Taking advantage of the educational purpose of our Integration Coefficient IC business model, we are bringing an interesting subject about Lead Quality for VRLA batteries comparing SMM vs LME markets and how it plays a significant factor in battery quality and lifespan, meaning that you get what you pay for.

When checking recently for the prices of the lead per metric ton, according to the website Metal.com, the price of lead in yuan currency on June 5th, 2024, was as follows:

SMM Lead: 19,300 to 19,450 and LME Lead: 15,500 to 15,650.

SMM (Shanghai Metals Market) lead purity is usually better than LME (London Metal Exchange) lead purity.

LME lead purity is typically around 99.97% (three-nines), the minimum standard for trade on the London Metal Exchange. SMM lead, on the other hand, can achieve higher purity levels, often ranging from 99.99% (four-nines) to 99.999% (six-nines), depending on the recycling process and facilities.

The higher purity of SMM lead is due to the advanced recycling technologies used to process spent VRLA batteries because of a more efficient separation and purification of lead. This results in a higher-quality product with lower impurity levels.

For example, regarding discharging cycles at 50% Depth of Discharge (DOD) for standard AGM batteries, you can obtain the following range of lifespan in cycles:

• 99.97% (three-nines, LME standard): 200-250 cycles.

• 99.99% (four-nines, common SMM standard): 300-350 cycles.

• 99.999% (five-nines, high-purity SMM standard): 450-500 cycles.

• 99.9999% (six-nines, premium SMM standard): 600-800 cycles.

Higher purity lead, such as SMM lead with purity levels ranging from 99.99% to 99.999%, can lead to improved battery performance in several ways:

• Reduced Impurities: Higher purity means fewer impurities that can cause internal corrosion or other detrimental reactions within the battery. This can result in a more stable and efficient electrochemical reaction during charge and discharge cycles.

• Increased Lifespan: Batteries made with higher purity lead tend to have a longer lifespan. For example, a pure lead acid battery with extreme purity can last approximately 8-10 years when discharged to 50% of its capacity before recharging, which is roughly twice as long as standard lead acid counterparts.

• Better Performance: The quality of the active material on the battery plates, which includes lead, significantly influences the battery’s capacity and discharge rate. High-purity lead can contribute to better quality active material, enhancing the battery’s overall performance.

Please note that the exact impact of lead purity on battery lifespan and performance can vary depending on factors like battery design, manufacturing processes, and operating conditions. These estimates serve as a general guideline, and actual results may differ.

And please bear in mind that our organization, based on this kind of information, can provide OEM Battery Projects Solutions according to your specific needs.