Process and apparatus for peeling outer tubes from spent NaS cells by cutting and applying an impact force

摘要

A process for peeling an outer tube of a spent NaS cell, concluding the steps of: (1) holding opposite end portions of the spent NaS cell; (2) forming annular cut lines in the outer tube of the cell at the opposite end portions; (3) forming a straight cut line in the outer tube to be continued to the annular cut lines; (4) inserting a pawl into the straight cut line; and (5) peeling the outer tube of the spent NaS cell by turning at least one of the spent NaS cell and the pawl relative to each other. Instead of the pawl, a chisel may be inserted into the straight cut line, and the outer tube of the spent NaS cell is peeled by applying an impact force upon the outer tube of the cell through the chisel. Apparatuses for peeling the outer tube from the spent NaS are also disclosed.