microwave radiation, they are concentrated and neutralized while at the same time the flow is converted into a ‘pure’ alkaline solution and is directed again for use in the laser pulse generation reactor. Alternatively, this flow is directed to allothermal destruction of the hazardous chemicals.

At the bottom of the Centrifugal Separator, the sediment has been collected, which is a thick mass with high viscosity (sludge layer). This is directed directly to the assisted ionization and precious metals separation unit for the separation of the contained precious metals by type and for recycling.

Step 7: Entry into an assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5)

The purpose of the unit is to recover the highest possible quantities of precious materials in the purest possible form.

Through the ionization of the viscous mass resulting from the centrifugal separation, mass transfer is significantly improved and therefore chemical reactions begin. After the end of the process, the recovery of precious metals in a stable form is achieved, while any solid residues are sent for processing to the allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6) - Treatment of gaseous pollutants (7).

The ionization method has a significant impact on the process, since it achieves a high reaction speed, giving purity and improved quality of the final product. It is also an environmentally friendly method, as it requires minimal energy and time compared to classical methods. The advantages of their use include more efficient mixing, faster mass transfer, reduced temperature, selective separation, small equipment size and increased production.

The mechanical effects caused by the ionization wave such as micro - vortices and waves can lead to microscopic turbulent fluid flow and highspeed collisions between solids where these conditions create excellent physical and chemical conditions in different fluids and create a beneficial environment for chemical reactions. In addition, exposure to an ionization wave removes even the smallest particles, while maintaining the microstructures.

The unit includes a parallel coupled electrolysis system within a multiposition separator that uses complex compounds as both the anode and cathode to recover the precious metals.

Six key parameters affect the kinetics and yield: temperature, reaction time, acid concentration, reducing agent concentration, liquid/solid ratio (inverse slurry density) and agitation/stirring. Ideally, they should be minimized to reduce material costs and required energy input.

Step 8 - Entry into an allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6)

The solid residues resulting from the process in the assisted ionization and precious metal separation unit (5) are sent for processing to the hazardous chemical allothermal destruction unit (6). Furthermore, in the case of liquid hazardous chemical elements, the feedind is achieved directly to the hazardous chemical allothermal destruction unit (6), via special liquid storage tanks (10).

It is a special thermal chamber for the destruction of hazardous chemicals equipped with electronic afterburning and exhaust gas cleaning systems, where the process takes place under mild temperature and pressure conditions with the minimum possible pretreatment of the feeding.

The special thermal chamber is a rotary kiln type, indirectly heated (electrically) and equipped with lifting blades for the effective mixing of the reactants. This type allows the processing of feeding with a wide particle size distribution.

The rotation ensures continuous contact between the reactants as well as preventing the adhesion of ash to the walls, reducing maintenance and cleaning operations to a minimum.

The kiln cylinder is lined with refractory and insulating material which are capable of withstanding the high temperatures created during the thermal process phase.

The residence time of the solids is controlled by the inclination and the rotation rate of the furnace. It also has three rows of thermocouples for measuring temperature distributions, on the axis of the rotating tube, on the electrical resistances and on the outer surface of the ceramic elements. Also, the appropriate automatic control system allows the temperature to be adjusted in real time.

Step 9 - Entry into a gaseous pollutants treatment unit (7)

Gaseous treatment systems process all the gases generated by the entire process. Purpose of the Unit is to subject them to treatment processes in such a way as to achieve their complete destruction with an emphasis on reducing environmental impacts.

Electronic analog systems provide the ability to regulate, avoiding energy-intensive operation and unnecessary consumption, ensuring optimal performance values at all possible loads from minimum to maximum burner power.

Full analog operation is achieved by controlling two servomotors (stepper motors with an accuracy of one tenth of a degree) that guarantee the correct mixing of air and gas throughout the entire adjustment range using a PID controller and a pressure or temperature sensor. A digital afterburner manager with a processor that monitors all functions is also available. Step 10: Entry into a closed-circuit alkaline solution supply- recycling device

A critical factor in this process is ensuring sufficient quantities of alkaline solution for the safe operation of the laser pulse generation reactor. This is achieved by the connection of a closed circuit for recycling and refeeding of the alkaline solution.

The recycling technique is used to reduce consumption in the process, contributing to a better environmental footprint of the method applied. It is noted from the outset that the environmental footprint is an important factor in enhancing the competitiveness of a method and plays a significant role in the effort to establish processes with reduced operating costs through the recycling of raw materials.

Step 11: Entry into an alkaline solution management system through the application of E/M pulses

The closed solution recycling circuit is additionally equipped with management systems through the application of E/M pulses.

Electromagnetic pulses are essentially high-power electromagnetic microwave pulses at frequencies in the 300 MHz and 300 GHz Bands, capable of neutralizing dangerous charges at appropriate intensity, without causing damage to the equipment itself and peripheral electronic devices. With this method, the substrate of dangerous charges will be completely destroyed, without affecting the quality of the solution itself.

Since the solution is reused in the process itself, it is necessary to completely eliminate both the microbial population and the load of toxic chemical agents before returning them back to the laser pulse generation reactor, thus minimizing the risks of overloading the networks from the continuous accumulation of toxic elements. In addition, by this way, the risk of workers being exposed to a hazardous environment during maintenance and supervision of the unit is also reduced.

Claims

1. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances characterized by that the automated detection of each type is realized through an Artificial Intelligence (Al) system, the breakdown and discharge of the mass and then the immediate separation of the precious metals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, etc.), the complete destruction of the hazardous liquid matter and solid residues and the cleaning and recovery of the metal/plastic mass, by performing the following basic steps:

- Step 1 : Entry into a regulated continuous flow feeding system (9), equipped with an artificial intelligence (Al) system for detection by type

- Step 2: Entry into a laser pulse generation reactor with a multiple focusing system for the instant dismemberment of batteries

- Step 3 : Entry into a metal/plastic pieces separator

- Step 4: Entry into a metal mass processing unit (3)

- Step 5 : Entry into a mechanical separation and recovery unit of the metal mass (4)

- Step 6: Entry into a centrifugal separation device (2)

- Step 7: Entry into an assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5)

- Step 8: Entry into an allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemicals (6)

- Step 9: Entry into a gaseous pollutants treatment unit (7)

- Step 10: Entry into a closed circuit supply -recycling of alkaline solution device

- Step 11: Entry into an alkaline solution management system through the application of E/M pulses while the entire operation of the system is controlled by the control and operation unit (8).

2. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the regulated continuous flow feeding system (9) includes an automated robotic feeding system with the ability to rotate by 360° and a special gripper servomechanism as well as a rolling feeding belt.

3. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by that on the rolling feeding belt before the entrance point of the laser pulse generation reactor, an artificial intelligence (Al) detection system by type is installed where the detection of the type of each battery and the monitoring of movement are carried out through computer vision.

4. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the material of construction of the laser pulse generation reactor is made of an alloy with a special content of C, Si, Mn, and P.

5. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1 , characterized by that the multiple focusing system of the laser pulse generation reactor consists of the desired number of parabolic mirrors that focus the beam of rays on a very small spot of diameter as 0.5mm, in order to create a very intense laser beam (high power density per unit area).

6. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the laser pulse generation reactor has a special water-cooled temperature stabilization system.

7. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1 , characterized by that the laser pulse generation reactor is sprayed internally with an excess of alkaline solution.

8. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that in the metal mass processing unit (3) electrical heating takes place through multiple induction heating elements.

9. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1 , characterized by that the liquid impurities from the centrifugal separation device (2), under the influence of strong microwave radiation, are condensed and neutralized while at the same time the flow is converted into a pure alkaline solution and is directed again for use in the laser pulse generation reactor.

10. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1 , characterized by that the assisted ionization and separation unit of precious metals (5) includes a parallel coupled electrolysis system within a multi-position separator that uses complex compounds as both the anode and the cathode for the recovery of precious metals.

11. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the mechanical effects caused by the ionization wave of the assisted ionization unit lead to microscopic turbulent flow of liquid and high-speed collision between solids where these conditions create excellent physical and chemical conditions in different liquids and create a beneficial environment for chemical reactions.

12. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the allothermal destruction unit of hazardous chemical substances (6) is a special thermal chamber for the destruction of hazardous chemical substances lined with refractory and insulating material.

13. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1 , characterized by that in the case of liquid hazardous chemical elements, the supply is achieved directly to the allothermal destruction unit (6), through special liquid storage tanks (10).

14. Method of ecological management and recycling of batteries of all types as well as hazardous chemical-explosive substances according to claim 1, characterized by that the gaseous pollutant treatment unit (7) is equipped with electronic afterburning and exhaust gas cleaning systems with the control of two servomotors.