Extinguishing Lithium batteries

WHAT ARE LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES?
It is a type of rechargeable battery that uses reversible lithium ion reduction to store energy. This type of battery is often used in portable consumer electronics, electric cars, RVs, marine vessels, electric scooters, electric bikes, electric scooters, gardening equipment, mining equipment. Lithium batteries are also part of solar systems. Other important applications of lithium-ion batteries include energy storage in power grids, military and aerospace applications. Li-ion batteries have high energy density, low self-discharge and zero memory effect. Lithium-ion batteries pose a safety risk if they are defectively designed or manufactured. The battery can explode and cause a fire if damaged or improperly charged. Batteries are hazardous to the environment because they can generate toxic waste.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A LITHIUM BATTERY TO CATCH FIRE?
OLD BATTERIES - A frequently used battery can change its chemical composition increasing the risk of an explosion.
BATTERY OVERHEAT - high ambient temperatures, high charging rates, high charging current and high current discharge can lead to battery overheating. An overheated battery has a higher risk of explosion.
PHYSICAL BREAKING - If the battery is damaged or punctured, this can lead to an internal short circuit in the battery structure. The build-up of pressure can cause an explosive rupture of the battery pack, releasing toxic materials and resulting in an explosion.
MANUFACTURING DEFECT - If a lithium battery is defectively manufactured, it is susceptible to internal short circuit and/or overheating. If the battery has a latent defect it may exhibit unpredictable behavior under normal conditions during use, increasing the likelihood of critical failures.
BATTERY OVERCHARGE - is a common cause of lithium battery explosion. Thermal leakage can lead to a violent release of energy and gases that eventually culminates in an explosion.

LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
An important fact is that a lithium battery fire cannot be extinguished with a conventional fire extinguisher.
Extinguishers designed to extinguish this type of fire contain the extinguishing agent AVD and are designated Lith Ex. The AVD substance is crucial to reliably extinguish a lithium battery fire. During the application of the extinguishing agent, a thin film forms on the surface of the fire. The substance is applied as a mist, which also prevents the spread of heat.
Lith Ex extinguishers can be purchased both portable and mobile. If you are interested in a fire extinguisher for the home, office etc. there are 2l, 6l, 9l variants available. For industry there are 25 and 50l mobile extinguishers.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND OTHER MEANS DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR EXTINGUISHING LITHIUM BATTERIES CAN BE INCLUDED:
- battery collection storage facilities
- photovoltaic power plants for houses
- containerised storage facilities in industrial buildings
- transport and storage of lithium batteries
- in multiple charging points for electric vehicles in buildings (shopping centres, public buildings, car parks, etc.)
WE ALSO OFFER:
- advice on how to protect equipment in the event of fire
- technical assistance in the design and installation of fire extinguishing systems, fire extinguishers, hydrant systems with lithium battery extinguishing agent
- periodic inspections of these installations
- the offer also includes the supply of the necessary protective equipment - firefighting jacket, goggles, respirator
Recommendation: Never leave equipment containing lithium batteries unattended, especially when charging, and have a fire extinguishing device that can bring any fire under control.