Dismantling system for lead-acid vehicle batteries

The battery is taken apart in a series of sawing stages. At the first stage (1) circular saws cut through the base of the battery to allow the electrolyte to flow out and be captured. The liquid electrolyte is separated (1A) from the lead sludge and plastic granules. The electrolyte is then chemically separated into its various constituents. At the next stage (2) the base is sawn off, cleaned (2A) and the plastic reclaimed. Further stages remove the plates, saw off the cover, separate the terminals and internal wiring, dismantle the plate and insulator assembly. At the end of the process, all components have been separated, decontaminated and can be sent for re- use.