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UN Transport Tests for Lithium Ion Batteries

23 December 2010 – BMZ Batterien-Montage-Zentrum has opened a state-of-the-art battery test laboratory in Germany, which is among the most advanced of its type in Europe. Cells at 0 to 5 V with up to 10/120 A as well as batteries at 0 to 60 V with up to 200 A or to 12 kW can be tested. Furthermore complete UN Transport Tests including specialist support in the event that a redesign of the battery packs is necessary with the issuance of expert reports and certificates required for the transport of lithium ion cells or batteries are offered.

According to Sven Bauer, founder of batteryuniversity.eu and managing director of BMZ, it was decided to take this step, not least because of the significantly more stringent transport regulations for lithium ion cells and batteries that came into effect from January 1, 2009. Despite the well-known risks during transport and storage of lithium batteries, some manufacturers, suppliers and transport companies still consciously or unknowingly ignore the regulations. Sven Bauer considers this to be highly dangerous. “Lithium in powder or dust form can self ignite at around 20°C room temperature. Lithium as a solid material ignites in the air when the melting point of 179°C is reached; however, once this point is reached a metallic fire that can not be extinguished develops quickly with temperatures in excess of 2000°C.”

Sven Bauer adds that lithium also reacts intensively in contact with water. It does not sink, but rather floats on the water surface. This forms a highly inflammable hydrogen gas and highly caustic lithium hydroxide. Explosions in closed rooms could occur by ignition of the hydrogen. Furthermore, the water dissolves lithium hydroxide and takes on its caustic characteristics. “In addition to due caution in handling of this material, the only protection against these undesired effects are extensive test procedures, in which all possible transport risks are simulated in advance in the laboratory,” commented Sven Bauer.

Since 2003, all lithium cells and batteries, independent of the system and lithium content, must be tested according to special, mandatory safety standards. The accumulators may absolutely not be placed on the market without qualified proof of these tests.

Since the beginning of last year, numerous new regulations for the transport of lithium-based cells and batteries have to be observed. Not only that lithium cells and batteries are now generally classified as “Class 9 Hazardous Materials” (dangerous goods), but also the regulations for registration, packaging, labeling, handling and accompanying documents have to some extent changed significantly. For example, a distinction is now drawn between lithium ion and lithium metal batteries/cells. A decisive factor is also how and in what the respective cell or battery has been packed.

The complexity of the whole issue is shown by the fact that a total of six new UN shipping names with new numbers have been assigned for it: UN 3480 Lithium ion batteries (including lithium polymer batteries), UN 3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment, UN 3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment, UN 3090 Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries), UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment and UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment.

Sven Bauer sums it up in this way: “100% safety for the transport of lithium ion battery packs can never be achieved. However, with our test laboratory we have at least created conditions to come as close as possible to this goal.”

www.batteryuniversity.eu


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