Automated Quality Control for Thermal Battery Pellets

The overall objective of this program is to develop methodologies for: automatic removal of the pellets from the press, precise measurement of the pellets (weight, thickness), calculation of density, inspection of pellets for chips and cracks, and segregation of non-compliant pellets. Automation of the above processes will ultimately lead to increased throughput with reduced cycle times. Phase I will consist of an engineering study of the various methods, designs to implement these methods, analysis features and benefits of the designs, cost analysis and timeliness to implement, and selection of the most promising approach. In Phase II, selected designs will be translated into working models and tested on a bench scale. Once the system integration/ performance issues have been identified and resolved, the design will be integrated onto a selected press and again tested. Redesign and redeployment iteration(s) will continue in order to prove in the design of choice and validate the technical approach.