Inconspicuous firebugs

Fire risk in the recycling industry due to rechargeable batteries and batteries

New and extremely powerful battery storage devices accompany our lives like an invisible shadow – whether on the road on e-scooters, in smartphones and tablets, or at home in vacuum robots; the reliable operation of such devices is often only made possible by modern lithium battery technology. Batteries are becoming more powerful, more compact and the energy density is increasing, but disposal (Fig. 1) poses risks.

If high-energy electricity storage devices enter the recycling circuit unnoticed, there is a risk of fires that are difficult to extinguish and spread rapidly. Lithium fires also present special firefighting challenges. Insuring against this fire risk is not always easy or possible, and if it is, it usually involves high costs and a high deductible.

As long as the endangered areas can always be kept in view (Fig. 2), and risk management takes effect, even battery fires can be successfully fought by trained personnel. The danger is greatest at night or in unsupervised areas. Fire sources can spread rapidly and precautions must be taken when fighting fires.

Defective accumulators and batteries release strong temperature rises (so-called „thermal runaway“) and flammable vapors even before the fire stage. Extinguishing the fire with water can produce dangerous hydrogen/oxygen compounds that are prone to explosion. Sand or extinguishing gases make it difficult to reach the often hidden source of the fire. The aim is therefore to detect the developing fire as early as possible, even before the flashover.

For more than 20 years, Reif GmbH has been assisting customers in the recycling industry and developing suitable safety concepts. As a high-performance partner, the company implements measures ranging from planning and installation to maintenance and repair.

Although fires cannot be prevented in the upstream goods receiving process (Fig. 3), thermographic sensors (fire detection through the detection of heat development) and special smoke aspiration systems detect trouble spots at an early stage and there is a realistic chance of preventing the spread of fire. In addition, the use of high-quality video surveillance technology allows the process and the initiation of intervention measures to be reliably coordinated. Employees, plants and raw materials can thus be reliably safeguarded and recycling plants remain operational.

As a family-run, medium-sized company, Reif GmbH has acquired extensive know-how over the past 25 years and looks after numerous satisfied customers (Fig. 4), mainly in southern Germany but also nationwide and in neighboring countries. Recycling companies have been part of the company‘s clientele from the very beginning and many individual solutions in all areas of recycling have already been fulfilled.

In addition to fire alarm systems, Reif GmbH plans, installs and maintains security technology systems such as video surveillance systems, burglar alarm systems, time recording and access control systems as well as biometric systems. Reif GmbH is also the right contact for locking systems and safes. The innovative and individual solutions are scalable and can be adapted exactly to the clients' needs.

www.reif-gmbh.com

x

Related articles:

Advancements in Battery Recycling for Fire Risk Reduction

The use of batteries is increasing throughout our economy to help in the energy transition. Batteries of difference sizes and chemistries are being used in just about every aspect of our lives – in...

more
Issue 06/2020 Recovering valuable materials

Safely avoiding hazards during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries

Batteries are increasingly being used to store renewable energy. Yet, recycling them is still a challenge: For instance, fires occur frequently because depleted energy storage devices end up in the...

more

New EU-funded project aims to prevent fires caused by batteries at e-waste recycling facilities

A project that will develop an AI-powered battery detection system utilising data from x-ray detectors and pick-and-place robots has commenced on the 1 September. GRINNER, funded through the European...

more
Issue 06/2021 Detect in time

Fire protection in the refuse derived fuel – recycling industry

To recognize such fire developments in time is essential to maintain the working ability of recycling companies. For many years, Reif GmbH – Innovative Safety Systems has been working with companies...

more
Issue 04/2020 New process by BHS-Sonthofen

Efficient and safe recycling of lithium-ion batteries and accumulators

Fossil fuels are being increasingly replaced by other energy sources. Their use requires efficient storage technologies. However, lithium batteries and accumulators are often criticized, because the...

more