Shredding batteries - GIF

**Altair** · Dec 10, 2021, 12:56 PM

Shredding batteries.

Previously:

Slicing open a phone battery - GIF
Vintage PP3 9-volt batteries - photo
Micro USB rechargeable battery - photo
Battery explodes while checking machine - GIF
Wiring a battery pack - GIF

**Floradawg** · Dec 11, 2021, 09:05 AM

I wouldn't be in there without a respirator.

**Fluffle-Valve** · Dec 11, 2021, 12:15 PM

Just a little fire hazzard.

**old kodger** · Dec 11, 2021, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Fluffle-Valve

Just a little fire hazzard.

If they are lithium batteries then the fire hazard is of the order of 4000 degrees C, and my understanding is that the only way to put it out is to wait for it to burn out.

**desbromilow** · Dec 11, 2021, 10:27 PM

this is the reason why the airlines in Australia have started saying "if you drop your device, do not move your seat, notifiy us and we will retrieve it for you" - in case you activate the seat tilt, and scissor the battery.

**Moldyjim** · Dec 14, 2021, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by old kodger

If they are lithium batteries then the fire hazard is of the order of 4000 degrees C, and my understanding is that the only way to put it out is to wait for it to burn out.

That's a really really really! bad idea.

I Just finished some training on lithium battery safety last week.

First thing you do is evacuation, next call 911, then stay upwind and as far away as possible. Let the fire department deal with it.

For lithium metal batteries like these, a powdered copper filled extinguisher is recommended. (or graphite powder filled )
The powder starves it from oxygen, the heavy copper sucks heat up to cool it down.
Then let a professional do the cleanup.

Lithium Ion batteries are somewhat safer, but still, let professionals do the cleanup.

**old kodger** · Dec 15, 2021, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Moldyjim

That's a really really really! bad idea.

I Just finished some training on lithium battery safety last week.

First thing you do is evacuation, next call 911, then stay upwind and as far away as possible. Let the fire department deal with it.

For lithium metal batteries like these, a powdered copper filled extinguisher is recommended. (or graphite powder filled )
The powder starves it from oxygen, the heavy copper sucks heat up to cool it down.
Then let a professional do the cleanup.

Lithium Ion batteries are somewhat safer, but still, let professionals do the cleanup.

I know nothing of the professional opinion of extinguishing lithium fires, but as they found out at Chernobyl, ya'all cant extinguish a graphite fire.

**Moldyjim** · Dec 22, 2021, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by old kodger

I know nothing of the professional opinion of extinguishing lithium fires, but as they found out at Chernobyl, ya'all cant extinguish a graphite fire.

Types of Fire Extinguishers DRY POWDER D Combustible Metals • Class “D” fires. • Sodium chloride, copper, or graphite based. Some handle multiple types of metals, others will not. 6 -8 ft. maximum effective range. Low velocity nozzles or discharge wands apply gently to avoid disrupting finely divided burning materials. • • Extinguishes by cooling and smothering. Powder will act as a heat sink, while forming a crust that cuts off oxygen supply.

Apparently Graphite fire extinguisher work better on magnesium fires than lithium, but still do some good depending on the battery chemistry.

**old kodger** · Dec 22, 2021, 02:29 PM

I reiterate, I know nothing of modern fire fighting methods, however, I HAVE seen magnesium flares quite happily continue to burn completely submerged in cold salt water, so heat sinking and smothering would appear to be futile, at least on magnesium. As to lithium, I don't know, maybe it's similar.