Pierre Malherbe’s article titled AVD fire safety – Lithium-Ion protection solution has been published on the BusinessBrief website. The piece looks at the growing fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries, focusing on Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) as a cutting-edge extinguishing solution. The article provides insight into AVD’s unique properties, environmental safety and effectiveness, and highlights its certification, versatility and importance in modern fire protection strategies.
As reliance on lithium-ion batteries grows, the risk of battery fires has become a significant concern.
We reveal a groundbreaking solution, Lith-Ex Fire Extinguishers containing Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD)
What is AVD fire safety?
AVD is a revolutionary fire extinguishing agent that uses both fixed and portable delivery techniques. It effectively combats lithium-ion battery fires. Various factors can trigger these fires, including physical impact, overheating, short circuits, internal cell failures and manufacturing defects.
As technology increasingly relies on lithium-ion batteries, the risk of these fires has grown. Therefore, it has become crucial to remain prepared.
AVD is made from vermiculite. Vermiculite is part of a group of minerals that contain aluminium, iron and magnesium in thin, layered flakes. Chemical processing turns vermiculite into tiny individual pieces that can be suspended in water. This results in a stable aqueous dispersion of vermiculite, which is ready to be used as a fire extinguishing agent for lithium-ion battery fires.
One of AVD’s notable qualities is its environmental safety. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral exempt from strict environmental regulations (REACH). It is chemically and physically inert and only releases harmless steam when exposed to high temperatures. Moreover, it poses no harm to humans, plant life or animals.
How does AVD work?
When applied as a mist to a lithium-ion battery fire, AVD deposits vermiculite particles on the burning fuel’s surface. These particles create a protective film. This film dries quickly.
The high-aspect-ratio platelet particles overlap and bind together to form a non-flammable oxygen barrier between the fuel and the atmosphere. This process cools the fuel. As the water content in AVD evaporates, vermiculite platelets continue to build up. This accumulation ultimately brings the fire under control.
Benefits of AVD
AVD offers a host of benefits. These make it a remarkable solution for lithium-ion battery fires.
These advantages include:
- Cooling effect – AVD’s water content effectively cools the fire source.
- Oxygen barrier – Vermiculite platelets encapsulate the fuel, creating a non-flammable oxygen barrier.
- Non-conductive – The vermiculite film does not conduct electricity.
- High efficiency – AVD is nearly twice as effective as water for Class A fires.
- Fire break – AVD can be applied as a firebreak to halt the fire’s propagation.
- Compatibility – You can deploy it using standard firefighting equipment.
- Environmental friendliness – AVD is eco-friendly and prevents the release of harmful gases.
AVD fire safety testing
Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion has undergone rigorous third-party performance testing against battery fire criteria. It received certification at ZSW in Germany. It also holds BSI Kitemark approval for EN3 and SANS1910. Additionally, it passed UL approval.
Testing has used various application methods. These demonstrated AVD’s effectiveness across different types of lithium-ion batteries. AVD also passed the NTA 8133 Kiwa test in the Netherlands. This confirmed its lithium-ion extinguishing capabilities.
What makes AVD fire safety unique?
AVD is a game-changer in the fight against lithium-ion battery fires. Unlike conventional fire extinguishers, it is specifically designed to tackle these unique fires effectively.
Whether you’re dealing with portable extinguishers or fixed systems, AVD encapsulates the fuel source. It insulates the cells and prevents the propagation of thermal runaway. This makes it a versatile and indispensable solution.
The SANS 1910-2022 approved Lith-Ex fire extinguisher range from SafeQuip carries NTA 8133:2021 (KIWA/POOO55865) test approval. This proves its lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing capability.