The waste and recycling industry continues to ride on the roller coaster of lithium-ion batteries, and the problem does not go away right away. We find these batteries on top of waste piles, at the bottom of piles, in auto shredder residual piles, in equipment and more. So what can we do to continue to fight these challenges? Read on to learn more.
In March 2022, we encountered 21 reported fire incidents at our waste and recycling facilities in the United States and Canada. Since the highest 12 months ever recorded, the figures for March are down from last year’s 31 and in line with the historical average. Of these reported incidents, nine occurred at waste, paper and plastic operations, eight at scrap metal plants, two at organic plants and two at hazardous substances plants. At Fire Rovers 300-plus client business, we responded to 67 incidents.
In 2018, the month of March really started the fire wave with lithium-ion batteries that we experienced all over the globe. So in 2021 we saw March surpass 2018, with unexpectedly higher numbers. The point is that even though the waste and recycling industry has tried to stem the tide of lithium-ion batteries invading our waste stream, it is not time to let our guard down. As operators, we must do more to ensure that we work to limit the number of batteries entering the supply chain, continue to refine and develop best operational practices to address hazards first in the power supply, and look for long-term options to reduce these hazards.
How do we limit the number of batteries in our waste streams?
The short answer is education and recycling. Educating the public is the key to ensuring that we limit the number of batteries in our waste stream. But even with education, it is not that simple. When it comes to getting batteries out of the curb, we are dealing with two distinct problems: recycling bins and trash cans.
With the curb recycling bucket, we face the challenges of “wish cycling”, which is when consumers put an item in a rubbish bin with the hope that it will be recycled. Sometimes they are unsure whether items are recyclable since the labels are confusing, and other times they are unaware of what materials their recycling supplier accepts. So, in the trash go the materials.
What consumers often do not understand is that the recycling bin at the edge edge is traditionally only for paper / cardboard, plastic / metal containers and, depending on the jurisdiction, glass. The good news, though, is that over time, education can teach consumers how to sort materials properly.
When we are dealing with the rubbish bin at the curb, we are faced with a completely different problem. I call it “the magic bucket”. What consumers throw in the magic rubbish bin is taken by local rubbish trucks weekly, and then they can start filling up the magic rubbish bin again. Consumers throw away so many things that should never be thrown in the trash. For example, they throw away old electronics, paints, chemicals, spray cans, acids, fireworks, barbecue briquettes and more. You name it, they throw it away and it is magically taken away with no consequences for this dangerous behavior. Inevitably, all of these hazards end up causing fires in our material recycling facilities (MRFs), transfer stations, landfills and trucks. These fires cause an estimated $ 2.5 billion in direct damage annually in the United States and Canada.
With all this in mind, it is important to point out that the real problem is that we as an industry do not make it easy for consumers to change their behavior. For example, we ask them to take the batteries to a drop-off point or send them back to be recycled; we ask them to take the pool chemicals to another drop-off point; and we ask them to keep these dangerous items separate in their homes until they have enough product to make the trip worth it for them, and potentially expose them to further damage. The easy way to deal with this is to get the public to separate these harmful materials so that the carriers can pick up, but this exposes the carriers to more risk and potential damage. Not to mention the costs and the unfair burden placed on our operators when they are already facing higher labor costs for employees, labor shortages, rising gas prices and more.
In fact, lithium-ion batteries are not coming anywhere soon. According to PS Market Research, the lithium-ion battery market generated $ 46,142.1 million in worldwide sales in 2021. By 2030, this market size is estimated to reach $ 165 847.8 million. These hazards will enter the waste and recycling streams. It is hoped that robotic sorting will help remove some of these dangers from treatment for MRFs, but even though these were 100 percent accurate today, something my contacts assure me they are not, it still leaves the trucks and tipping floors exposed to fire hazard.
Fire protection comes in many flavors
When it comes to fires, Professor Guillermo Rein, an engineer and professor of fire science at Imperial College and editor at Fire Technology, is concerned about another reason. Our firefighters are not properly trained in the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. According to Andy Sterns, founder of Insight Fire Training, in the US and Canada, we have 1.2 million firefighters. Of this number, almost 700,000 are volunteers. Less than 2 percent of our budgets are spent training our firefighters on all hazards, not just fighting lithium-ion battery fires. See Rein’s tweet from February 2022 below:
Our existing knowledge of fighting battery fires does not keep pace with the dangers we see. And it’s just the firefighters. The burden falls on the waste and recycling operators to train their employees in how to fight these fires, walk along the fine line of developing a formal fire service and provide the local fire service with tools, technology and equipment to fight these incidents properly. way once. they inevitably occur.
In 2018, globally as an industry, we were surprised by this new danger with lithium-ion batteries, but now in 2022, most companies have a plan, which was evident in my conversations with participants at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries’ show in Las Vegas. . What I specifically mean by that is that since lithium-ion batteries have become common in our operations, the focus on fire prevention is now in full effect. The question is whether these strategies are enough to reverse the trends we see in the other direction?
One of the leaders from a large scrap operator, whom I have deep respect for, stopped by our booth and asked what the best solution is to find the battery if it is at the bottom of a light pile of tin. I’m always asked what if this happens, or what if it happens, but the reality is that all fire incidents are unique, and there are different things that can happen. As humans, we usually perceive dangers from our experiences. We are not afraid of small fires that can be easily extinguished or controlled fires, but we are afraid of catastrophic fires that have major consequences.
My goal when I talk to business owners, operators or managers is to make them experts in our solution by educating them on how our protective layers that make up our firefighting framework can apply in any situation. But in my opinion, the hardest thing is to change your mind. For example, some people focus on one factor that can cause a fire, such as a lithium-ion battery at the bottom of a pile, when in reality fires can start in many different ways.
Contrary to many people’s beliefs, most fires occur during the day and on the surface. Our solution resolves these fires quickly, and prevents incidents from becoming large. Deep fires can occur day or night, and they are more difficult to deal with, but we have fought all these fires that start in an area we successfully protect with our solution.
At Fire Rover, we define fires that start at the bottom of a pile as deep-lying versus the alternative of surface fire. Deep-lying lithium-ion battery fires are fought by soaking the danger area and ensuring that once the battery has burned through the fuel, there is no other material that can burn, which essentially breaks the chain and stops the incident in the tracks. When we attack a deep-seated fire for our customers, our goal is to cool down the entire mound if it is small enough. For larger piles, we moisten and pull away layers. We then continue this process until we arrive at the cause of the fire. Instead of having the equipment on site to remove the layers, we soak the material and intentionally spray the safety equipment so that the fire remains confined until the fire department can get to the scene. Our solution protects against this one factor and millions of other potential causes of fires, but trying to educate while changing someone’s perception is probably the biggest factor we are dealing with.
If a company chooses to fight the fire with its employees, they need to develop a strategy and train their employees to deal with these incidents when they occur. One company’s solution for managing fire risk may be different from the road to another company. Which way is the right one? Only time will tell, but at the risk of using a cliché, the first step is to admit that it is a problem and understand that there is an inherent fire hazard in our daily operations. The next step is to try to solve it and develop best practices that reduce our risk to operations, employees and the public. The truth is that there are many solutions out there, and although any solution may work in theory, the question of its effectiveness is not known until “playing time” when the fire protection layers are tested.
Our solution is tested across our 350-plus customers’ business daily. We have learned from thousands of fire incidents, large and small, and we continue to learn new things every time we respond. Very rarely does the same event happen with the same circumstances twice in a lifetime, but having the framework, technology and response ready with a moment’s notice has provided a consistent track record that insurers can use to reduce the risk of catastrophic losses in our coatings.
Last month I had the pleasure of attending several conferences. At the Southeast Recycling Conference, my colleague and 30-year-old veteran of the Detroit Fire Department, Ron “The Jedi Master of Lithium-ion Batteries” Butler and I presented the dangers of lithium-ion batteries both inside and outside the waste. and recycle power. Butler’s presentation was particularly interesting as he outlined the entire story of Morris, Ill., The battery store fire that broke out last year. He also discussed the lessons learned from the event, including the fire department’s adjustment of response criteria, redesign of fire control calculations and the development of “flash” codes and their potential impact on the battery recycling industry.
From a Fire Rover perspective, we handle hazards with lithium-ion batteries in our customers’ MRFs, transfer stations and scrap yards, and we protect some of the largest electronics and electric vehicle battery recyclers in the United States. For example, we have a replacement of lithium-ion battery sprinklers in a building less than 100 miles from the fire incident in Morris, Ill., Where we have replaced the sprinklers with our Fire Rover solution for early detection and fire elimination. The solution has several important differences, but most important of all is that the fire service can take a defensive approach to fighting these fires by staying safe outside while our trained agents fight the fires inside. In these fires, our agents not only fight the fire directly, but they indirectly coat the assets with our environmentally friendly wetting agent in an attempt to stop the domino effect that can occur when the first pallet of batteries has burned out.
If you’re going to WasteExpo next month and want to connect, stop by Fire Rover booth # 3535 and introduce yourself. I am definitely looking forward to a great event!
Ryan Fogelman, JD / MBA, is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Fire Rover. He is focused on bringing innovative security solutions to market, and two of his solutions have won the excellent Edison Innovation Award for industrial safety and consumer products. He has compiled and published «Reported Waste & amp; Recycling plant fires in USA / CAN “since February 2016 and” Waste & amp; Annual report on fire in the recycling plant. “Fogelman talks regularly on the topic of the extent of fire problems facing the waste and recycling industry, detection solutions, proper fire planning and early fire risk reduction. In addition, Fogelman is on the National Fire Protection Association’s technical committee for hazardous materials. (Get in touch with Ryan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjayfogelman or email [email protected])
Small lithium-ion batteries can be discharged with water because they contain little lithium metal. Lithium metal battery fires can be extinguished with a Class D fire extinguisher. Larger battery fires are best handled with foam extinguishers, CO2, ABC dry chemicals, powder graphite, copper powder or sodium carbonate.
Contents
How common are lithium battery fires?
But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting website CNET, your chances of burning lithium batteries are about 1 in 10 million.
How do you prevent lithium batteries from catching fire? Never try to extinguish fires on lithium batteries yourself. Lithium-ion batteries should be taken to separate collection points for electronic recycling or collection of hazardous waste in households. To prevent fire, tape the battery terminals and place each lithium-ion battery in a separate plastic bag.
What causes lithium batteries to catch fire?
The electrodes are immersed in a liquid called an electrolyte, which allows the movement of ions and consists of lithium salt and organic solvents. It is these organic solvents that are the leading fire hazard in Li-ion batteries.
Can lithium batteries catch fire when not in use?
Fortunately, large explosions caused by Li-ion batteries are an uncommon occurrence. However, if they are exposed to the wrong conditions, there is a small chance that they catch fire or explode.
How often do lithium batteries catch fire?
Do you remember Samsung Galaxy Note 7 or hoverboard fire? But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting website CNET, your chances of burning lithium batteries are about 1 in 10 million.
How do you stop a lithium battery fire?
Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, do not work on lithium battery fires. The only way to put out a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water. A lithium fire blanket will safely insulate a lithium fire battery for hours until it can be flooded and extinguished.
Are lithium batteries prone to fire?
However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These battery packs tend to break down much faster than they normally would due to heat. If a lithium-ion battery pack fails, it will burst into flames and can cause extensive damage.
How do you prevent lithium batteries from catching on fire?
Minimize the risk of fire in lithium batteries
- Avoid storage at high temperatures. Do not store batteries in hot vehicles. …
- Avoid storing all items containing lithium-ion batteries together. When you travel, especially on a plane, you have all the electronic items in one bag. …
- Avoid overcharging the batteries.
Can lithium-ion batteries randomly explode?
Fortunately, large explosions caused by Li-ion batteries are an uncommon occurrence. However, if they are exposed to the wrong conditions, there is a small chance that they catch fire or explode.
How likely are lithium-ion batteries to explode?
Lithium-ion batteries have a failure rate of less than one in a million. The error rate of a quality Li-ion cell is better than 1 in 10 million. Industrial batteries, such as those used for power tools, are generally more robust than those in consumer products.
What is the hazard most associated with lithium batteries?
Primary lithium batteries contain hazardous materials such as lithium metal and flammable solvents, which can lead to exothermic activity and running reactions above a defined temperature. Lithium-ion batteries operating outside the secure envelope can also lead to lithium metal formation and thermal run.
What is the hazard of lithium-ion batteries?
Damage to lithium-ion batteries can occur when the batteries themselves or the environment around the batteries are below freezing (32 ° F) during charging. Charging at temperatures below freezing can lead to permanent metallic lithium buildup (ie plating) on the anode, which increases the risk of failure.
Are lithium batteries a health hazard?
Some potential lithium-ion battery materials are toxic, carcinogenic, or may undergo chemical reactions that produce hazardous heat or gases. Toxic materials include lithium compounds, nickel compounds, arsenic compounds and dimethoxyethane.
What happens when you put a lithium battery in water?
Lithium reacts intensely with water to form lithium hydroxide and highly flammable hydrogen. The colorless solution is very alkaline. The exothermic reactions last longer than the reaction of sodium and water, which are just below the lithium in the periodic chart.
Does lithium explode in water?
Can I put a lithium battery in water?
Small lithium-ion batteries can be discharged with water because they contain little lithium metal. Lithium metal battery fires can be extinguished with a Class D fire extinguisher.
Can you get a lithium battery wet?
Li-ion batteries should not be stored in high temperatures or near heat sources, such as direct sunlight, radiators or laptops. Batteries must not get wet or exposed to water. Li-ion batteries should not be stored open where they could be damaged.
What will happen if you put a battery in water?
When the battery is immersed in water, the water comes in and mixes with chemicals and leaks out. The chemicals that leak through holes can cause health hazards. For example, it burns the skin on contact. The battery is damaged because it can not work effectively with diluted chemicals.
Do lithium batteries burn under water?
Lithium-ion batteries contain small amounts of lithium metal and in case of fire they can be emptied with water. Lithium metal batteries, on the other hand, require a Class D fire extinguisher. Water interacts with lithium.
Can lithium batteries explode?
Fortunately, large explosions caused by Li-ion batteries are an uncommon occurrence. However, if they are exposed to the wrong conditions, there is a small chance that they catch fire or explode.
What happens if a lithium battery explodes? As a result of this high energy density, when a lithium-ion battery explodes, damage can be catastrophic. A lithium-ion battery explosion can cause severe burns and, in rare cases, even death.
What are the chances of a lithium battery exploding?
Do you remember Samsung Galaxy Note 7 or hoverboard fire? But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting website CNET, your chances of burning lithium batteries are about 1 in 10 million.
How hard is it to put out a lithium battery fire?
Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, do not work on lithium battery fires. The only way to put out a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water.
What causes a lithium battery to explode?
The electrodes are immersed in a liquid called an electrolyte, which allows the movement of ions and consists of lithium salt and organic solvents. It is these organic solvents that are the leading fire hazard in Li-ion batteries.
How explosive is a lithium battery?
Lithium-based batteries are extremely powerful and potentially very explosive. When recharged repeatedly, something called dendrites can form and can trigger a short circuit, causing the battery to explode.
Can lithium batteries catch fire when not in use?
If left unchecked, it can result in a chain reaction of cell failure, causing the battery to heat up even more and get out of control. External factors such as keeping the battery very close to a heat source or near a fire can cause it to explode.
Can an uncharged lithium battery catch fire?
Fortunately, most lithium-ion batteries work as intended – and do not catch fire.
Can lithium batteries start a fire?
Heat: It is perfectly normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. However, if the device’s lithium-ion battery feels extremely hot to the touch, there is a good chance that it is defective and in danger of starting a fire. Swelling: When a lithium battery fails, another common sign is battery swelling.
Do lithium batteries spontaneously combust?
Butler: Lithium batteries are capable of spontaneous ignition and subsequent explosion due to overheating. It can be caused by electrical short circuit, fast discharge, overcharging, manufacturer fault, poor design or mechanical damage, among many other causes.
How explosive are lithium batteries?
Lithium-based batteries are extremely powerful and potentially very explosive. When recharged repeatedly, something called dendrites can form and can trigger a short circuit, causing the battery to explode.
Can lithium batteries catch fire when not in use?
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many common devices. But under the right (or wrong) conditions, they can catch fire and even explode.
Are lithium battery explosions bad?
A lithium-ion battery explosion can cause severe burns and, in rare cases, even death. Explosions in lithium-ion batteries may be caused by manufacturing defects in the original battery or by contact with metal objects which cause an external short circuit.
How do you stop a lithium battery fire?
Lithium-ion battery safety tips for employees
- Always follow local, state, and federal regulations for proper battery disposal.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when extinguishing small battery fires.
- Use only the battery designed for the device.
- Use only the charging cord that came with the device.
What happens if a lithium battery catches fire? Usually, if a battery is about to catch fire, it will feel extremely hot or swollen (the device may look like it has a lump or bulge). Then it can start to discolor and cause damage, blisters and start smoking.
Can you put out a lithium battery fire with sand?
If you are dealing with a battery that contains lithium metal, use dry sand or table salt to extinguish any fires that may occur. However, lithium-ion batteries are not the only culprits. Many nickel and lead based batteries can also cause fire.
What happens if you put water on a lithium battery fire?
Water-based products are most readily available and are suitable since Li-ion contains very little lithium metal that reacts with water. Water also cools the adjacent area and prevents the fire from spreading. Research laboratories and factories also use water to extinguish fires in Li-ion batteries.
Comments are closed.