Without a question, since the first commercial lithium battery was introduced to the market in 1991, there has been wider usage of these batteries in all types of commercial products. The peak was reached in 2019 as the two researchers were given the Nobel Prize for the development of the lithium batteries. Still, lithium-ion batteries, which are capable of a high energy density in the smallest storage cells are not only a blessing but could also be a great danger.
The widespread use of these batteries in an enormous range of work and leisure equipment, such as laptops, smartphones, small and bigger construction equipment, e-bikes and rollers, can potentially cause fires and even explosions, thanks to the built-in lithium batteries. An even bigger danger is presented by the bigger e-scooters, e-cars or even production machinery powered by lithium batteries.
As it is known, these fires have some really unique features that originate from the unique makeup of these batteries. The lithium batteries not only have different cells, which means that each and every one of them could potentially become the source of an ignition or even a re-ignition, but there are different chemical reactions happening within the battery, which could also fuel the fire. Let alone the fact that the heat produced is extremely high compared to ‘casual fires’. These three facts – line of cells with possible re-ignition, the chemical reaction and the intensive heat development – make it extremely hard to fight these types of fires.
This is, however, not the first challenge to be tackled by the 1923-founded company Bavaria. As our customers of many decades already know, we always have the right answer to any challenge within the field of firefighting. Using the knowledge of almost 100 years of experience, we are more than pleased to introduce not one but at least two possible solutions, which could be a massive help for anyone facing lithium fires.
One solution, Lithium X, comes with the well-known Bavaria valve, which combines the functionality, effectiveness and ease of maintenance of the stored pressure extinguisher. The agent used for this model is not only suitable for lithium fires but can also be used for any metal fires in the D class. Through the heat of lithium metal fires the small vermiculite crystals, added to the agent, melt and build up an impermeable layer on the battery. This isolates the fire and also cools it down by blocking oxygen from the burning material and also keeping the flames underneath this layer from the burning material as well (important in case of a possible re-ignition). Throughout the cool-down effect, the layer already covered can be transported away.
The other solution is a water-based gel, the so-called WaterGlue series. This series is based on the six start model Magnum, which has been sold for decades and has been enormously successful. This gel-type agent can not only be used for batteries and A-class fires but can also be used as a preventive solution. The already proportionally mixed gel adheres smoothly to vertical and even extremely smooth surfaces. The result is high heat extraction and an atmospheric oxygen graduation so that the object is protected from heat radiation and inflammation.
For more information, go to www.bavariafirefighting.com
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