Battery thermal runaway

Battery thermal runaway is a critical condition where a battery, especially lithium-ion batteries, experiences an uncontrollable rise in temperature, leading to potentially hazardous situations, such as fires or explosions. Here’s what to pay attention to in case of battery thermal runaway

Lithium battery fire blanket

1. Signs of Thermal Runaway:

Rapid Temperature Increase: The battery or device becomes extremely hot to the touch.
Swelling or Deformation: The battery casing may swell, bulge, or become distorted.
Smoke or Fumes: Smoke or a chemical odor may emanate from the battery, indicating decomposition of internal materials.
Unusual Noises: Hissing, popping, or crackling sounds may occur as internal components fail.
Sparks or Flames: In severe cases, sparks, flames, or explosions can occur.

2. Immediate Actions:

Evacuate the Area: If you detect any signs of thermal runaway, move away from the device or battery and ensure others do the same.
Isolate the Battery: If safe to do so, move the battery to a non-flammable surface or area to prevent fire from spreading.
Avoid Water: Do not use water to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire, as it can react with the battery chemicals, making the situation worse. Use a Class D fire extinguisher or a fire blanket designed for battery fires.

3. Use a EV Fire Blanket:

Cover the Device: If a high silica car fire blanket is available, cover the device or battery immediately to smother flames and prevent the spread of fire.
Ensure Proper Coverage: Make sure the entire device or battery is covered to cut off the oxygen supply, which can help prevent the fire from intensifying.

4. Call Emergency Services:

Report the Incident: Contact emergency services immediately to report the situation, especially if the fire is large or uncontrollable.
Provide Details: Inform them of the presence of lithium-ion batteries, as this will dictate their response strategy.

5. Post-Incident Actions:

Ventilation: After the incident, ventilate the area thoroughly to remove any toxic fumes.
Dispose of the Battery Safely: Once the situation is under control, ensure that the damaged battery is disposed of according to local regulations for hazardous materials.
Inspection: Have the surrounding area and any equipment that came into contact with the battery inspected for damage or contamination.

6. Preventative Measures:

Avoid Overcharging: Ensure batteries are charged using appropriate chargers and avoid overcharging.
Temperature Monitoring: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place and monitor for any unusual temperature changes during charging and use.
Quality Control: Use batteries from reputable manufacturers and avoid damaged or counterfeit products.

7. Training and Preparedness:

Staff Training: Ensure that all personnel handling batteries, especially in industrial or automotive settings, are trained on recognizing and responding to thermal runaway.
Emergency Kits: Keep fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and personal protective equipment (PPE) accessible in areas where batteries are stored or used.