Shipment of lithium batteries brings down UPS Boeing 747

RWT1405

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They need to be transported in inclosed mental containers that are in a vacuum. No air in side. No air no fire.

Unfortunately, my understanding is that won't work, as lithium batteries do not require "external" air/oxygen for combustion


 

thermal guy

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Got Lumens?

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No Air, No Fire.
From my limited knowledge, most lithium fires have started by not following rules to prevent such from happening.
All lithium lion cells being shipped should be discharged to 10% prior to packaging.
 

ItnStln

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All lithium lion cells being shipped should be discharged to 10% prior to packaging.
I've heard that, but is it IATA policy to ship by air? The last time I tried to look it up in the DGR I couldn't find it.
 

Fuzzywuzzies

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All that is required is an oxidising agent. Oxygen works, but there are others - I'm no expert but I gather lithium based batteries usually have such an agent, or can have when heated sufficiently.
 

RWT1405

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No Air, No Fire.

2023-09-26 - Clemson - Lithium-Ion battery fires.jpg





FPA - Lithium-Ion battery fires generate their own oxygen .jpg



Thompson Safety - Extinguishing the Fire .jpg


 
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IMA SOL MAN

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In the future, people are going to think we were stupid and insane to use lithium batteries. Thermal runaway just seems too unstable to me. But I'm not getting rid of my lithium batteries...yet. Guess I'm stupid and insane. 🤪
 

jtr1962

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In the future, people are going to think we were stupid and insane to use lithium batteries. Thermal runaway just seems too unstable to me. But I'm not getting rid of my lithium batteries...yet. Guess I'm stupid and insane. 🤪
Especially when a safe version of the chemistry, namely LiFePO4, has existed for over two decades. I'd rather trade off a little energy density for peace of mind knowing my batteries can't become blow torches.
 

RWT1405

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From my limited knowledge, most lithium fires have started by not following rules to prevent such from happening.
All lithium lion cells being shipped should be discharged to 10% prior to packaging.

From my limited knowledge/understanding (I am certainly no expert) you are incorrect

I have posted some articles above, explaining why
 
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