Tue, Jul 07, 2009
Common In Consumer Electronic Devices Often Brought On
Airplanes
The two types of batteries commonly
used to power consumer PEDs (Personal Electronic Devices) brought
on aircraft are lithium batteries (disposable) and lithium-ion
batteries (rechargeable). Both these types are capable of ignition
and subsequent explosion due to overheating. Overheating results in
thermal runaway, which can cause the release of either molten
burning lithium or a flammable electrolyte. Once one cell in a
battery pack goes into thermal runaway, it produces enough heat to
cause adjacent cells to go into thermal runaway. The resulting fire
can flare repeatedly as each cell ruptures and releases its
contents.
Based on testing by the Fire Safety Branch of the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center,
the following procedures are recommended for fighting a fire of a
lithium-type-battery powered PED. The procedures consist of two
phases:
- Extinguishing the fire.
- Cooling the remaining cells to stop thermal runaway.
Utilize a Halon, Halon replacement or water extinguisher to
extinguish the fire and prevent its spread to additional flammable
materials. After extinguishing the fire, douse the device with
water or other non-alcoholic liquids to cool the device and prevent
additional battery cells from reaching thermal runaway.
The FAA warns you should not attempt to pick up and move a
smoking or burning device! Bodily injury may result. Additionally,
do not cover the device or use ice to cool the device. Ice or other
materials insulate the device, increasing the likelihood that
additional battery cells will reach thermal runaway.
(Use of this image is illustrative and does not indicate this
partiuclar device is prone to the situation described. ANN Ed.)
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