Introducing Switronix batteries for the RED One

[Cail Young]

Maybe, only the very latest fire extinguisher aboard aircraft can put out a Li Ion fire. It needs to be Co2(2) or N2.

Note that CO2 is a bad choice for a flammable metal fires such as Grignard reagents, alkyllithiums and sodium metal because CO2 reacts with these materials. CO2 extinguishers are not approved for class D fires!

Class D fires being combustible metals.

Powdered copper metal (Cu metal) is preferred for fires involving lithium and lithium alloys. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, it is the only known lithium fire fighting agent which will cling to a vertical surface thus making it the preferred agent on three dimensional and flowing fires.
Graphite-based powders are also designed for use on lithium fires. This agent can also be effective on fires involving high-melting metals such as zirconium and titanium.

Basically you need to smother it, and CO2 is not enough.

 

[Brent J. Craig]

Watch the video in Dylan's post above. The FAA says to use Halon or CO2 and then lots of water to bring the cells back below their 'runaway' temperature.

 

[Cail Young]

Watch the video in Dylan's post above. The FAA says to use Halon or CO2 and then lots of water to bring the cells back below their 'runaway' temperature.

How much is lots?

This is a little off-topic anyway, but I was (from my high school chemistry classes) under the impression that pouring water on a lithium fire's a bad idea. I have seen in various MSDS that deluges of water can work, but is there enough accessible water in the cabin of a plane?

 

[Richard Cassar]

Sorry, didn't know about the Blueshape. Never heard of 'em, but then I'm in the US.

Switronix batteries are what are being discussed here, not Swit. Switronix is based in Long Island, New York, USA. These are not Chinese batteries.

Yeah. Blueshape are quite popular with TV stations here in Europe. Don't know about their presence in US, but they were there at NAB this year. They make some excellent chargers too - with computer connectivity. Awesome