Choosing the Right Foam Extinguishing Agent for Lithium Battery Fires

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, lithium batteries, known for their high energy density and longevity, are widely used. However, due to their unique chemical properties, lithium batteries can catch fire under certain conditions, necessitating the use of appropriate extinguishing agents. Langchao Firefighting, a foam extinguishing agent manufacturer, discusses the type of foam extinguishing agent to use in case of a lithium battery fire.

Understanding the Chemical Properties of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are composed of cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, and separators. Under conditions such as overcharging, short-circuiting, or external heating, lithium batteries can undergo thermal runaway, releasing large amounts of heat and gas, leading to fires. Special measures are thus needed for extinguishing lithium battery fires.

Selecting the Appropriate Foam Extinguishing Agent

For lithium battery fires, a specific foam extinguishing agent designed to address these unique fires should be chosen. This agent should have the following characteristics:

1. Excellent extinguishing performance to quickly suppress fires;
2. Harmless to humans, avoiding injuries to people at the scene;
3. Environmentally friendly, preventing pollution to soil and water;
4. Effectively inhibit the thermal runaway reaction of lithium batteries.

Method of Use and Precautions

When using a foam extinguishing agent, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power source to prevent electrical fires;
2. Aim to spray the foam directly onto the battery surface to cover the entire battery;
3. Continue spraying until the fire is completely controlled;
4. Clean the site after extinguishing the fire to ensure no residual fire sources.

It's important to avoid using conventional extinguishers like dry powder or carbon dioxide on lithium battery fires. Dry powder can cause internal short circuits in the battery, and carbon dioxide might accelerate the thermal runaway reaction, worsening the fire.

For lithium battery fires, a special foam extinguishing agent is required to control the fire effectively. This agent should be designed to quickly extinguish fires and inhibit the thermal runaway reaction of lithium batteries. Following specific operational steps and precautions is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of the firefighting process.