Method for Producing Dustless Graphite Spheres from Waste Graphite Fines

Reference Number(s)
     Laboratory:  165
     DOE reference no.(s): 108,645

Abstract

The current state of the art is to landfill the graphite fines, or sell small quantities for pennies a pound. The fines are difficult to handle because they are in a powder form and can easily be lost in the air, or coat the vessel used to contain them. Graphite fines are a nuisance when airborne because they present an inhalation hazard. These handling and health hazard issues are the main reason graphite fines are not more readily used as raw materials for other graphite applications. This invention is a process to convert these graphite fines into, dustless graphite spheres and circumvent the normal handling issues associated with graphite production on a commercial level.

Application(s) of the Technology

Ton quantities of graphite fines can be produced by the graphite industry, the majority of it being a high quality graphite, and could then be used as a raw material for certain other applications.

Main Advantages of Invention

The dustless graphite spheres roll and can be poured like a liquid, as opposed to conventional graphite fine powder, which clumps and moves as one entity. Worker, handler, health issues are reduced because the airborne particles are reduced or eliminated. So, this technology not only eliminates the dust associated with the material, it also allows for ease of handling. Transportation requirements and cost are reduced, the environmental and health hazard because of the airborne particulates are eliminated. The resulting graphite material is cleaner to use over all cost are reduced.

Status/Availability

Available both Exclusively and Non Exclusively

Patents & Applications

Posting Date:  Monday, Feb 6 2006

Contact

Ashok Choudhury
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P.O. Box 2008
Building /4500N, Room 137
Mailstop 6196
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
(865) 574-0393
choudhurya@ornl.gov