Lithium-Ion Batteries as Ignition Sources in Waste Treatment Processes—A Semi-Quantitate Risk Analysis and Assessment of Battery-Caused Waste Fires

Abstract

Increasing occurrences of waste fires that are caused by improperly discarded lithium-based portable batteries threaten the whole waste management sector in numerous countries. Studies showed that high quantities of these batteries have been found in several municipal solid waste streams in recent years in Austria. This article reveals the main influence factors on the risk of lithium-based batteries in their end-of-life and it focuses on the quantification of damages to portable batteries during waste treatment processes. Hazards are identified and analysed and potential risks in waste management systems are comprehensively assessed. In two scenarios, the results showed that the potential risks are too high to maintain a sustainable form of waste management. According to the assessment, a small fire in a collection vehicle is located in the risk graph’s yellow region (as low as reasonably practicable, ALARP), while a fully developed fire in a treatment plant has to be classified as an unacceptable risk (red region of risk graph). Finally, basic recommendations for action were made.

Battery deactivation with redox shuttles for safe and efficient recycling

“…However, it cannot discharge LIBs with disconnected electrical circuits due to the operation of safety devices such as a current interrupt device (CID) or deactivates deposited Li, which is often electrically disconnected from the electrode. If such LIBs are sent to the crushing step without being sufficiently deactivated, hazards may arise due to their residual voltage, as described above and reported in previous studies 9 , 15 . Currently, these LIBs can only be rendered safe through roasting, resulting in increased CO 2 emissions and reduced recycling efficiency.…”

“…In hydrometallurgical or direct recycling approaches, preventing safety risk is of paramount importance, especially in light of the recent increase in fires caused by improper treatment of spent LIBs 8 , 9 . These hazards primarily originate from the voltage or energy remaining in spent LIBs.…”

Fires in Waste Treatment Facilities: Challenges and Solutions from a Fire Investigation Perspective

“…For example, Browne et al [16], Gray et al [17], Ibrahim et al [18], Li et al [19], Blijderveen et al [20], and Wang et al [21] have studied the spontaneous combustion, ignition mechanisms, and fire risks of wood, hay, and fiber waste. Lisbona et al [22], Nigl et al [23,24], and Velázquez-Martínez et al [25] have discussed the ignition mecha-nisms of lithium batteries, such as thermal runaway or internal short circuits, aiming to identify ways to prevent disasters during the recycling, storage, and handling processes. Martin et al [26] have explored the hazards associated with the disposal of aluminum production waste in landfills and proposed monitoring methods for early fire detection, facilitating effective response measures.…”

Multi-Risk Assessment of Mine Lithium Battery Fire Based on Quantitative Factor Characterization

“…Meanwhile, considering the characteristic parameters and reaction mechanism, the risk index of thermal runaway of lithium battery has been proposed based on the risk assessment theory and applied to the quantitative safety assessment of lithium battery [7,8]. Furthermore, the semi quantitative method (LEC) has been employed to conduct safety assessment on the fire caused by the lithium battery disposal process, classify the hazard level of the consequences of fire accident and propose the main prevention directions of lithium battery safety accidents [9,10].…”