How a Leading Korean Lithium Powder Manufacturer Solved Dust Leaks & Downtime with BFM® Fittings

As global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, so does the need for lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM)—the critical powder used inside rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A major lithium powder producer in South Korea, operating in this fast-growing sector, was facing serious challenges:

  • Frequent powder leaks during production

  • Lengthy changeovers due to difficult-to-remove hose-clamped connectors

  • Time-consuming cleanups and product loss from poor containment

To address these issues, the manufacturer replaced their traditional hose-clamp connectors with BFM® fitting systems—and the transformation was immediate.

 

The Challenge: Containing Ultra-Fine Lithium Powder

The manufacturer’s process involves handling extremely fine NCM lithium powder—with a particle size of just 10μ (microns). Containing this dust-like material using conventional hose-clamped connections proved nearly impossible.

“We had constant leaks,” said the plant’s Factory Manager. “It created a mess in the facility and forced frequent cleaning shutdowns.”

Every time a product changeover was required, operators had to remove and reattach the hose clamps—an awkward and labor-intensive task that significantly impacted operational efficiency.

 

The Solution: Installing BFM® Snap-Fit Connectors

The company worked with BFM® distributor ICS (International Chemical Scientific), Korea, to replace all hose-clip style connections on:

  • Ultrasonic vibrating sifters

  • Electronic magnet filters

The installation of BFM® flexible fittings brought an immediate improvement in both hygiene and product handling efficiency.

BFM fitting Battery Lithium Ion

 

Key Benefits Realized:

✅ Dust-tight seal – 100% containment of ultra-fine lithium powder, eliminating mess and reducing product loss
✅ Tool-free changeovers – Snap-fit design enables fast removal and reinstallation without clamps
✅ Faster cleaning times – Internal access is now quicker and safer, minimizing production downtime
✅ Improved visibility – Transparent connector sleeves allow operators to monitor product flow in real time

“BFM® fittings drastically reduced the time it takes to clean and change over between product runs,” the Factory Manager noted. “We also no longer deal with the constant cleanup of spilled powder—it’s a cleaner, safer, and more efficient process.”

 

Lithium Processing Made Cleaner and More Efficient

For high-purity powder manufacturers—especially in industries like EV battery materials, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals—maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe processing environment is essential.

This case demonstrates how BFM® fitting systems are an ideal solution for facilities handling fine powders under strict contamination controls, enabling:

  • Improved containment

  • Reduced downtime

  • Increased overall production efficiency

 

Want to Learn More?

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