SungEel HiTech Implements PlantPAx DCS for Battery Recycling Automation

SungEel HiTech has deployed Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAx Distributed Control System (DCS) across its lithium-ion battery recycling infrastructure. The unified control platform centralizes process management and operational data collection to optimize metal extraction from spent electric vehicle, mobile device, and energy storage system (ESS) batteries.

Control System Unification Across Unit Operations
SungEel HiTech’s battery recycling process involves several distinct unit operations, including electrical discharging, physical disassembly, mechanical crushing, thermal melting, and hydrometallurgical refining. Historically, these discrete processing steps were managed by separate, unlinked control systems, which introduced operational complexities, increased maintenance overhead, and created challenges in maintaining overall process efficiency.

To resolve these control bottlenecks, the company implemented the PlantPAx DCS to bring the entire recycling sequence under a single operational platform. Kim Taekyung, Manager at SungEel HiTech, stated that managing complex operations on a single integrated platform improves process execution and maintenance workflows while supporting real-time data collection and analysis for smart factory operations, quality control, and early fault detection.

Real-Time Analytics and Regulatory Alignment
The implementation of the PlantPAx DCS establishes automation based on real-time process data, reducing quality variations and stabilizing output consistency across recycling lines. Comprehensive visibility into process variables and equipment operational states enables operators to detect and respond to abnormal operating conditions.

The architecture includes automated safety management functions to reduce workplace accident risks and environmental monitoring features designed to facilitate compliance with domestic and international standards, including the EU Battery Directive. Furthermore, the system's predictive maintenance capabilities identify potential equipment failures prior to occurrence, maximizing plant uptime, lowering ongoing maintenance expenditure, and establishing the foundational infrastructure to integrate future artificial intelligence and big data technologies.

Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.