Fight lithium-ion battery and problem fires with AVD fire extinguishers and take precautions

Li-ion batteries: fire hazard in the e-mobility boom! Protect yourself with AVD fire extinguishers. The increasing use of e-bikes, e-scooters, etc. increases the risk of fire. Find out about the dangers and effective protective measures. With the right precautions and AVD technology, you are prepared for problem fires. Safety first in e-mobility!

LithEX AVD fire extinguisher
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Li-ion fire protection blankets

The fire risk can be significantly reduced:

  • through careful selection of raw materials
  • modern production processes and integrated safety devices (such as monitoring electronics)
  • quality controls carried out
  • storage and operating temperatures are maintained
  • over- or deep discharge is avoided
  • and safe charging devices are used.

The most common causes of Li-ion battery fires are:

  1. Mechanical damage to the battery casing (e.g. impact, tools ...)
  2. Use of unsuitable or damaged quick chargers (PC, power banks, model making)
  3. Short circuits and incorrect processing due to incorrect or missing protective circuit
  4. Overcharge or deep discharge – spontaneous combustion

Avoid fires. Proper handling of Li-ion batteries

  1. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Observe storage temperature, not < 10 °C and not> 60 °C.
  3. Do not charge unattended and do not charge in a room without a smoke detector.
  4. Do not store or charge near flammable objects and materials.
  5. Do not charge damaged batteries! If, for example, a drone or similar crashes and the outer shell is not damaged, spontaneous combustion can still occur after a time delay.
  6. Only charge with original chargers.

Danger of explosion and poisoning!

If one of the previously mentioned causes leads to spontaneous combustion (of one or more battery cells), a chain reaction can quickly occur, which then leads to an explosion. Depending on the battery size and design, in combination with favorable circumstances such as contact with oxygen, a so-called thermal runaway develops and temperatures of 300 °C to > 600 °C arise (depending on the number of cells affected).

FAQ - Fire Protection

Here you will find clear answers to the most important questions. From how the AVD fire extinguisher works to its correct use and fire prevention - we help you to prepare yourself optimally for battery emergencies. Discover our FAQs and become an expert in modern firefighting!
1

AVD environmentally friendly extinguishing agent

Aqua (A) – Vermiculite (V) – Dispersion (D) is a biodegradable and highly efficient extinguishing agent. AVD is ideal for producing fine spray mist or as a CAF (Compressed Air Foam) additive. Vermiculite is a non-toxic layered silicate that is very absorbent and is used as an insulation and fire protection agent.

2

AVD properties

Vermiculite evaporates and cools the fire source further. It spreads over the fire as a dense film, dries quickly, melts and forms an oxygen barrier.

3

AVD extinguishing agent as an additive in CAF extinguishers

AVD has been tested with various CAF extinguishers and has produced stable foam patterns.

4

Physical and chemical properties of AVD

  • Physical: liquid, odorless
  • pH value: ~9
  • Boiling point: 100°C
  • Flammability: no
  • Explosive: no
  • Environmentally harmful: no
  • Toxic: no
5

LITHEX fire extinguishers with AVD

These devices contain AVD (liquefied vermiculite) and are specifically designed for lithium-ion battery and metal fires. They use environmentally friendly nitrogen (N2) as a propellant.

6

LITHEX special extinguishers, available sizes

  • 500 ml fire extinguisher (up to 50 Wh), e.g. for mobile phones
  • 1 l permanent pressure extinguisher (50-100 Wh), e.g. for laptops
  • 2 l permanent pressure extinguisher (100-250 Wh), e.g. for leisure batteries
  • 6 l permanent pressure extinguisher (250-500 Wh), e.g. for hoverboards
  • 9 l permanent pressure extinguisher (500-750 Wh), e.g. for e-bikes
7

LITHEX fire extinguisher approval

All devices have been certified EN3-7 and are approved as Class A fire extinguishers. They have also been tested for special properties on Class D hot fires.

8

storage temperature

5 °C - 60 °C

9

propellant used

Environmentally friendly with nitrogen and 3% helium. Do not reuse after use or removal of the safety tab.

10

use of AVD fire extinguishers

Keep at least 1 m away from the source of the fire, pull the safety tab, spray the extinguishing agent onto the source of the fire at short intervals. Permanent pressure extinguishers have an extinguishing lance.

11

Recommended protective measures

Wear respiratory protection against toxic gases, protective gloves and safety glasses.

12

Precautions for lithium-ion battery fires

Fight fires as quickly as possible to prevent them from spreading. The longer it takes, the greater the risk that other cells or objects will burn.

13

Risk of explosion, toxic fumes and contaminated clothing

Lithium batteries can release toxic fumes. Extinguishing with water can lead to violent reactions because lithium and water form highly flammable hydrogen.

14

What to do if a lithium-ion battery catches fire?

Toxic fumes and hydrofluoric acid may be released. Avoid inhalation and contact with the liquid. A Hexaflurine® solution can be used for decontamination.

15

How do lithium-ion battery fires start?

Fires are caused by incorrect handling, such as damage, charging errors or incorrect storage of lithium-ion batteries.

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