Incident: An explosion at a battery factory in South Korea killed 23 people. How should we respond to battery fires?

On June 24, an explosion occurred in a battery factory in South Korea, killing 23 people.At 10:30:15, the battery began to smoke, and two workers urgently moved the battery stack and used a dry powder fire blanket, but it was useless;At 10:30:28, a second explosion occurred, and it took less than 15 seconds from smoke to explosion. According to preliminary investigations, the battery quickly caught fire and caused a fire. At the time of the incident, the building stored 30,000 finished lithium batteries.

Why do lithium batteries catch fire？

The main causes of lithium battery fires include internal short circuits, overcharging, high-temperature environments, manufacturing defects, over-discharge, external short circuits, battery aging, and improper use. These factors may cause a large amount of heat to be generated inside the battery, triggering thermal runaway, and ultimately leading to fire or explosion. Preventive measures include using qualified products, charging correctly, regularly checking battery status, and safely storing batteries. These measures can help reduce the risk of lithium battery fires and ensure safe use.</p >

What happens if a lithium battery catches fire?

When a lithium battery catches fire, it will quickly release a large amount of heat and smoke, which may cause the flames to spread rapidly. If the fire is not controlled in time, it may cause an explosion and release toxic gases, further increasing the risk of fire and personal injury. In addition, a lithium battery fire may cause surrounding combustibles to burn, causing a wider range of fires and property losses. The whole process can be very rapid and dangerous, so emergency measures need to be taken immediately for fire extinguishing and evacuation.</p >

How to extinguish a lithium battery fire?

When a lithium battery catches fire, first disconnect the power supply and ensure that the battery is separated from any power source. Then use a dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire, which is the most effective fire extinguishing method. If there is no fire extinguisher, you can use a large amount of water to cool and extinguish the fire, but be cautious. Make sure that people around are away from the fire source, avoid inhaling toxic smoke, and keep the scene ventilated. At the same time, call the emergency number immediately and seek professional help from the fire department. During the fire extinguishing process, try to wear protective gloves and protective glasses to prevent injury. Through these steps, you can effectively deal with lithium battery fires and reduce casualties and property losses.

In addition to traditional fire extinguishing methods, what other ways do we have to avoid battery explosions?

We can use battery fireproof bags to effectively reduce the hazards caused by lithium battery explosions, but we cannot completely avoid explosions. The high temperature resistant and flame retardant materials of the fireproof bag can inhibit the spread of flames and reduce the spread of smoke and toxic gases when the battery catches fire. When using, make sure to choose a high-quality fireproof bag, store the battery in it, and check the integrity of the fireproof bag regularly. Combined with other preventive measures such as the correct use of batteries and avoiding overcharging and discharging, the safety of the battery can be maximized.

Lithium battery fires are a significant safety concern due to the high energy density and flammable electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries.

These fires can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fires.
Short Circuits: Internal short circuits can generate intense heat, potentially igniting the electrolyte.
Physical Damage: Puncturing or crushing a battery can lead to internal short circuits and fires.
Manufacturing Defects: Poor quality control during manufacturing can result in defects that may cause fires.
Exposure to High Temperatures: Storing or operating batteries in high-temperature environments can degrade materials and increase fire risk.
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Characteristics of Lithium Battery Fires

High Temperature: Lithium battery fires can reach temperatures exceeding 1000°C (1832°F).
Difficulty in Extinguishing: These fires are difficult to extinguish with traditional fire suppression methods. Water can react with lithium, and conventional fire extinguishers may not be effective.
Toxic Fumes: Burning batteries release toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, which pose health risks.
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Prevention and Safety Measures

Proper Charging: Use chargers specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries and avoid overcharging.
Storage: Store batteries in cool, dry places away from flammable materials.
Handling: Avoid dropping or damaging batteries. Use protective cases if necessary.
Quality Products: Purchase batteries from reputable manufacturers with rigorous quality control.
Fire Suppression: Use fire blankets specifically designed for lithium battery fires. Fire blankets can smother the fire and contain the spread.
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Emergency Response

Evacuate: Evacuate the area and call emergency services.
Suppress the Fire: If safe, use a fire extinguisher rated for lithium battery fires or a fire blanket to suppress the fire.
Avoid Water: Do not use water, as it can exacerbate the fire.
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Understanding the risks and proper safety measures can help mitigate the dangers associated with lithium battery fires.