![]() Most retailers and manufactures won't share their guidelines on how to safely transport a device with a suspect battery, so we can't be sure what they'll recommend. If volatile hydrocarbons mix with oxygen inside the battery, it can act in ways similar (but not identical to) propane - the stuff you use to fuel your BBQ. Many include fluorine-containing organic compounds, McCloskey said. So it isn't easy to know exactly which toxins you're dealing with. One problem is that different lithium-ion batteries can contain different chemical mixtures and use different methods to keep the volatile ones from touching. How big depends on the size of the battery and the makeup of its internal chemicals. And if the gases inside ignite, that can lead to an explosion or fire. In compromised batteries, the chemicals can "slosh around" and cause the battery to short. Generally speaking, batteries contain chemicals that need to remain separated to make the battery work safely. Chemists like McCloskey call this "gassing."īatteries can short out or ignite when volatile chemicals (which are usually separated) accidentally meet. The various chemicals held at bay inside the battery structure are now running amok. If a battery starts hissing or swelling, your device is already toast, said Bryan McCloskey, a chemical and biochemical engineering professor at UC Berkeley. Uh, why is my battery hissing or swelling, anyway? Do not breath in fumes, especially if you notice gas or flames (cover your mouth and nose).Do not throw the device in the trash you need to dispose of it responsibly.Do not touch a swelling or ruptured device with your bare hands.Do not ignore the problem - that hissing, swelling or burning smell is a warning sign that requires immediate action.Class Ds are much more expensive, however, than a typical kitchen extinguisher. Make sure your device is UNPLUGGED from the power outlet before dousing it with water.Ĭurious what they'd use in a lab? A Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically made for smothering this type of chemical fire.However, if the chemical mix is just right (for example, if the lithium in the battery causes the hydrogen to split into a gaseous combustible form), H2O could, in some cases, cause the fire to grow out of control - especially in a closed space. Depending on the specific components, water should help cool components or dampen flames. If an extinguisher isn't available: The US Department of Transportation recommends water spray as an effective suppressant.into a clear area on your patio if you have one, or in an empty metal tool box). If the swelling continues to worsen, take precautions to further isolate the device away from people and flammable items (e.g.Immediately contact the carrier or retail store where you bought it for further directions.Keep the device in an isolated area, away from anything flammable (e.g.In case of fire, douse with a fire extinguisher. Move very slowly and carefully (so you don't jostle the combustive parts together).Unplug the device from any AC power source or wall outlet.Even an oven mitt or towel is better than using your bare hands. Leather gloves and polyester clothing are naturally flame-retardant (but not flame-proof). Use tools (like a pair of tongs) or gloved hands to touch the device.If your device is overly hot, hissing or swelling, do this If lithium-ion batteries - the kind in nearly all modern rechargeable devices - do begin to fail, the harmful chemicals they contain could burn your skin if you touch them directly, or endanger your property if you don't correctly douse their flames. These are important warning signs to know. ![]() That battery (and the device it's in) catches on fire - admittedly, this one's pretty obvious.The battery feels extremely hot or swells up (the device may look like it has a lump or bulge).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |