Get FinancingBe Prepared For Lithium Battery Aircraft Fires With Extinguishers From Fire System Services
A Malaysian proverb advises us to “prepare an umbrella before the rain,” or, put another way, be ready to put out fires before they occur. To that end, Fire System Services offers a range of portable Lith-Ex ADV fire extinguishers for quickly and effectively extinguishing aircraft fires caused by malfunctioning lithium batteries.
Meet Fire System Services
Founded in 1985 and located in Wingfield near Adelaide, Fire System Services offers products, services, and support from accredited service technicians that help government agencies, businesses, and other commercial and industrial customers meet fire and other safety regulations. Its Aviation Fire Systems Australia division helps customers address concerns related to aircraft lithium-battery fire extinguishers.
Along with extinguishers, the company’s other aviation services include aircraft fire and smoke detection systems, life raft maintenance and certification, high-pressure hydrostatic testing, and aviation oxygen cylinder testing. The firm operates a workshop facility where technicians perform non-destructive testing on aircraft fuselage components, fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and related aviation equipment.
The Dangers Of Lithium Battery Fires
The aviation industry knows the term “Runway thermal event” well. It essentially refers to a lithium battery entering a so-called uncontrollable, self-heating state that can potentially result in the battery smoking, bursting into flames, or even exploding. Each outcome poses serious flight risks, as runaway thermal events have led to smoke-filled cabins, diverted flights, and the hospitalisation of crew and passengers.
Industry regulations call for passengers to store their electric toothbrushes, vape pens, smartphones, laptops, and other devices using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in carry-on bags or turn them off if storing them in checked baggage.
The Lith-EX AVD In Action
Portable Lith-Ex AVD extinguishers provide a non-toxic, environmentally friendly solution to cool excessive heat and suppress flames in a lithium battery fire. The extinguisher employs an agent called “aqueous vermiculite dispersion” (AVD), which deploys as a mist. The mist creates an instantly drying film over the battery’s surface that prevents the battery from reigniting.
The extinguishers are easy to use, available in different sizes, and well-suited for environments besides aircraft, including factories, offices, and other settings where devices with lithium batteries are prevalent. Fire System Services says the Lith-Ex AVD works where a powder-based extinguisher can’t. Furthermore, it has been tested on a 6.8-kilowatt-hour battery module, equivalent to a small domestic solar battery storage system.
Be Prepared With Fire System Services
For more on Lith-Ex AVD fire extinguishers and other products and services from Fire System Services, including fire extinguisher refills, visit FireSys.com.au or call 130088 FIRE.
Source: Fire System Services