Key Controversial Topics Regarding Automotive Fire Blankets
Effectiveness on High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Fires (The Core Controversy)
This is the most significant and debated issue, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).
The Argument For: Proponents argue that fire blankets can help by:
1.Starving the Fire of Oxygen: Smothering the flames from the external fire.
2.Containing the Eruption: Helping to direct thermal runaway gases and projectiles upwards, potentially protecting surrounding areas.
3.Cooling Effect: Some blankets are designed to absorb heat, which may slow the reaction.
The Argument Against: Critics and many fire safety experts highlight major limitations:
1.Inability to Stop Thermal Runaway: A lithium-ion battery fire is a chemical reaction that produces its own oxygen. Smothering it does not stop the internal chain reaction. The fire can continue to burn underneath the blanket.
2.Re-ignition Risk: The battery pack can continue to generate heat and flammable gases for hours or even days. Removing the blanket can reintroduce oxygen, causing a sudden re-ignition or explosion.
3.False Sense of Security: The blanket might appear to extinguish the visible flames, while the battery continues to burn internally, creating a hidden hazard for first responders and recovery crews.
"I feel that all the controversies surrounding automotive fire blankets are essentially testing the quality of the blankets themselves. If you need materials for automotive fire blankets, we can provide samples. You can conduct experiments. Let the data do the talking! You have nothing to lose!"