Lithium battery fires and accidents are a present risk and a great concern for the users now days, but that can be mitigated if the technology is well understood. This article provides information to help prevent fire, injury and loss of intellectual and other property.
Procurement
• Purchase batteries from a reputable and experienced manufacturer like EverExceed.
• Avoid batteries shipped without protective packaging (i.e., hard plastic or equal).
• Inspect batteries upon receipt and safely dispose of damaged batteries.
Storage
• Store batteries away from combustible materials.
• Remove batteries from the device for long-term storage.
• Store the batteries at temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F).
• Separate fresh and depleted cells (or keep a log).
• If possible, store batteries in metal storage cabinets.
• Avoid bulk-storage in non-laboratory areas such as offices.
• Visually inspect battery storage areas at least weekly.
• Charge batteries in storage to at least 50% of capacity, once in every six months.
Chargers and Charging Practice
• Never charge a primary (non rechargeable lithium or alkaline) battery; store one-time use batteries separately.
• Charge or discharge the battery to at least 50% of capacity before long-term storage.
• Use chargers or charging methods designed to safely charge cells or battery packs at the specified parameters.
• Disconnect batteries immediately if, during operation or charging, they emit an unusual smell, develop heat, change shape/geometry, or behave abnormally. Dispose of the batteries.
• Remove cells and pack from chargers promptly after charging is complete. Don’t use the charger as a storage location.
• Charge and store batteries in a fire-retardant container like a high quality Lipo Sack if possible.
• Do not parallel charge batteries of varying age and charge status; all chargers cannot monitor the current of individual cells and initial voltage balancing can lead to high amperage, battery damage, and heat generation. Check voltage before parallel charging; all batteries should be within 0.5 Volts of each other.
• Do not overcharge (greater than 4.2V for most batteries) or over-discharge (below 3V) batteries.
Handling and Use
• Handle batteries and or battery-powered devices cautiously to not damage the battery casing or connections.
• Keep batteries from contacting conductive materials, water, seawater, strong oxidizers and strong acids.
• Do not place batteries in direct sunlight, on hot surfaces or in hot locations.
• Inspect batteries for signs of damage before use. Never use and promptly dispose of damaged or puffy batteries.
• Keep all flammable materials away from operating area.
• Allow time for cooling before charging a battery that is still warm from usage and using a battery that is still warm from charging.
• Consider cell casing construction (soft with vents) and protective shielding for battery research and experimental or evolving application and use.
Disposal
• Dispose of damaged cells and cells that no longer hold a substantial charge. To check the general condition of your cells, charge them, let them rest for an hour, then measure the voltage. If your cells are close to the standard parameter, they are in good condition.
• Dispose of used batteries by taking them to an e.Media bin (if less than five pounds) or by completing an online chemical waste collection request to an organization which works for lithium battery disposal.
EMERGENCIES
• Follow these steps if there is evidence of a battery malfunction (e.g., swelling, heating, or irregular odors). Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles/safety glasses and lab coat.
• If batteries are showing evidence of thermal runaway failure, be very cautious because the gases may be flammable and toxic and failure modes can be hazardous.
• Disconnect the battery (if possible).
• Remove the battery from the equipment/device (if possible).
• Place the battery in a metal or other container away from combustibles.
• Contact the local fire department or local Environment Health and Safety (EHS) organization and ask for advice on how to proceed.
• If a lithium battery fire occurs, use a CO2 (Class BC) or dry chemical (Class ABC) fire extinguisher. These are common extinguishers. Lithium batteries don’t have actual lithium metal so don’t use a Class D fire extinguisher.
During a cell production process,
EverExceed individually tests each cell in several phases, like 72hrs HT aging, 3 OCV tests, 14 days RT aging, capacity test, Over-charge, Over-discharge, Short circuit test, extrusion test, prick test, combustion test, salt spray corrosion test etc. After passing through all these tests, it is impossible for a battery to pass through the gate of our factory with any kind of fault that can cause any hazards later.
So for not only having the long cycle life, uninterrupted discharging performance, fast charging capability, higher energy density, but also if you need a
Lithium battery which will give you worry free operation, and less stress regarding the safety,
EverExceed lithium iron batteries are the best choice for you, because EverExceed LFP guarantees you NO FIRE, NO EXPLOSION!
