basic fire hazards in aircraft

Basic Fire Hazards In Aircraft - Lithium batteries have become the energy source of choice due to their energy density and low raw material costs. renewable energy; It's no wonder they're so popular among manufacturers and users of mobile devices and consumer electronics. Despite their size, these batteries carry a large amount of energy. However, they can burn instantly; This creates a serious risk of aircraft fire. This has been a problem in the aviation industry for years. Three years ago, we introduced fireproof cargo air containers for airplanes. An article on crew and passenger safety was also published. But unfortunately this problem is still more relevant day by day. That's why we'd like to publish a new article with our latest insights on how lithium batteries pose a threat to aircraft. Current fire extinguishing systems in aircraft are not yet capable of withstanding such lithium fires. Yes, they can put out lithium ion battery flames. What they can't do is stop the temperature of the lithium cells from rising, which can cause "thermal runaway" and an unstoppable chain reaction. Then the fire spreads to the adjacent chambers, It can spread to other cargoes and eventually to the whole plane. The growing importance of lithium-ion battery cells in global e-commerce means that annual sales of lithium-ion battery cells (a type of lithium-based battery) are expected to grow exponentially over the next 20 years (Figure 1). Their market value is expected to grow from 24 billion euros in 2017 to approximately 65 billion euros in 2025. Due to increasing sales of mainstream consumer electric vehicles (EVs), global production will experience unprecedented growth in all market segments. Lithium Ion Batteries (European Union Bureau, 2018). Figure 1. Projected sales of lithium-ion batteries in GWh for the same period. There is a worldwide trade trend that is changing from traditional local retail to global e-commerce. Figure 2 shows the growth of e-commerce in recent years and the projected growth in the coming years (eMarketeer, 2019). Figure 2. Global e-commerce sales are expected to reach billions of dollars. Data on the volume of lithium-based batteries sent by air cargo is not available; Most are often without warning (see below). however, the aforementioned trends indicate the growing importance of lithium batteries, in particular and in global e-commerce in general. This greatly increases the risks to which all aircraft are exposed. SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF LITHIUM-BASED BATTERIES (both lithium ion and lithium metal) Follow strict UN regulations by air, Four United Nations laws have been developed to ensure the safety of lithium batteries during transport by sea and land. Lithium batteries are therefore classified in Class 9: UN 3480/3090: Carriage of lithium-ion/metal batteries separately (allowed only for cargo aircraft) UN 3481/3091: Contain lithium-ion/metal batteries; Equipment packaging and labeling regulations for the transport of lithium batteries have become stricter in recent years. January 2018 Less: Smart luggage or lithium battery accessories (such as power banks) are restricted to hand luggage on PAX flights (IATA, 2020). January 2019: Lithium batteries must be separated from other specified inflammable explosives on board and declared in bulk (usually UN 3480/3090). Bulk shipments of lithium batteries must be declared as dangerous goods in accordance with UN Standard 3480/309. A fire resulting from a cargo category is a Class D fire (ie, a fire with combustible metals as a fuel source). Such fires cause explosions and are essentially unstoppable on board. This dangerous goods declaration allows carriers to take the necessary precautions. Lithium battery declaration (usually UN 3481/3091) Many lithium batteries DHL, Shipped by courier service like FedEx or UPS. Sent as express mail or parcels; They are usually part of an e-commerce transaction, but can be non-commercial. Most shipments should be declared as UN 3481/3091, but retailers or individuals don't understand or follow the rules (eg misinform authorities about watt-hour ratings), but this isn't always the case. For airlines, it is impossible to be absolutely sure that all lithium batteries in the aircraft are declared. The potential danger here is not a lithium fire, but an adjacent cargo fire. Such an event would result in a typical smoldering fire such as a Class A fire (ie wood, paper, cloth, rubber and many plastics). This was not a problem with the Halon fire suppression system on the lower deck, but a disaster situation on the main deck. Accidents involving lithium batteries Smoke from an aircraft containing a lithium battery fire Extreme thermal or explosive events have increased significantly in recent years (Figure 3). The FAA notes that this is not a complete list of all incidents. eg Excludes three major plane crashes involving cargo shipments of lithium batteries but not proven to be the source of the fire: July 28; In 2011, an Asiana Airlines 747 crashed near South Korea. UAE UPS 747 in Dubai; September 3 and February 7, 2010. A UPS DC-8 in Philadelphia, PA in 2006 (FAA, 2020). Figure 3: Smoke; fire, number of incidents involving overheated or exploding lithium batteries; However, it should be noted that most of these cases involved undeclared UN 3481/3091 shipments. In other words, lithium batteries containing Class A flammable materials. How to prepare for shipments of undeclared lithium batteries? IATA is already developing global standards for fire-resistant containers (FRCs). ISO 19281:2016 Minimum design and performance standards and test methods for assembled passive FRC in main deck panels: Full-scale testing: FRC filled with corrugated paper boxes. To simulate a Class A fire, the box is ignited and the FRC fire must be contained for at least six hours. Flame Penetration Test: The plate and door are exposed to a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius for at least five minutes without creating a hole on the other side of the oven. The temperature of the tested material (at a distance of 10 cm) should not exceed 204°C. Vertical burning test: panel and door sheet materials are placed vertically and ignited; Do not exceed the average burn rate. Why this test? It is designed to combat fires caused by undeclared lithium batteries, giving the crew enough time to make an emergency landing wherever the plane catches fire. Fire Resistant Container (FRC) Protects against aircraft fires VRR has been developing and optimizing its fire resistant containers for years. If you are interested in finding a solution that fits your needs, visit our product page for fireproof air containers.

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Basic Fire Hazards In Aircraft

Ben Lakerveld studied as an industrial designer. He joined VRR in 2010 as an engineer. Over the years, he gained sales skills and eventually took on the role of sales manager. Currently fully responsible for the sales and marketing department, including marketing activities. He also looks after some of VRR's key customers and supports the sales and marketing team when needed.

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