An electrode material containing active material powder is prepared. Dry classification of the electrode material is performed by a classifier. An electrode is manufactured by using the electrode material subjected to the dry classification. The classifier includes a mesh screen, a blade, and a motor. Breakage of the mesh screen is detected by monitoring either or both of an operation sound of the classifier and torque of the motor. The electrode material contained in the classifier will no longer be used for manufacturing of the electrode when breakage of the mesh screen is detected.

The invention relates to a device for continuously sorting a particulate stream, comprising: a) a screw conveyor (1) for conveying the particulate stream to a separation device, b) a sieve (7) for separating the particulate stream ac cording to size, characterized in that it further comprises c) a pre-sieve (3) comprising elongated sieve openings formed by fingers extending towards an end portion of the pre-sieve with the tips of the fingers not being connected in that end portion, the pre-sieve (3) being located between the conveyor outlet and the sieve, d) wherein the pre-sieve (3) encloses part of the circumference of the conveyor screw in an axial end portion of the conveyor screw, and e) the radial distance between the conveyor screw (1) and the pre-sieve (3) is less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the conveyor screw diameter. The pre-sieve allows to separate elongated objects like threads or wires from the particulate stream which would otherwise clog or block subsequent separation devices including the sieve.

The invention relates to a device for continuously sorting a particulate stream, comprising: a) a screw conveyor (1) for conveying the particulate stream to a separation device, b) a sieve (7) for separating the particulate stream ac cording to size, characterized in that it further comprises c) a pre-sieve (3) comprising elongated sieve openings formed by fingers extending towards an end portion of the pre-sieve with the tips of the fingers not being connected in that end portion, the pre-sieve (3) being located between the conveyor outlet and the sieve, d) wherein the pre-sieve (3) encloses part of the circumference of the conveyor screw in an axial end portion of the conveyor screw, and e) the radial distance between the conveyor screw (1) and the pre-sieve (3) is less than 10%, preferably less than 5% of the conveyor screw diameter. The pre-sieve allows to separate elongated objects like threads or wires from the particulate stream which would otherwise clog or block subsequent separation devices including the sieve.