Marry Christmas & Happy New Year 2012
Lead Recovers From 14 Month Lows, Inventories Show Declining Trend
Lead prices managed to recover from their 14 month lows on better employment situation in the United States and some corrective phases in Dollar against the Euro. Inventories of lead showed declining trend in November though on a yearly basis it was still high. In November, the overall inventories was down by 5.3% though on a yearly basis the inventories have gained 75%. Situation of production was good in lead even as consumption levels remained quite weak in emerging markets.
India reported decline in vehicle sales numbers at the time when markets remained glued to debt situation in the west. Vehicle sales in other part of the world were also not cheering. Indian Lead markets moved forward on the back of some strong trendline supports and retracements from the lows of Rs. 88 in October. The markets managed to surpass Rs. 100 per kg in November and maintained the momentum in early December.
Exide, a major player in batteries said that the decline in automotive vehicle segment and lower demand for inverter batteries was affecting its financial performance. Managing Director and CEO of Exide Industries Ltd, Mr T.V. Ramanathan said, “The demand growth that was seen in the country’s automotive industry over the last several quarters has not been sustained, resulting in lower Original Equipment (OE) demand. The prevalent power supply situation and pleasant weather conditions in the north Indian markets also resulted in a lower inverter battery sales.”
The decline in vehicle sales is negative for the contract is short run though easing rate regime will bring back demand in coming months. Early resolution of Eurozone crisis will be a welcome. In December, the demand for lead is expected to remain dull due to Christmas and New Year celebrations when traders like to sit on cash and avoid further fresh positions. The initiation of January is likely to bring global rebalancing of funds in lead. This can help Lead rise during that time, bearing in mind that LME lead has declined by 18% in 2011.
Financial Impact of Disposing Batteries
There are a number of factors directly impacting the cost of disposing batteries in accordance with the RBRC Act.
Batteries are typically deployed in a fully enclosed battery cabinet or on an open rack with various levels of shelves.
The batteries are connected in strings of a number of battery blocks. Each battery block has two terminals that are connected with jumpers from one battery block to the next in the string.
In certain applications, the batteries are secured to the shelves in the rack or cabinet with industrial grade zip ties or other similar means.
A battery system connected to a given UPS, may have one or more strings of batteries depending on the runtime required when originally configured.
There are several companies specializing in recycling of batteries used in various applications, UPS included.
They typically provide a full service offering on a local, regional or national basis servicing clients with a one-time or recurring need to dispose of batteries.
In calculating their quotes to a client they have to consider the following factors:
• Battery type
• Battery weight
• Battery quantity
• EPA legislation specific to the State
• Labor required
- Disconnecting terminals of batteries
- Stacking and packaging batteries on pallets
- Dismantling battery rack or cabinet
- Removing debris and final clean up
• Location in the building
- Consider tools or equipment used to move heavy batteries from floor to floor
• Loading dock availability
• Distance from client site to EPA certified recycling facility
• Contracting with Hazardous Material certified driver
• Recycle lead acid batteries as per regulations
• Supply a Certificate of Recycling
• Insurance coverage in accepting responsibility and ownership of batteries destined for recycling
Quotes and rates vary greatly as the factors above change.
This is an example of a VRLA battery solution:
• UPS is sized for 100kVA/80kW
• The battery configuration provides 15 minutes of runtime
• The battery type is 12V/370Ah flame-retardant Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery
• Two strings, each 32 batteries, of 64 batteries complete and connected
• Deployed in an equal number over three shelves in a fully enclosed battery cabinet
The following work is required by the third party contractor decommissioning, removing and disposing the batteries:
• Battery system is de-energized
• No damaged batteries
• Disconnecting batteries
• Moving batteries from battery cabinet to pallet(s)
• Stacking and securing batteries
• Covering and appropriately sealing the pallet(s)
• Batteries are located on the ground floor
• Moving pallet(s) from computer room into a lift-gate truck
• Distance from site of decommissioning to EPA certified recycling facility is approximately 150 miles
• Certificate of Recycling issued
• Proof of pollution liability insurance in excess of $5,000,000
Total weight of the shipment is ~4,200 lbs.
The cost will be in the range of ~$2,500 – $3,000.
Unless the site is ultimately shutdown, the UPS system will require a new replacement battery system at the same time of the disposal of the end-of-life battery system. The cost of the replacement battery system in a similar battery configuration described above is ~$23,500 including installation and transportation.
Lead Pollution in China
Mengxi Village, in Zhejiang province, in eastern coastal China, is an obscure rural hamlet not far geographically but far removed socially from the beauty, history, and glory of Hangzhou, the capital. Now it is the unlikely center of a an environmental health awakening in which citizens took direct action by storming the gates of a lead battery recycling plant that has caused lead poisoning among both children and adults in the village. Sharon Lafranierre reported the story on 15 June 2011 in the New York Times. Read More>>
Lead in toys!!
I got very surprised when i read about Lead in Toy Jewelry. Read more>>
U.S. Exports Lead Poisoning to Mexico With Used car Batteries
Lead battery exports to Mexico are contributing to lead exposure levels on the job and in the environment that far exceed levels allowed by the U.S. government, finds a new report by two environmental organizations – one on each side of the border.
Less stringent environmental and occupational safety regulations in Mexico make it profitable for U.S. companies to ship batteries for recycling to Mexico , the report finds.
Prepared by Occupational Knowledge International, a U.S. organization, and Mexico’s Fronteras Comunes, the study quantifies the size of lead battery exports for the first time and details the differences in recycling emissions and worker health protection standards.
Recycling to Save Environment
Gravita Exim Ltd use the eco friendly technology for Lead acid battery recycling and we Recycle to save environment…
Battery Recycling Process
Used Lead Acid Battery Recycling
A worker sorts through used lead acid batteries. Kenya.
These children are developmentally impaired as a result of lead poisoning. Haina, Dominican Republic
How to setup a battery recycling plant ?
For setting up a Lead Acid Battery Recycling Plant, you will need to know the aspects of recycling, certificates and gather necessary information for eco friendly recycling. More ››
If you have Scrap Lead Acid batteries to recycle Call Us : +91 141 4057800
You will be paid for these used batteries. You can send mail at info@gravitaindia.com for further queries.
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