Electricity and Control October 2024

SAFETY OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT + PEOPLE : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Fire blanket to suppress lithium-ion battery fires

SafeQuip recently launched its newly developed range of high-performance, multi-use lithium-ion battery fire blan kets. The blankets are designed specifically to address fires involving devices with lithium-ion batteries and pro vide a crucial tool for safety in environments where such batteries are in use. Developed by AVD Fire Ltd, the fire blankets are en gineered to withstand extremely high temperatures in an oxidising atmosphere for prolonged periods. They are ro bust enough to provide protection against potential de bris and shrapnel expelled during a battery fire, ensuring comprehensive safety. Understanding lithium-ion battery fires Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various devic es, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. While these batteries are generally safe, they can pose significant fire risks under certain conditions, if they are physically damaged, con tain manufacturing defects, or are exposed to extreme temperatures, for example. Lithium-ion battery fires are particularly challenging to control because they can burn at very high temper atures, often above 1 000°C, and have the potential for re-ignition after the initial flames have been extinguished. Fire blankets The principle behind the fire blanket – smothering the fire to cut off its oxygen supply – has been understood and used in various forms for many years. Fire blankets of fer an effective and easy-to-use solution for various fires, making them a versatile tool for kitchens, garages, and workplaces. They are simple to use, leave no mess, and they are portable. However, not all fire blankets are the same, especially in dealing with lithium-ion battery fires. Limited temperature resistance: ordinary fire blan kets typically have a maximum temperature resistance of around 550°C, which is sufficient for many household fires, but falls short in dealing with higher-temperature fires like those involving lithium-ion batteries. In such a scenar io, the blanket may not withstand the heat, potentially ignit ing or deteriorating, and thus becoming ineffective. Material limitations: many ordinary fire blankets are made from woven fiberglass, which, although fire-resist ant, may not be robust enough to deal with lithium-ion battery fires. The blankets may tear, disintegrate, or fail to suppress the fire adequately, leading to a spread rather than containment of the flames. Durability and reusability: standard fire blankets are often designed for one-time use and may not withstand multiple deployments. The material can become brittle or damaged after the first use, reducing its effectiveness in subsequent applications. Inadequate for specific types of fires: lithium-ion bat tery fires pose particular challenges that ordinary fire blankets are not equipped to handle. They can produce

The AVD Lith-Ex fire blanket is effective in containing the spread of the fire to prevent further damage and hazards. explosive reactions and toxic gases. Ease of use and accessibility: in emergency situations, the ease of deploying a fire blanket is critical. Some or dinary fire blankets are not user-friendly, requiring some effort to extract them from their packaging and to use them correctly. In a high-stress situation, like a lithium-ion battery fire, this can lead to delays and improper use. Specialised features: advanced fire blankets de signed for specific applications like lithium-ion battery fires often include features such as reinforced edges, handling loops, and eyelets for tethering. These features improve the usability and effectiveness of the blanket in various situations. Ordinary fire blankets, without these enhancements, may not perform as well in more de manding situations. The AVD Fire range of blankets The AVD Fire range of blankets is manufactured using fire-resistant technical fabrics based on the highest temperature-resistant silica glass fibres. The fibres are enhanced with flame deflection protection and abrasion resistance through various proprietary surface coatings. The non-flammable, vermiculite dispersion mineral coated glass fabric is overlaid with a sacrificial protective silicone layer to provide optimal performance. They also feature reinforced multi-layered edge lin ing for enhanced durability, eyelets for easy tethering or suspending, fire-resistant industrial stitching for added strength, and handling loops on all corners for conven ient use. They are designed for multiple uses without compromising safety. In terms of temperature resistance, the fire blankets show: - No rupture of the fabric after several hours at 1 000°C - No rupture of the fabric after 30 minutes at 1 200°C - Fabric becomes brittle after 30 minutes at 1 300°C to 1 500°C. Sometimes, it is not about extinguishing the fire but containing it, to prevent it from spreading. The specially designed AVD Lith-Ex blankets available from SafeQuip can withstand temperatures up to 1 400°C for extended periods, making them suitable for covering a burning lithium-ion battery and allowing it to burn safely underneath the blanket. The blankets contain the flames, control the burn, prevent flying debris escaping, and ensure the fire does not propagate to other areas. The AVD Lith-Ex fire blanket, together with the Lith-Ex fire extinguisher range, provides a simple and effective solution. □

OCTOBER 2024 Electricity + Control

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