New Fire Extinguishing Agent Developed to Tackle Lithium

Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT) and Fireproof Solutions have collaborated to develop Lion-X, a specialized fire extinguishing agent designed to quickly and safely extinguish lithium-ion battery fires.

Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can burn for hours while emitting dangerous fumes and gases. This makes them a significant threat to first responders, transportation companies, and the general public.

Lion-X is a water-based agent that forms a low-expansion foam when sprayed through an aspirating nozzle. It is compatible with both portable and wheeled extinguishers and can be used manually or automatically. The agent can also be piped directly into battery packs and energy storage system (ESS) modules. It is capable of extinguishing lithium-ion fires at temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 30 seconds, while also absorbing a significant amount of heat energy.

One key advantage of Lion-X is its ability to significantly reduce the production of toxic smoke. Typically, lithium-ion fires produce hydrogen and methane gases, which can be harmful to the environment. Lion-X transforms the smoke formation process, virtually eliminating the production of these toxic gases.

The agent also adheres well to surfaces and can penetrate into small crevices, making it effective in extinguishing fires in 3-D shapes, overhead surfaces, and vertical surfaces. After extinguishing the fire, Lion-X leaves behind a fine powder residue, which helps cool surfaces and can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth or paper towel.

In addition to lithium-ion battery fires, Lion-X can also extinguish fires in other materials such as wood, paper, and fiber, as well as in various items and structures like furniture, curtains, cars, and boats. The solution prevents the spread of flames without causing damage to the objects being sprayed.

PACT has also developed the PACT Thermo Shield, a lightweight, paper-based wrap that helps control lithium battery thermal runaway during transportation, shipping, storage, and disposal. It has undergone testing to meet safety standards for shipping lithium-ion batteries via land, sea, and air.

Furthermore, PACT has created the PACT Thermo Shield TR sleeve, which is designed to prevent thermal runaway between lithium-ion battery cells used in electric mobility devices. This sleeve acts as a heat and flame barrier, reducing the risk of accidents.

For smaller devices like cell phones and batteries, the PACT Thermo Shield TR envelope provides a safe way to transport these products to a battery recycler.

The collaboration between PACT and Fireproof Solutions aims to address the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires and enhance fire safety in various applications and industries.

Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT): https://www.pactinc.com/Fireproof Solutions: https://fireproofsolutions.com/