Feb 21, 2020 Pageview:950
There stands no doubt in the fact that lithium ion batteries are enjoying their share of popularity in all the sectors. The manufacturers and suppliers of automobile industries prefer lithium ion batteries for the source of power generation. In today’s time, these batteries are commonly getting used in mobile phones, laptops, electric cars, toys, electric bikes, etc.
What are dot lithium ion battery regulations in 2019?
It is true that today batteries have more power than ever before; this is the main reason why there is an increase in the number of high powered devices available in the market. The industries using lithium ion batteries are continually growing each day. But nobody can deny the fact that with increased power, there come greater risks as well and the need to manage and control the risk.
The lithium ion batteries are considered as a hazardous material under the Department of Transportation. The hazardous material regulations are imposed on all those materials that have the capability of evoking undesirable risks to property, safety, and health when they are transported. Therefore, the lithium ion batteries must meet all the safety requirements when they are put for transportation via rail, water, air, or highway.
Well, there is no point of doubt in the fact that due to the components and uses of lithium ion batteries, it contains chemical hazards and electrical hazards both at the same time. The dangers that are attached to these batteries are serious and have the potential to cause huge losses. The dangers can range from electrical shock to fire and chemical burn as well.
It is true that batteries can prove to be highly dangerous if they are not safely packed and handled when they are transported from one place to another. The causes of fire from lithium ion batteries are listed below:
Misuse of lithium batteries
Mishandling
Improper packaging
Improper storage
Overcharged lithium batteries
Overheated lithium batteries
Defective batteries
Short circuits
Most of the lithium batteries that are being manufactured today contain an electrolyte that is flammable and they also have high energy density levels. Therefore these batteries can overheat sometimes and ignite under particular situations. Once ignited, it can be really difficult to extinguish the fire. The lithium ion batteries are also open to thermal runaway, which is a chain reaction, and it can result in a violent release of energy.
The department of transportation has released some regulations for the safe transportation of lithium batteries. It includes adding marks and labels on the shipments of lithium batteries when they are transported through air, road, and rail.
The new regulations restrict the transport of lithium ion batteries and cells as cargo on all the passenger aircraft.
The lithium ion batteries and cells are required to be shipped at no more than 30 percent state of charge
It limits the use of all alternative provisions for small lithium ion battery or cell shipments to just one package on each consignment.
The regulations do not limit the crew members or passengers to take their personal items or any electronic device that contains lithium batteries or cells in the aircraft.
How do you ship lithium ion battery by ground?
Since the transportation of lithium ion batteries and cells involves high risks, there are some regulations framed for the transportation of lithium batteries via ground. You are required to put marks and labels in case if you are shipping these batteries via rail, road, or highway.
The requirements of labeling and marking can vary, and it depends upon the type of lithium ion battery you are shipping. It includes both lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries. The additional labeling will also differ when the batteries are transported without its equipment, batteries that are packed with equipment and equipment that contain the batteries.
The shipments of lithium ion batteries and cells were previously required to display the mark of lithium battery, but according to the revised rules and regulations, the shipment should have proper labeling as well.
Does shipping damage lithium ion battery?
The manufacturers and suppliers of lithium ion batteries and cells usually have a query regarding the damage of batteries while shipping. Well, the answer to the question of whether lithium batteries will get damage or not totally depends upon two factors, these are packaging and storage.
One of the major risks attached to the shipping of lithium ion batteries is short circuits. A short circuit can take place when the terminals of the battery come in the contact of other battery, conductive surfaces, or with any metal object. You are required to use some protections while transporting the lithium ion batteries so that overheating or short circuits can be avoided.
It suggested that you should pack each lithium ion battery or lithium powered device in a fully enclosed packing that is made up of non-conductive material like a plastic bag. You should pack the batteries in such a manner that it remains separated. You need to careful that no two lithium ion batteries should come in contact with other battery or device or any conductive material. Make sure that the exposed connectors or terminals are fully protected by non-conductive caps and non-conductive tape or by any other suitable means.
The outer packaging of lithium ion batteries and cells should not be treated as the sole means of protection against short circuits or damages. It is suggested that you should securely cushion the batteries in the packaging in order to transport the batteries in a safe manner.
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