WHERE DOES LITHIUM FIT INTO THE FIRE TRIANGLE?
The fire triangle is a simple model that illustrates the three essential components required for a fire to occur. These components are fuel, heat, and oxygen. The fire triangle helps to explain the conditions necessary for combustion and is a useful tool in fire safety and prevention. Here's a breakdown of each component:
Fuel:
This is any material that can burn. It could be wood, paper, gasoline, or any other substance that is capable of undergoing
combustion.
Heat:
Heat is the energy needed to raise the temperature of the fuel to a point where it will ignite. Heat can come from various sources, such as an open flame, a spark, or a hot surface.
Oxygen:
Oxygen is a crucial element for combustion. It supports the chemical reaction between the fuel and heat. In the context of fire, oxygen is often present in the air.
The absence of any of these three components will prevent or extinguish a fire. This concept is foundational in fire safety education and firefighting strategies. However in addition to the fire triangle, there is another model known as the "fire tetrahedron," which includes a fourth component: a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction is the process by which the fuel undergoes a transformation that releases energy in the form of heat and light, sustaining the fire. This is what occurs in a Lithium battery fire.
So what is Lithium?
Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, and it must be stored in mineral oil. When cut, it exhibits a metallic luster, but it tarnishes in air due to reaction with oxygen and moisture.
Lithium and its compounds have several industrial applications:
Batteries: Perhaps the most well-known use of lithium is in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops ,e-scooters, e-bikes and electric vehicles due to their high energy density.
Medicine: Lithium compounds, particularly lithium carbonate, are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers.
Industrial Greases: Lithium-based greases are widely used in various industries for lubricating purposes.
Alloys: Lithium is used as an alloying agent in the production of certain types of aluminum alloys, making them stronger and more corrosion-resistant.
Nuclear Applications: Lithium-6 is used as a component in the production of tritium, which is a key component in the production of hydrogen bombs.
There are mixed opinions as to the best method to remove the heat in the event of a lithium battery fire. Some say water works best to cool the battery and others a foam or dry chemical extinguisher.
It's important to note that while lithium has numerous industrial applications, it is also important to handle it with care due to its reactivity and flammability.
Silver Skoda - driver tailgated although able to overtake then on taking a corner, overtook and then put his brakes on - police aware of him.