Hatch has been granted a patent for a process that generates metal sulfate through crystallization from an aqueous solution. The method includes separating crystallized metal sulfate from mother liquor, converting uncrystallized metal sulfate into a basic metal salt, and potentially producing battery-grade or electroplating-grade metal sulfate. GlobalData’s report on Hatch gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Hatch, Extraction by leaching was a key innovation area identified from patents. Hatch's grant share as of July 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Process for generating battery-grade metal sulfate
The patent US12054401B2 outlines a comprehensive process for generating metal sulfates, particularly from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. The process begins with leaching a feedstock to create an aqueous solution containing metal sulfates, which is then crystallized to form a crystallized metal sulfate while leaving uncrystallized metal sulfate in the mother liquor. The method includes refining the aqueous solution prior to crystallization and allows for the selective inhibition of lithium impurities during the crystallization process. The crystallized metal sulfate can be of battery-grade or electroplating-grade quality, with specific emphasis on nickel, cobalt, and manganese sulfates.
Further details of the process include various stages for component removal to eliminate impurities such as sodium, aluminum, and iron, using techniques like precipitation and solvent extraction. The patent also describes the conversion of uncrystallized metal sulfates into basic metal salts through the addition of neutralizing agents, which can be reused in the leaching and refining stages. The crystallization conditions are carefully controlled, including pH levels and bleed rates from the mother liquor, to optimize the yield of desired metal sulfates while minimizing unwanted impurities. Overall, the patent presents a method that enhances the efficiency of metal sulfate production from recycled materials, contributing to sustainable practices in battery recycling and metal recovery.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
