Thermal runaway is one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries. It is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. It can be caused by shock, heat, over charging and degrading batteries.
This can result in ejection of gas, shrapnel and/or particulates (violent cell venting), extremely high temperatures, smoke and fire.
Lithium-ion batteries have been around for years, however, their use in recent times has expanded considerably, most notably in laptops, electric cars, e-scooters and e-bikes. In addition, their use in cordless tools and gardening equipment has grown too. Their use is going to continue to grow too, most likely in the home as power storage systems.
With an increasing number of devices and industries around the world utilising the power and efficiency of lithium batteries, there is a need for an effective extinguishing solution should a fire occur. These fires are EXPLOSIVE and therefore EXTREMELY dangerous!
Introducing LifeSafe Thermal Runaway Fluid (TRF) - our fluid developed using a unique mix of components for highly effective extinguishing of lithium-ion battery fires.
The Lifesafe Thermal Runaway Fluid (TRF) has a very different approach to how it tackles a lithium-ion battery fire compared to other fire extinguishers. Watch the video to hear exactly how our TRF fluid works to tackle a lithium-ion battery fires. Scroll down to see TRF in action ⬇️
Thermal Runaway is a result of an incident or trauma that occurs within the battery. It builds up a rapid energy within the battery which is then released in a form of heat causing a Exothermic reaction. Watch the video to find out more.
LifeSafe Technologies’ TRF is the only fluorine free fluid that tackles lithium battery fires using the patented Exo-suppression and Endoshield technologies. The ground breaking solution extinguishes the fire and removes the heat, stopping thermal runaway and reignition.
1. EndoShield Performance
The TRF fluid creates an endothermic reaction, absorbing the energy that is given off from a fire as heat, effectively acting as a super coolant.
2. Exo-Suppression
The TRF Fluid supresses the oxygen at a molecular level to prevent reignition.
Thermal runaway is one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries. It is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. It can be caused by shock, heat, over charging and degrading batteries. Watch the video to find out more.
Water can initially suppress a fire, but its effectiveness diminishes as intense heat leads to thermal runaway and the fire’s spread across cells. When tackling lithium fires, extensive water volumes and repeated application are necessary to prevent re-ignition. A significant risk is also not knowing when it’s properly extinguished and safe.
Watch the video to see how dangerous a lithium fire can be, and how LifeSafe TRF acts quickly to suppress fires.
As a fire safety company LifeSafe Technologies take product testing and research and development testing protocols under supervision by our in house fire safety advisor and an independent fire assessor. In addition to this we carry out observed demonstrations when select guests are able to see our products first hand and are able to ask questions of our experts and take part in a small exercise.
TRF is made of a mix of components that combine to rapidly cool the core temperature of a cell below ignition point and thus prevent re-ignition. Environmentally Friendly LifeSafe Technologies fluids are some of the most eco-friendly extinguishing solutions available. Unlike traditional fluids, ours are non-toxic, non-hazardous.
Thermal runaway can occur in Lithium battery cells (specifically Lithium-ion battery cells). Heat rises within the cell due to a number of reasons:
The lithium cell begins to decompose and become unstable due to extreme heat within the cell. As this severe heat cannot be dissipated it builds up within the cell, eventually being released with force. This is an initial explosion which is followed by fire.
A bigger issue is that these cells explode, re-ignite, and ignite adjacent cells due to the extreme heat that continues to reside within the initial explosive cell.
Due to the performance of lithium batteries and the possibilites they provide, they are being used more and more around the world in many industries - from an individual’s mobile phone at home to huge energy storage farms to the latest electric car models.
Just two examples:
The phenominal growth of electric cars will certainly continue, meaning lithium-ion batteries - and therefore the risk of lithium thermal runaway - will also grow exponentially.
There are already an incredible amount of smartphones owned around the world - as users upgrade to new devices more frequently than ever, the storage and disposal of phones, old and new, is a major challenge and disaster risk.
