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Fire blanket for lithium-ion

SafeQuip launched its newly developed range of high-performance, multi-use lithium-ion battery fire blankets. These blankets are specifically designed to address fires involving devices with lithium-ion batteries, providing a crucial tool for safety in environments where these batteries are in use.

Developed by AVD Fire, the new fire blankets are engineered to withstand extremely high temperatures in an oxidising atmosphere for prolonged periods. They are robust enough to provide protection against potential debris and shrapnel expelled during a battery fire, ensuring comprehensive safety.

What are fire blankets?

The principle behind the fire blanket – smothering the fire to cut off its oxygen supply – has been understood and used in various forms for centuries. Fire blankets offer a practical and easy-to-use solution for various fires, making them versatile tools for kitchens, garages, and workplaces. They are beneficial due to their simplicity, leaving no mess, and their portability. However, not all fire blankets are created equal, especially when it comes to lithium-ion battery fires, for the following reasons:

• Limited temperature resistance

• Material limitations

• Durability and reusability

• Inadequate for specific fire types

• Ease of use and accessibility

• Lack of specialised features

Benefits of the AVD Fire range

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The AVD Fire blanket range is manufactured using fire-resistant technical fabrics based on the highest temperature-resistant silica glass fibres. These fibres are enhanced with flame deflection protection and abrasion resistance through a variety of proprietary surface coatings. For optimal performance, the non-flammable, vermiculite dispersion mineral-coated glass fabric is overlaid with a sacrificial protective silicone layer.

Features of the high-performance fire blanket

• Material: Constructed from fireproof technical fabric with a fire-resistant coating.

• Edge lining: Reinforced multi-layered edge lining for enhanced durability.

• Eyelets: Equipped with eyelets for easy tethering or suspending.

• Stitching: Utilises fire-resistant industrial stitching for added strength.

• Handling: Includes handling loops on all corners for convenient use.

• Multi-use: Designed for multiple uses without compromising safety.

Temperature resistance

• No rupture of the fabric after several hours at 1000°C.

• No rupture of the fabric after 30 minutes at 1200°C.

• Fabric becomes brittle after 30 minutes at 1300°C to 1500°C.

The specially designed AVD Lith-Ex blankets, available from SafeQuip, can withstand temperatures up to 1400°C for extended periods, making them ideal for covering a burning lithium-ion battery and allowing it to burn safely underneath the blanket. These blankets contain the flames, control the burn, prevent flying debris, and ensure the fire does not propagate to other areas.

For more information, contact SafeQuip, +27 11 397 7723, info@safequip.co.za, www.safequip.co.za

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