Lithium-ion batteries: your safety – powered by Dräger
—In a world that is increasingly moving away from conventional fuels, where we are always on the move and mobile yet connected to everything, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the ultimate energy storage system of choice. Production and development of lithium-ion batteries must proceed at a rapid pace as demand grows.
Time pressures and constantly evolving cell chemistries create worker and equipment safety challenges. Especially when there is no apparent safety strategy and standards are lacking. It is not only in the production of Li-ion batteries that dangers lurk – special precautions also apply to the use, application and disposal of this type of battery.
Being a partner in the global Vision Zero initiative, protecting human life and health is fundamental to our operations. Dräger has the safety solutions to help you focus on your most significant challenge: shaping the future of the energy transition.
According to the motto: You provide the batteries - we provide the safety.
Lithium-ion battery risks: safety issues for plant and workers
—With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries and the resulting need to ramp up production, it is critical to understand the risks associated with this energy storage system. So what can happen?
Li-ion battery safety challenges
Fire and explosions:
Vapours from solvents and liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are flammable and may cause an increased risk of fires and explosions. Monitoring combustible gases may mitigate this safety risk. An additional bet closely related to the battery is a fire caused by a thermal runaway. Therefore, an early warning system based on detecting off-gasses may be suitable for battery manufacturing, recycling, and storage.
Hazardous Gases:
Lithium-ion batteries solvents and electrolytes are often irritating or even toxic. Therefore, strict monitoring is necessary to ensure workers' safety. In addition, in some process steps in battery production, recycling and in the case of a battery fire, Hydrogen fluoride (HF) may occur and may cause risks to health and safety.
Dust particles
Active materials in battery electrodes, such as graphite or lithium cobalt dioxide, are processed in powder form. Hence, respiratory protection should be ensured during filling/transferring and mixing work in battery manufacturing and recycling.
Oxygen deficiency
Process steps are often carried out in an oxygen-reduced environment to reduce lithium-ion battery fire hazards in manufacturing and recycling. Here, oxygen monitoring plays an essential role in the safety of the employee and the plant.
Working with lithium-ion batteries
Click the links below to find out how Dräger products and solutions can overcome the above challenges.
Our safety concept for Li-ion battery production
—Scaling up battery production capacity is time critical. With our products, services, consulting and training sessions, we can help you ramp up your plant sustainably and safely.
Risk assessment and consultancy
Time pressure and tight budgets? It's something we know about, having been a reliable customer partner in the process industry for many years. That's why you should leave your safety concept to an expert like us so that you can concentrate fully on your lithium-ion battery production process.
Plant safety
Gas and flame detection can prevent incidents, protecting your plant and tight schedule. However, we know that fixed fire and gas detection systems are only as effective as the planning that goes into them. As every battery manufacturing plant is different, in close collaboration, we guide you through the entire process – from consultation through design, realisation and implementation.
Workers' safety
Working in battery manufacturing areas may pose health and safety risks to employees. We support our customers in keeping their employees safe and sound with the proper personal protection or air monitoring equipment. For us, sustainability includes designing safe and efficient work processes and providing training for the whole staff, regardless of their level of experience and knowledge on the subject.
Emergency Preparedness
Despite all safety precautions, accidents can never be eliminated. In addition, the hazards and hazardous substances involved in the manufacture, use and recycling of lithium batteries place particular demands on the knowledge of first responders. However, the right equipment may help save valuable time and protect lives.
Holistic safety concept
A holistic safety approach paves the way for a sustainable and safe future.
Battery production safety webinar series | Register now
—At Dräger, we are committed to bringing you the latest information on topics which are relevant and applicable to your business. We also want you have access to expert advice to help you ensure you keep your plant and your workforce safe.
Simply click below and register battery safety webinar series.
Dräger’s Battery Safety Webinar Series
Sign up for Autumn battery safety webinar series. Throughout the series, you'll hear from a panel of experts discussing topics including; Safety challenges in Gigafactories, Safety surrounding battery usage (incl. Battery Energy Storage Systems) and Safety for first responders (incl. recovery of damaged batteries).
NOTE: The series starts on Oct 2nd and will be delivered in English.
Your Complementary Brochure
As as thank you for registering for our webinar series, we'll send you a free Battery Safety downloadable brochure.
Lithium-ion battery safety solutions
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How to charge up your safety programme
Battery safety starts with risk assessment, planning safety issues as an integral part of the Li-ion battery production chain, and implementing safety procedures.
Dräger experts are available to advise on battery safety issues, help identify lithium-ion batteries' hazards, and establish sustainable safety.
Our products and devices, when working with lithium-ion batteries
—Energise your plant safety: gas and flame detection and monitoring solutions
The manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries requires a robust and reliable monitoring system. For example, to identify flammable, explosive gases in the LEL range or to detect the release of electrolytes and solvents in toxic ppm concentrations.
In certain areas, it is also essential that the O2 level is constantly monitored to detect oxygen deficiency. CO could be observed as an indicator of thermal runaway processes. Flame detectors complete your early warning system before fires or even explosions occur. Fast and efficient response to risk, along with long-term information for process improvement and system integration, can be realised by data visualisation and analysis solutions.
Dräger Polytron® 8200 CAT
Dräger Polytron® 8700 IR
Dräger Polytron® 7000
Dräger Flame 1500 (IR3)
Dräger REGARD 3000
No two plants are alike. That is why we offer customised safety systems for fire and gas detection. Whether small, simple or large, complex solutions. Learn more about Dräger’s fixed gas detection solutions.
Want to know more? Get in touch!
—For any questions about the safety of lithium-ion batteries and the solutions involved, complete the short form below, and we'll get back to you.
Other Dräger Clean Energy Solutions
—Follow the links below to find out more about our range of safety solutions in the Clean Tech area.
Hydrogen Safety
Ammonia Safety
Methanol Safety
Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage
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