Lithium battery smoking scene

How is Smoke collected from Li-ion battery fires?

Smoke from Li-ion battery fires was collected in an airtight bag. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) concentrations in the bag were detected over time, showing a decrease to levels ranging between 8% to 50% of the initial concentration within 20 minutes.

Can lithium-ion batteries cause a vapour cloud explosion?

The hydrogen content of the released gases can give rise to vapour cloud explosion risks which have the potential to cause significant damage. TT advocates a range of measures to mitigate the risks. A prudent starting point would be to perform a fire risk assessment, considering the specific hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries.

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Fire is not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries. Here’s what risk managers need to know, and how to manage the threats The devastating consequences of rapidly spreading and often challenging-to-extinguish fires involving lithium-ion batteries have been well-documented in recent months.

How do you measure trapped smoke in Li-ion batteries?

The trapped smoke was measured for +/- 50 minutes with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) and sampled with gas washing bottles. The experiments were primarily focused on the properties of smoke and not on the Li-ion batteries fire behaviour.

Are lithium-ion batteries causing fires?

The devastating consequences of rapidly spreading and often challenging-to-extinguish fires involving lithium-ion batteries have been well-documented in recent months. Recent stories have included fires as a result of electric vehicles (EV) on board ships, and in other parts of the supply chain.

What are the health effects of Li-ion battery fires?

The health effects after exposure to HF depend on both the concentration of HF and the duration of exposure. This research has shown that it is likely that short-term exposure to HF containing smoke after Li-ion battery fires may lead to local effects of the skin (irritation, pain).