Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage and Manufacturing

Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage and Manufacturing

Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage

Batteries harness the potential energy in certain chemicals and slowly release it as electrical energy. Battery technology has allowed electrical devices to reach well beyond the reach of the power grid: into space, to remote spaces for camping, and into our pockets. The potential chemical energy travels through an electrolyte medium and into the wires of a given device.

One of the current leading battery technologies is lithium and lithium-ion batteries. The potential in lithium is much greater than other chemicals commonly used in batteries. That makes it extremely valuable for very large devices (electric vehicles) and very small devices (smartwatches). The potential in lithium also presents a very real danger whenever the battery is damaged.

Lithium batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including:

• Coin or button batteries for small devices
• Batteries for phones and laptops
• AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries
• Power tool batteries
• Large batteries that recharge and power electric vehicles

Lithium-ion Danger

Whenever damage to a lithium-ion battery results in a puncture of the cell, the components try to release ALL the potential energy of the lithium at once. As you might imagine, this release becomes extremely hot.

• Very small batteries can burn skin
• Larger batteries can reach 400⁰ F, enough heat to ignite surrounding objects
• This sudden heat can ignite the lithium itself, and a lithium fire can reach 3600⁰ F
• Water acts as an electrolyte, only increasing the heat reaction

Evidence of Damage

Damage can occur during manufacturing and shipping or while in use, such as when a device is dropped.

• Gases can develop, causing the battery to swell
• Expect the battery to release extremely hot gas, which may be visible
• The battery will suddenly become hot
• The heat may suddenly generate an intense flame
• The exhaust from a battery fire will contain several hazardous or toxic gases

Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage Safety Tips

Every damaged lithium battery has the potential to cause damage and injury.

• Do not dispose of lithium batteries in the normal waste stream. A damaged battery can ignite a fire at any time. The toxins that result from a damaged battery will also poison the water table.
• It needs to be removed from a person’s body, removed from indoor space and moved away from structures or vehicles that might catch fire.
• Do not use water to try to extinguish a battery fire. Baking soda or a Class D fire extinguisher can create a barrier between the heat/flame and fuel sources. Firefighters might have an F-500 Encapsulating Agent to handle fires with electric vehicles.
• Do not inhale the fumes from a battery fire.
• The remains from a battery fire can be hazardous to the environment, so inform your waste management company concerning proper disposal.

Let us Create a Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage Plan

Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form, and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Battery Storage questions.