Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing Safety Solutions – powered by Dräger
—In a world that is moving away from conventional fuels, lithium batteries have increasingly become the energy storage system of choice. Production and development of lithium-ion batteries are likely to proceed at a rapid pace as demand grows.
The manufacturing process uses chemicals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other hazardous materials. Workers may be exposed to these chemicals during the manufacturing process, which may lead to serious health problems. Lithium batteries are highly flammable and can catch fire or explode if not handled properly. This risk is especially high during the manufacturing process, as the batteries are often exposed to high temperatures, charging variances and pressure.
Production requirements and constantly evolving cell chemistries create worker and equipment safety challenges (especially if there are not specific safety strategies or standards). It is not only in the production of lithium batteries that dangers lurk – but also in the special precautions that apply to their use, application and disposal.
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: safely shaping the future of the energy transition. According to the motto: You provide the batteries - we provide the safety.
Lithium-ion battery safety risks
—With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries and the resulting need to increase production, it is critical to understand the risks associated with them.
Lithium-ion battery safety challenges
Fire and explosions:
Vapors from solvents and liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are flammable and may cause an increased risk of fires and explosions.
An additional risk related to the Li-ion battery is a fire caused by thermal runaway that could be triggered by damage, short-circuit or overcharging. Therefore, an early warning system that detects off-gases and/or monitors combustible gasses may be suitable for battery manufacturing, recycling, and storage.
Hazardous Gases:
Lithium-ion battery 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, chemicals, such as Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) may be emitted, causing risks to health and safety.
Airborne Particles:
Active materials in battery electrodes, such as graphite or lithium cobalt dioxide, are processed in powder form. Respiratory protection should be worn during filling, transferring and mixing in battery manufacturing and recycling.
Dräger offers a wide range of portable gas detection, fixed gas and flame detection systems, respiratory protection equipment and escape devices and more to help protect your workers and facilities from the hazards that can unexpectedly interrupt production.
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.
Oxygen deficiency
Manufacturing and recycling processes are often carried out in an oxygen-reduced environment to limit the risk of lithium battery fires. Here, oxygen monitoring plays an essential role in the safety of both the workers and the plant.
Energize your plant safety with Dräger Safety Solutions
—Dräger offers a wide range of portable gas detection, fixed gas and flame detection systems, respiratory protection equipment and escape devices and more to help protect workers and facilities from the hazards that can unexpectedly interrupt production.
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
The manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries requires a robust and reliable monitoring system. It is critical to identify flammable, explosive gases in the LEL range or to detect the release of electrolytes and solvents in toxic ppm concentrations in a timely and accurate manner.
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 explosions occur. Fast and efficient response to risk, along with long-term information for process improvement and system integration, can be realized by data visualization and analysis solutions.
Portable Gas Detection
Workers need to be protected from explosive atmospheres and toxic or carcinogenic materials. For example, inert gases such as nitrogen can displace oxygen in some process steps. Or flammable gases from electrolyte solutions like dimethyl carbonate (DMC) or ethylene carbonate (EC) can build to explosive concentrations. Dedicated portable gas detectors can warn your staff of dangers to health and safety to achieve our shared goal of "Vision Zero".
Respiratory Protective Equipment
Sometimes it is unavoidable for workers to be exposed to potentially hazardous substances such as toxic VOCs from solvents used in electrolytes. This is the time for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Depending on the concentration and necessary protection level, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), full or half-masks with appropriate filters, or FFPs can protect workers - even in hazardous areas.
Product Catalogs
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Safety Product Catalog for Industrial Applications
Fixed Gas Detection Product Catalog
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Dräger VOICE
Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for gaining expert knowledge on the safe handling of hazmats. It brings you up-to-date information on more than 1,700 hazardous substances and their physiochemical characteristics – and helps you protect your team in their work environments. Simply type a substance name into the tool and get vital information including workplace exposure limits, recommended gas detection solutions and recommended respiratory and chemical protection equipment.
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