System and method for suppression of lithium based fires

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a method and system for producing a fire suppression medium. The method includes introducing a solvent and an alkali metal or alkali metal salt into a mixer and dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. The method further includes filtering and analyzing the sample of the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not have sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes introducing and dissolving an additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution has sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt to produce and collect a saturated alkali metal solution.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480042083.2 (22) Application Date 2024.06.21 (30) Priority Data 63 / 522,781 2023.06.23 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.23 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / CA2024 / 050839 2024.06.21 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 259536 EN 2024.12.26 (71) Applicant: All-Cycle Lithium Corporation Address: Ontario, Canada (72) Inventors: W.L. Bulsieer, R.T. Collin (74) Patent Agency: Yongxin Patent & Trademark Agency Co., Ltd. 72002 Patent Attorney Wang Qiongxian (51) Int.Cl. B01F 21 / 10 (2006.01) A62D 1 / 00 ​​(2006.01) (54) Invention Title: System and Method for Suppressing Lithium-Based Fires (57) Abstract: This disclosure describes a method and system for producing a fire suppressing medium. The method includes introducing a solvent and an alkali metal or alkali metal salt into a mixer and dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. The method also includes filtering and analyzing a sample of the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not have a sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes introducing and dissolving an additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution has a sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt to produce and collect a saturated alkali metal solution.Claims (3 pages), Description (13 pages), Drawings (10 pages), CN 121398900 A 2026.01.23 CN 1 21 39 89 00 A 1. A method for producing a fire suppressant, comprising: introducing a solvent into a mixer; introducing an alkali metal or a salt of said alkali metal into the mixer; dissolving said alkali metal or alkali metal salt in said solvent to produce an alkali metal solution; filtering a sample of said alkali metal solution; analyzing a sample of said alkali metal solution after filtration; if the filtered alkali metal solution does not have sufficient alkali metal content: introducing additional solid alkali metal or said alkali metal salt into the mixer; dissolving said additional solid alkali metal or said alkali metal salt into said alkali metal solution; and further analyzing a second sample of said alkali metal solution for sufficient alkali metal content; if said filtered alkali metal solution has said sufficient alkali metal content: filtering said alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt to produce a saturated alkali metal solution; and collecting said saturated alkali metal solution. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising collecting the residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising reintroducing the residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein dissolving the alkali metal or the alkali metal salt in the solvent comprises stirring the alkali metal solution with a stirrer in the mixer. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solvent is water. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt. 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sufficient alkali metal content is at least 2,200 mg / L. 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sufficient alkali metal content is between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L. 12. A system for producing a fire suppressant, comprising: a mixer configured to receive a solvent and an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal to dissolve the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution; and a filter fluidly connected to the mixer, the filter configured to separate residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt from the alkali metal solution, leaving a saturated alkali metal solution. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mixer includes a stirrer.14. The system of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a reservoir for the solvent. 15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a reservoir for the alkali metal or the alkali metal salt. 16. The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the solvent is water. 17. The system of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. 18. The system of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt. 20. The system of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. 21. The system of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L. 22. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has a lithium content between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L. 23. A fire suppressant comprising: a saturated alkali metal solution, the saturated alkali metal solution comprising: a solvent; and an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal dissolved in the solvent; wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L. 24. The fire suppressant according to claim 23, wherein the solvent is water. 25. The fire suppressant according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. 26. The fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 27. The fire suppressant according to claim 26, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt. 28. The fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. 29. The fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of less than 2,500 mg / L. 30. A fire extinguisher comprising the fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 29. 31. The fire extinguisher according to claim 30, wherein the fire extinguisher is portable. 32. The fire extinguisher according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the fire extinguisher has a volume of 2.5 gallons. 33. A pressurized gas fire suppression system comprising a pressurized gas fire retardant source and the fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 29. 34. An engineered fire suppression system comprising an inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor comprises the fire suppressant according to any one of claims 23 to 29.35. A carrying bucket comprising a fire suppressant medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the carrying bucket being configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineering fire suppression system. 36. A bucket comprising a fire suppressant medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the bucket being configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineering fire suppression system. 37. A transport box comprising a fire suppressant medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the transport box being configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineering fire suppression system. 38. A bulk container comprising a fire suppressant medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the bulk container being configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineering fire suppression system. 39. A bulk transport container comprising the fire suppressant medium of any one of claims 23 to 29, the bulk transport container being configured to transport at least one of the following: lithium fire residue, damaged lithium-ion batteries, and suspected damaged lithium-ion batteries. 40. A composition for use as a fire suppressant medium, the composition comprising a solution, the solution further comprising an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent. 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the solvent is water. 42. The composition of claim 40 or 41, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. 43. The composition of any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 44. The composition of claim 43, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt. 45. The composition of any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. 46. The composition of any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L. 47. The composition according to any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L. 48. Use of the composition for inhibiting, preventing, extinguishing, or extinguishing fires, the composition comprising a solution, the solution further comprising an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent. 49. The use according to claim 48, wherein the solvent is water. 50. The use according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. 51. The use according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the alkali metal is lithium. 52. The use according to claim 51, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt. 53. The use according to any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride.54. The use according to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L. 55. The use according to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121398900 A Systems and Methods for Suppressing Lithium-Based Fires Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for producing alkali metal solutions and their use in preventing, extinguishing, suppressing, or extinguishing fires, and more particularly to systems and methods for preventing, suppressing, extinguishing, or extinguishing lithium-based fires. Background Art

[0002] To reduce carbon emissions globally, key steps in developing electric vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, trains, scooters, and all other forms of electric transportation) (collectively, "EVs") and the EV industry, alternative energy sources (such as wind and solar power), portable computers and telephones, and all kinds of tools and machinery involve the development of energy storage units, such as lithium-ion batteries (single-cell "LIBs" and multi-cell "LIBs"). However, LIBs contain potentially hazardous chemical components and stored energy. Therefore, there are hazards associated with the use, charging, and recycling of LIBs, including but not limited to fire hazards. Other hazards include unintentional or uncontrolled discharge of residual stored energy that could lead to fire or explosion, and, among other things, the release of toxic chemicals such as flammable hydrogen and hydrogen fluoride.

[0003] A LIB contains residual energy proportional to the amount of elemental lithium remaining on its anode. Under normal use as a battery, this energy is safely released as an electric current. This energy can still be contained to some extent within the battery and must be taken into account to avoid a sudden release as heat, which could be explosive and potentially ignite a fire if the LIB is damaged. Once started, a fire consumes other battery materials, such as the electrolyte solution and battery separators, which can also oxidize and lead to potentially harmful reactions.

[0004] Damage to the LIB can be caused by various environmental conditions, including but not limited to collisions with the EV. A LIB fire may occur in cases where the LIB may be ignited due to a collision or other accident. Even if the initial fire is extinguished using conventional means such as water or carbon dioxide, the LIB may reignite at a later time. For example, even if the initial fire is extinguished at the collision site and after the EV is towed to an external location, it may reignite hours or even days later due to the escaping lithium oxidation reaction, as energy is still contained within the battery and ongoing reactions may still be present within the LIB. Not only is extinguishing the initial fire important, but preventing future reignition of the LIB is also crucial.

[0005] According to a broad aspect of the invention, a method for producing a fire suppressant is provided. The method includes introducing a solvent into a mixer and introducing an alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer. The method further includes dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. The method further includes filtering a sample of the alkali metal solution and analyzing the filtered sample of the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not have a sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes introducing additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer and dissolving the additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the alkali metal solution. A second sample of the alkali metal solution is then analyzed to determine the sufficient alkali metal content. If the filtered alkali metal solution has a sufficient alkali metal content, the method includes filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt to produce a saturated alkali metal solution and collecting the saturated alkali metal solution.

[0006] In one feature, the method may further include collecting residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

[0007] In another feature, the method may further include reintroducing the residual alkali metal or metal salt into the mixer.

[0008] In one feature, dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in a solvent may include stirring the alkali metal solution in the mixer with a stirrer.

[0009] In another feature, the solvent may be water.

[0010] In yet another feature, the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt.

[0011] In another feature, the alkali metal is lithium.

[0012] In yet another feature, lithium is a lithium salt.

[0013] In yet another feature, the alkali metal salt may include lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0014] In yet another feature, a sufficient alkali metal content is at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0015] In yet another feature, the sufficient alkali metal content is between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

[0016] According to a broad aspect of the invention, a system for producing a fire suppressant is provided. The system includes a mixer, wherein the mixer receives a solvent and an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt. The mixer further dissolves the alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. The system also includes a filter. The filter is fluidly connected to the mixer, and the filter separates residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt from the alkali metal solution, leaving a saturated alkali metal solution.

[0017] In one feature, the mixer may include a stirrer.

[0018] In another feature, the system may include a reservoir for the solvent.

[0019] In yet another feature, the system may include a reservoir for the alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

[0020] In one feature, the solvent may be water.

[0021] In another feature, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0022] In yet another feature, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0023] In yet another feature, lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0024] In yet another feature, the alkali metal salt may include lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0025] In one feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0026] In another feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

[0027] According to a broad aspect of the invention, a fire suppressing medium is provided. The fire suppressing medium comprises a saturated alkali metal solution. The saturated alkali metal solution comprises a solvent and an alkali metal or alkali metal salt dissolved in the solvent. The saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0028] In one feature, the solvent may be water.

[0029] In another feature, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0030] In yet another feature, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0031] In another feature, lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0032] In yet another feature, the alkali metal salt may include lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0033] In another embodiment, the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of less than 2,500 mg / L.

[0034] In one feature, the fire extinguisher includes a fire suppressing medium.

[0035] In another feature, the fire extinguisher is portable. Specification 2 / 13 pages 6 CN 121398900 A

[0036] In yet another feature, the fire extinguisher has a volume of 2.5 gallons.

[0037] In another feature, the pressurized gas fire suppression system includes a pressurized gas fire retardant source and a fire suppressing medium.

[0038] In another feature, the engineered fire suppression system includes an inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor includes the fire suppression medium.

[0039] In another feature, the bucket includes a fire suppression medium, wherein the bucket is configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

[0040] In another feature, the large drum / bucket includes a fire suppression medium, wherein the drum is configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

[0041] In yet another feature, the transport box includes a fire suppression medium, wherein the transport box is configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

[0042] In yet another feature, the bulk container includes a fire suppression medium, wherein the bulk container is configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

[0043] In yet another feature, the bulk transport container includes a fire suppressant medium, wherein the bulk transport container is configured to transport at least one of lithium fire residue, damaged lithium-ion batteries, and suspected damaged lithium-ion batteries.

[0044] According to a broad aspect of the invention, a composition for use as a fire suppressant medium is provided. The composition comprises a solution. The solution comprises an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent.

[0045] In one feature, the solvent may be water.

[0046] In another feature, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0047] In yet another feature, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0048] In yet another feature, lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0049] In yet another feature, the alkali metal salt may include lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of the alkali metal salts.

[0050] In one feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0051] In another feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

[0052] According to a broad aspect of the invention, the composition is provided for use in suppressing or extinguishing fires. The composition comprises a solution. The solution comprises an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent.

[0053] In one feature, the solvent may be water.

[0054] In another feature, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0055] In yet another feature, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0056] In yet another feature, the lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0057] In yet another feature, the alkali metal salt may include lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0058] In one feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0059] In another feature, the saturated alkali metal solution may have an alkali metal content between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood by referring to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Specification 3 / 13 pages 7 CN 121398900 A Figure 1 depicts an example system for producing a fire suppressant medium for suppressing lithium-based fires and preventing escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 2A depicts an example method for producing a fire suppressant medium for suppressing lithium-based fires and preventing escape from lithium oxidation reactions according to the example system in Figure 1; Figure 2B depicts an alternative method for producing a fire suppressant medium for suppressing lithium-based fires and preventing escape from lithium oxidation reactions according to the example system in Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts an example method for using a fire suppressant medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 4 depicts another method for using a fire suppressant medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 5 depicts an example of a fire extinguisher before and after modification using a fire suppressant medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 6 depicts another example of a fire extinguisher before and after modification using a fire suppressing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 7 depicts an example of a pressurized gas fire suppressing system using a fire suppressing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; Figure 8 depicts an example fire extinguisher product after modification using a fire suppressing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent escape from lithium oxidation reactions; and Figure 9 depicts an example of a transport container for lithium-based fire residues. Detailed Description

[0061] The following description and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of example illustrating one or more specific embodiments of the principles and aspects of the invention. These embodiments are provided to explain, rather than limit, those principles of the invention. In the following description, the same parts are labeled with the same corresponding reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, an alkali metal (or salt thereof) solution is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a lithium or lithium salt solution is provided. In a more preferred embodiment, a lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, or lithium bicarbonate solution is provided. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a lithium solution is provided that can be used to suppress, extinguish, extinguish, and / or prevent further fires associated with lithium-based fires or fires originating from LIBs. Those skilled in the art will understand that a lithium-based fire is a fire involving lithium and includes fires caused by the ignition of lithium and fires caused by the ignition of other elements or the environment in the presence of lithium. Examples of lithium-based fires may include, but are not limited to, lithium storage areas in fire and LIBs ignited due to trauma. Other examples of lithium-based fires will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0063] As a general overview, a method for preparing an alkali metal (or its salt) solution, more preferably a saturated lithium solution, is also provided, which, in a preferred embodiment, can be used as a fire suppressor, extinguisher, or extinguishing medium for lithium-based fires or fires originating from LIBs. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms “suppress,” “extinguish,” “extinguish,” etc., are used interchangeably to refer to eliminating, reducing, or diminishing the activity, severity, or intensity of a fire. The alkali metal (or its salt) solution can also be used as a fire retardant. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term “fire retardant” can be used to refer to preventing ignition or sparking. The method generally involves introducing an alkali metal (or its salt) into a solvent or solution (also referred to herein as a liquid solvent or solution) and dissolving the alkali metal or its corresponding salt in said solvent or solution to produce an alkali metal or its corresponding salt solution. In a preferred embodiment, the alkali metal is lithium and its corresponding salt. In another preferred embodiment, the lithium salt may be selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. In yet another more preferred embodiment, the lithium salt is lithium carbonate. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "alkali metal," "alkali metal salt," and "lithium" are used interchangeably to refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. The specification is intended to discuss preferred embodiments of the invention, but those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments are included in the disclosure.

[0064] The alkali metal or its salt (e.g., but not limited to lithium carbonate) solution can then undergo a residence time during which dissolution continues to occur, allowing the alkali metal or its salt solution to be further saturated with any remaining alkali metal (e.g., but not limited to lithium carbonate particles). After the duration of the residence time, the remaining lithium carbonate particles are then filtered out, allowing the collection of the lithium carbonate solution. The resulting lithium carbonate solution can then be used in fire suppression devices, such as handheld fire extinguishers or pressurized gas fire suppression systems, to extinguish lithium-based fires and prevent escaped lithium oxidation reactions.

[0065] When suppressing lithium- or other LIB-based fires, using a solution of the alkali metal or its salt of the invention as a fire suppression medium may be advantageous because it further prevents escaped oxidation reactions. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, fire suppression, extinguishing, or fire suppression observed in embodiments of the present invention, particularly LIB-derived fires, may involve reduction, inhibition, etc., of alkali metal-based (e.g., lithium) oxidation reactions. For example, lithium-based fires can include fires involving LIBs or other lithium-based batteries. Fires can occur due to lithium-based automotive batteries in electric vehicles igniting during a collision, or in situations where lithium-based batteries may be subjected to trauma or other extreme environmental conditions. Fires can also occur in the presence of a sudden or explosive release of heat. Once ignited, a fire can consume other battery materials, such as the electrolyte solution and battery separators, which may also oxidize and lead to potentially harmful reactions.

[0066] The lithium oxidation reaction can be a spark that ignites other combustible materials. The total heat generated by the fire may be only partly due to the heat released during lithium oxidation. Most of the released energy may come from the ignition and combustion of other combustible materials.

[0067] When using prior art or other forms of fire suppression media to extinguish lithium-based fires, the initial fire or fire caused by other combustible materials may be extinguished. Lithium oxidation may continue to occur and may lead to further exothermic reactions. This may lead to the re-ignition of the fire after the prior art fire suppression media has been removed or evaporated. For example, when extinguishing a fire involving a LIB, prior art systems may involve immersing the LIB in water, an aqueous solvent, or a solution. Water, an aqueous solvent, or a solution can oxidize elemental lithium on the anode, quantitatively releasing lithium for collection, but also releasing heat. Prior art aqueous solvents or solutions can hydrolyze in the reaction to produce hydrogen. The reaction is faster and more energetic in the presence of an oxidizing (aerated) aqueous solvent or solution that supplies the oxidant in the form of oxygen. However, the reaction can also be carried out in the presence of water, an aqueous solvent, or a solution without oxygen, where the aqueous solvent or solution can act as an oxidant. This reaction releases about 40% less heat than the reaction using free oxygen, but it releases hydrogen (which is not released when oxygen is present), which can then be used for further reactions and pose its own danger. When prior art aqueous solvents or solutions are applied to lithium-based fires, the following reactions may occur. In the first reaction, water is the lithium oxidant. In the second reaction, water and oxygen are lithium oxide.

[0068] As can be seen from the above reactions, the addition of water accelerates the reaction because it acts as an oxidant. The addition of oxygen further accelerates the reaction because it acts as a catalyst that further increases the reaction.

[0069] When using the alkali metal or its salt solution of the present invention (preferably a saturated lithium solution, and more preferably a saturated lithium carbonate solution), the degree of heat-generating reaction can be greatly reduced. Specifically, the amount of heating can be reduced, and hydrogen is often not visible. Furthermore, by using an alkali metal solution (preferably a lithium solution, and more preferably a saturated lithium carbonate solution), lithium in the fire can be prevented from participating in further reactions, thereby preventing escaped lithium oxidation reactions. When the solution of the present invention is applied to a lithium-based fire, the two reactions described above may not occur (or will be reduced) because the solution prevents further oxidation and exothermic reaction of lithium near the fire. Specification 5 / 13 pages 9 CN 121398900 A

[0070] Figure 1 depicts a system 100 for producing a saturated lithium-based liquid aqueous solution. The system 100 includes a liquid aqueous solvent or solution storage tank 104 (also referred to herein as tank 104 or can 104), which is connected to a mixer 120 via an aqueous solvent or solution or liquid feed line 108 (also referred to herein as feed line 108), thereby allowing the aqueous solvent or solution to be sent from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120.System 100 also includes a solid lithium storage tank 112 (also referred to herein as storage tank 112) connected to mixer 120 via lithium feed line 116. Preferred lithium salts may also include lithium chloride and lithium bicarbonate. Mixer 120 allows solid lithium to be dissolved in an aqueous solvent or solution for a predetermined residence time to produce a mixture of lithium solution and solid lithium. The predetermined residence time for dissolving solid lithium in the aqueous solvent or solution allows the lithium solution to become saturated. Mixer 120 is fluidly connected to filter 128, where any residual solid lithium can be extracted or filtered out from the mixture of lithium solution and solid lithium. The resulting saturated liquid lithium solution can then be collected in tank 136 via collector line 132. Residual solid lithium carbonate extracted or filtered out can be collected in storage tank 144 via collector line 140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while system 100 depicts the production of saturated lithium-based aqueous solutions using solid lithium, other embodiments of system 100 can produce saturated alkali metal-based aqueous solutions using solid alkali metals.

[0071] In this embodiment, an aqueous solvent or solution may be supplied from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120 via the feed line 108. The aqueous solvent or solution is preferably water. In a more preferred embodiment, purified water with a total dissolved salt content of less than 100 mg / L and a total suspended solids content of less than 25 mg / L may be used. Aqueous solvents with low levels of impurities, such as purified water, are preferred to avoid precipitation of unwanted solids. The storage tank 104 may be a container of any size for storing the liquid and may be readily available commercially. In an alternative embodiment, the storage tank 104 may also store the liquid under pressure. In other further embodiments, the storage tank 104 may be another liquid source, such as a continuous source of said liquid (not shown) or a water main line (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that solutions or solvents of different sources and types may be used in the system 100.

[0072] The feed line 108 fluidly connects the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120 and provides a conduit for conveying liquid from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120. In the current embodiment, feed line 108 may be a pipeline. In other embodiments, feed line 108 may include a valve positioned along feed line 108 to allow control of the flow of an aqueous solvent or solution from tank 104 to mixer 120. When solid lithium carbonate and the aqueous solvent or solution are mixed in mixer 120, the valve will further allow control of specific volumes of the aqueous solvent or solution. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different valve types and different feed lines can be combined with each other for the controlled delivery and flow of liquid from tank 104 to mixer 120. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other forms of delivery of the aqueous solvent or solution are possible, depending on the source of the aqueous solvent or solution from tank 104.For example, an aqueous solvent or solution can be simply manually fed from the storage tank 104 in the container to the mixer 120.

[0073] The solid lithium storage tank 112 stores solid lithium (preferably lithium carbonate) and provides a source of solid lithium to be fed to the mixer 120 via the lithium feed line 116. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the solid lithium storage tank 112 can store any alkali metal. However, in a more preferred embodiment, the solid lithium or solid lithium carbonate is in particles with a particle size of less than 25 micrometers. The larger surface area of ​​the lithium particles will provide greater effectiveness when the lithium particles are dissolved in an aqueous solvent or solution. The solid lithium can also be derived from all different types of commercially available lithium. For example, commercially available industrial-grade lithium carbonate can be used, or alternatively, other lower-grade unspecified compositions containing alkali metals or preferably lithium can be used. Impurities from the battery electrolyte solution and other battery materials may be present in small or trace amounts, which may not affect the fire suppression effect of the resulting saturated lithium solution produced by system 100, as further described below. Therefore, the contaminated lithium carbonate byproduct stream generated by battery recycling can be used as a source of solid lithium to be stored in solid lithium storage 112 for use in system 100. Alternatively, as will be further described below, solid lithium can be recovered after using a saturated liquid lithium solution as a fire suppressant and stored in solid lithium storage 112 for further use. Solid lithium storage 112 can be any container that keeps solid lithium dry. In some embodiments, solid lithium carbonate storage 112 can even be temperature and humidity controlled to ensure that solid lithium does not become wet. In other embodiments, solid lithium storage 112 can be a simple container. Solid lithium storage 112 can also be able to receive solid lithium from other sources and can act as a local storage before the solid lithium is sent to mixer 120.

[0074] Lithium feed line 116 provides a conduit for conveying solid lithium from solid lithium storage 112 to mixer 120. In some embodiments, lithium feed line 116 can be a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the lithium feed line 116 may be a gravity feed line. Those skilled in the art will recognize different potential embodiments of the lithium feed line 116 for conveying solid materials. Solid lithium particles may be dispersed into the mixer 120 via the feed line 116. In some embodiments, the lithium feed line 116 may include valves or other flow control mechanisms positioned along the lithium feed line 116 to control the flow and amount of solid lithium dispersed into the mixer 120. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lithium feed line 116 may be replaced by a separate element for spraying solid lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) into the mixer 120. In another alternative embodiment, the lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) may be sprayed or dispersed onto the mixer 120.In another alternative embodiment, lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) may be supplied as a slurry to mixer 120. Those skilled in the art will recognize the different delivery methods and / or different embodiments of the lithium feed line 116 that may be used.

[0075] Mixer 120 is configured to receive both a liquid solvent or solution and solid lithium, and to allow the liquid lithium and solid lithium to mix, and further to allow the solid lithium to dissolve in the liquid for a predetermined residence time to produce a mixture of saturated lithium solution and residual solid lithium. In an alternative embodiment, mixer 120 may include a stirrer or other device to further assist the dissolution process. Adding a stirrer or other device may further increase the efficiency of the dissolution process and / or reduce the amount of residence time required to achieve a suitable saturation level. The dissolution process and the saturation process will be discussed further below.

[0076] In other embodiments, system 100 may also include additional devices (not shown) for additional saturation to occur. Having additional devices, such as a holding container, will allow mixer 120 to further receive additional solid lithium and aqueous solvent or solution for the dissolution process, while allowing individual batches of the mixture to undergo the saturation process.

[0077] Once the dissolution process and saturation of the liquid lithium solution are complete, filter 128 can collect the resulting mixture of undissolved residual solid lithium and saturated lithium solution, wherein filter 128 is configured to separate the residual solid lithium from the saturated lithium solution. In a preferred embodiment, filter 128 is capable of filtering out particles of 5 micrometers or larger. In other embodiments of system 100, filter 128 may be replaced by other devices or apparatus capable of separating residual solid lithium from the liquid saturated lithium solution. For example, in some embodiments, system 100 may include a centrifuge and use centrifugal force to separate particles from the saturated lithium solution. Those skilled in the art will recognize the different mechanisms that may be included in system 100 to separate the saturated liquid lithium solution from the residual solid lithium.

[0078] Tank 136 is configured to receive the resulting saturated liquid lithium solution, which may be used for lithium-based fire extinguishing purposes, via collector line 132. Tank 136 may be any commercially available vessel or container for containing the saturated liquid lithium solution. Collector line 132 can be any conduit capable of receiving a saturated liquid lithium solution from filter 128 and conveying it to storage tank 136. Collector line 132 may also include valves along its length to control the flow of the saturated liquid lithium solution.

[0079] Storage tank 144 is configured to receive residual solid lithium filtered from filter 128. Storage tank 144 may receive the residual solid lithium via collector line 140. Collector line 140 can be any conveying system that moves the residual solid lithium from filter 128 to storage tank 144. Examples include conveyor belts or gravity feed lines, or alternatively, a user may manually remove the solids from filter 128 and transport them to storage tank 144.

[0080] Figure 2A depicts a method 200 for producing a fire suppressant medium for extinguishing lithium-based fires and preventing escape from lithium oxidation reactions. Specification 7 / 13 pages 11 CN 121398900 A

[0081] Block 205 depicts the introduction of liquid from tank 104 into mixer 120 via liquid feed line 108. Block 210 depicts the introduction of solid lithium from lithium storage 112 into mixer 120 via lithium feed line 116.

[0082] As previously described, in some embodiments, the solid lithium is in the form of powder and / or granules, which can be dispersed, sprayed, or fed as a slurry onto the liquid in mixer 120. The dispersion of solid lithium particles onto the liquid in mixer 120 can improve the dissolution efficiency of the solid lithium particles in the liquid. Furthermore, in other embodiments (not shown), other alkali metals can be introduced into the liquid in mixer 120.

[0083] In the current embodiment of method 200, a liquid aqueous solvent or solution is first received through mixer 120, and then lithium particles are dispersed into the aqueous solvent or solution in mixer 120. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that solid lithium may be introduced into mixer 120 first, and then the liquid aqueous solvent or solution may be flushed into mixer 120. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the introduction of solid lithium and aqueous solvent or solution into mixer 120 may occur simultaneously.

[0084] It is also contemplated in other embodiments that lithium storage 112 may store lithium or other alkali metals in different states. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if lithium, lithium carbonate, or other alkali metals are introduced into mixer 120 in a non-solid state, the order of introduction of the aqueous solvent or solution and the non-solid alkali metal can be adjusted based on methods known in the art to optimize mixing.

[0085] Once the liquid and lithium particles have been received in mixer 120, the lithium particles will begin to dissolve in the liquid water to produce a lithium solution within a predetermined residence time. This is depicted at box 215.

[0086] The dissolution process can be provided as follows: where the dissolved solid lithium carbonate exists in the solution as ionized lithium ions and bicarbonate ions.

[0087] In some embodiments, the dissolution of lithium particles (or other alkali metals, or more preferably lithium carbonate particles) in an aqueous solvent or solution can occur without any external interference; however, in the current embodiment, the dissolution of lithium particles in an aqueous solvent or solution can be further made more efficient by stirring the mixture of lithium particles and the aqueous solvent or solution with a stirrer, thereby reducing the residence time between the lithium particles and the aqueous solvent or solution. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lithium particles can be further effectively dissolved in the aqueous solvent or solution by adjusting the temperature or pressure of the liquid aqueous solvent or solution before introducing it into the mixer 120 or while it is being dissolved in the mixer 120.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the temperature or pressure of the contents of mixer 120 can be adjusted based on the specific aqueous solvent or solution used and the specific alkali metal used. By making dissolution more efficient, higher concentrations of lithium particles can dissolve in the aqueous solvent or solution in a shorter residence time, further saturating the lithium solution.

[0088] The aforementioned factors affecting the efficiency of the dissolution process of solid lithium in the aqueous solvent or solution also affect the predetermined residence time. The predetermined residence time can also be determined and / or influenced based on the concentration of lithium and the amount of liquid aqueous solvent or solution. The duration of residence time can be further influenced based on the efficiency of the method of conveying solid lithium to mixer 120 and the dissolution step. In addition, the duration of residence time may also be influenced by the preferred saturation level of lithium in the resulting lithium solution. Furthermore, a reduction in residence time can also allow for a reduction in production costs. In addition, the duration of residence time can also be influenced based on the particle size of the solid lithium introduced into mixer 120. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various factors that may affect or impact the predetermined residence time, and will also recognize the various factors that may reduce the predetermined residence time. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the factors recognized above may also be affected by the specific aqueous solvent or solution used and the specific alkali metal used (including whether it is lithium or lithium carbonate).

[0089] Fluid saturation can be determined by sampling the mixture over time and analyzing the lithium content. The solution may be saturated when the lithium content in the solution stops rising or stabilizes. In a preferred embodiment, the saturated solution will have a lithium content of 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L. Sampling and analysis of the mixture will be discussed further below. Specification 8 / 13 pages 12 CN 121398900 A

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the solid lithium particles are solid lithium carbonate particles with a particle size of less than 25 micrometers, and the aqueous solvent is purified water, and the predetermined residence time can be at least four hours. During the predetermined residence time, the mixture of solid lithium carbonate particles and purified water can be continuously stirred.

[0091] At box 220, after the predetermined time has elapsed, a sample of the mixture of solid lithium and lithium solution (also referred to herein as lithium mixture) can be extracted for analysis. The sample can be purified of solid lithium by a filter similar to filter 128 or by a similar means of filtering the lithium solution at box 225, the process of which will be discussed further below.

[0092] Once the sample of the lithium solution has been filtered, it can be analyzed to determine the lithium content or its saturation level. Specifically, the lithium solution can be analyzed to determine whether the lithium content is sufficient. This is depicted at box 223. In a preferred embodiment, the lithium content in the saturated lithium solution can be at least 2,200 mg / L.If the filtered sample of the lithium solution does not meet the predetermined saturation level, the amount of additional residence time for dissolution and / or mixing of solid lithium with the aqueous solution and / or solvent can be increased. This is depicted by returning to box 215, after which another sample can be extracted for analysis. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of solid lithium added to the aqueous solution or solvent in mixer 120 can be further increased. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the predetermined saturation level can vary depending on the alkali metal introduced into the solution.

[0093] If, at box 223, the sample of the filtered lithium solution is analyzed and it meets the predetermined saturation level, the mixture of the lithium solution and residual solid lithium particles that have not yet dissolved in mixer 120 can be separated using filter 128, as depicted in box 225. Once filtered, the saturated liquid lithium solution can have a lithium content similar to that of the sample tested at box 223. In a preferred embodiment, once filtered using filter 128, the saturated liquid lithium solution can have a lithium content of at least 1,000 mg / L in the saturated liquid lithium solution. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the total residual suspended solids content of the saturated liquid lithium solution can be less than 1 mg / L. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the total residual suspended solids content can vary depending on the application of the saturated liquid lithium solution. For example, a lower total residual suspended solids content may be required to prevent clogging of the nozzle where the fire suppressant flow may pass through it.

[0094] At block 230, the saturated liquid lithium solution is then collected to supply a series of fire suppressant devices, which will be discussed further below.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 2B, an alternative method for producing a fire suppressant for extinguishing lithium-based fires and preventing or stopping escaped lithium oxidation reactions is provided. For convenience, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 2A and 2B to depict the same steps. Method 200 A is similar to method 200 in all substantial respects, except for the presence of additional block 235.

[0096] Blocks 205, 210, 215, 220, 223, 225, and 230 are performed as described above in the context of method 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Box 235 may occur before, after, or simultaneously with box 230. In the current embodiment, as depicted in FIG2A, box 235 occurs simultaneously with box 230. At box 235, any remaining residual solid lithium carbonate may also be collected for reuse at box 210, where the remaining residual solid lithium carbonate may be reintroduced into an aqueous solvent or solution. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, in alternative embodiments, any remaining residual solid lithium collected may also be used and / or processed for alternative purposes, such as as a raw material for constructing batteries. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, in other embodiments using other alkali metals, any remaining residual alkali metals may also be collected for reuse.

[0097] Figure 3 depicts method 300 as an example method for extinguishing lithium-based fires and preventing or stopping the escape of lithium oxidation reactions using a fire suppressing medium. Box 200 indicates the production of a saturated liquid lithium solution as provided above as method 200.

[0098] Once the saturated liquid lithium solution is ready for use, at box 310, the saturated liquid lithium solution can be included in a fire suppressing device. An example of a fire suppressing device that can use a saturated liquid lithium solution is a handheld fire extinguisher. A handheld fire extinguisher can be filled with a saturated liquid lithium solution under pressure along with other chemicals and / or ingredients and applied to a lithium-based fire, as can be seen at box 315. Specification 9 / 13 pages 13 CN 121398900 A

[0099] More specifically, a handheld fire extinguisher (also referred to herein as a fire extinguisher) can be filled with a mixture of a saturated liquid lithium solution and compressed air, or a mixture of gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide. Specifically, a Class A fire extinguisher for extinguishing lithium-based fires can be manufactured by filling a Class A fire extinguisher canister with a saturated liquid lithium solution and compressed air. A Class B fire extinguisher for extinguishing lithium-based fires can be manufactured by filling a Class B fire extinguisher canister with a saturated lithium solution and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide. A Class C fire extinguisher for extinguishing lithium-based fires can be prepared by filling a Class C fire extinguisher canister with a saturated lithium solution, a layer of liquid carbon dioxide, and a layer of compressed gaseous carbon dioxide.

[0100] Existing fire extinguishers can also be modified to use a saturated liquid lithium solution. Referring to FIG5, an exemplary modification 500 of a fire extinguisher is depicted, wherein a saturated liquid lithium solution is used as a Class A suppression medium. A fire extinguisher 505 having a Class A suppression medium (also referred to herein as a Class A fire extinguisher) may include water and compressed air, wherein water mist and / or water spray are used for extinguishing fires. Class A fire extinguishers are commercially available and known in the art; therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize the composition and function of a Class A fire extinguisher 505. A Class A fire extinguisher 505 can be converted into an improved fire extinguisher 510, which uses a Class A suppression medium comprising a saturated liquid lithium solution and compressed air. More specifically, a Class A fire extinguisher 505 can be converted into an improved Class A fire extinguisher 510 by replacing the water in the fire extinguisher 505 with a saturated liquid lithium solution and then adding compressed air to allow the saturated liquid lithium solution to be sprayed and dispersed.

[0101] Referring to FIG6, an exemplary modification 600 of the fire extinguisher is depicted. A fire extinguisher 605 having a Class B suppression medium (also referred to herein as a Class B fire extinguisher) can comprise gaseous carbon dioxide, which is sprayed onto the fire and smothers it. Class B fire extinguishers are commercially available and known in the art, and thus those skilled in the art will recognize the composition and function of a Class B fire extinguisher 605. A Class B fire extinguisher 605 can be converted into an improved fire extinguisher 610, which uses a Class B suppression medium comprising a saturated liquid lithium solution and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide.More specifically, a Class B fire extinguisher 605 can be converted into an improved Class B fire extinguisher 610 by replacing a portion of the gaseous carbon dioxide with a saturated liquid lithium solution. The remaining compressed gaseous carbon dioxide in the improved Class B fire extinguisher 610 allows for the spraying and dispersion of the saturated liquid lithium solution.

[0102] Other fire suppression media for different types of fires are also available. For example, Class C suppression media may include pressurized saturated liquid lithium solution, liquid carbon dioxide, and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide. Liquid carbon dioxide and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide provide a more sustained pressure supply when spraying and dispersing the saturated liquid lithium solution.

[0103] Referring to FIG8, an example portable fire extinguisher product 800 is depicted. In the current embodiment, the contents of the portable fire extinguisher product 800 are already filled with saturated liquid lithium solution and compressed air, as previously described in the improved Class A fire extinguisher 510. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the portable fire extinguisher product 800 has a volume of approximately 2.5 gallons or 9 liters of saturated liquid lithium solution. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the portable fire extinguisher 800 can have any volume.

[0104] In other embodiments, a saturated liquid lithium solution can be used as an additive to a fire hose. For example, a saturated liquid lithium solution can be injected into a stream of water in a fire hose to further coat the lithium-based fire.

[0105] In yet another alternative embodiment, a saturated liquid lithium solution can be used as part of a pressurized gas fire suppression system, such as a sprinkler system or other known systems that can be integrated into a building. Referring to FIG7, a pressurized gas fire suppression system 700 using a saturated lithium solution as part of a fire suppression medium is shown. Tank 705 includes a pressurized gas fire suppression supply. Examples of pressurized gas fire suppression supplies include pressurized air, pressurized nitrogen, pressurized argon, and pressurized carbon dioxide supplies. Tank 710 includes a saturated liquid lithium solution. Upon activation or when a lithium-based fire is detected, the pressurized gas fire suppression supply and the saturated liquid lithium solution can be mixed and then supplied through sprinkler 715. In the current embodiment, the sprayer 715 can be installed above the large storage tank of the LIB; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sprayer 715 can be installed anywhere there is a possibility of a lithium-based fire. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a valve can be installed between the storage tank 710 and the sprayer 715, thereby allowing control of the amount of saturated lithium-based solution supplied through the sprayer 715 as part of the fire suppression medium. A controller (not shown) can be provided to control the amount of saturated lithium-based solution, or to close the valve and prevent the saturated liquid lithium solution from being included as part of the fire suppression medium if the fire is known to be non-lithium-based. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations and arrangements for including and controlling saturated liquid lithium solution in pressurized gas fire suppression systems.Those skilled in the art will also recognize embodiments different from those depicted in Figures 5 to 7, as well as other fire suppression systems in which a saturated alkali metal-based solution can be used as a fire suppression medium.

[0106] In yet another alternative embodiment, a saturated liquid lithium solution can be used as part of an engineered fire suppression system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that engineered fire suppression systems are fire suppression systems designed for facilities, warehouses, and buildings, and can include a variety of components, including detectors, alarms, sprinkler systems, and inhibitors. Other uses of engineered fire suppression systems include, but are not limited to, manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, data centers, large marine and land vehicle applications, industrial coating lines, impregnation tanks, and electrical switch rooms. Engineered fire suppression systems can also be used in facilities storing hazardous materials. In the current embodiment, the engineered fire suppression system may include a saturated lithium solution as an inhibitor, wherein the engineered fire suppression system may be installed in an environment where a LIB is present.

[0107] Portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800 can be refilled with saturated liquid lithium solution when the fire suppressant is depleted from fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800. Alternatively, the saturated liquid lithium solution in portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800 may need to be replaced periodically to comply with fire regulations or requirements. Similarly, the input reservoirs or tanks for the saturated liquid lithium solution used in the fire suppression system 700 and other engineered fire suppression systems may also need to be refilled or replaced periodically after depletion. Refilling of the saturated liquid lithium solution can be provided in a variety of wholesale or bulk containers, including but not limited to buckets, drums (or bulk barrels), or transport boxes. Users can use wholesale or bulk containers to refill portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800, or fire suppression system 700 or engineered fire suppression systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that refilling is not limited to wholesale or bulk containers but can be provided in containers of any volume or size. Refilling can also be provided by other means, such as via truck pumps and hoses.

[0108] Alternatively, the saturated liquid lithium solution may be provided in advance in combination with lithium-based devices or lithium fire residues that have a fire potential. For example, a LIB in an EV may have a risk of ignition during a collision or impact. A saturated liquid lithium solution can be placed in a package in which, upon application of extreme heat from a potential battery fire or other triggering event, the saturated liquid lithium solution can be released into the area surrounding the LIB, thereby potentially extinguishing the LIB fire. In another embodiment, the package of the saturated liquid lithium solution can be thermally triggered to release the saturated liquid lithium solution. Once the lithium-based fire has been suppressed, the LIB continues to be surrounded by the saturated liquid lithium solution to prevent it from reigniting and to keep the LIB safe.

[0109] Referring to FIG9, a preferred embodiment of a transport container 900 (also referred to as a bulk transport container 900) is depicted for the safe transport of lithium fire remnants to another location, such as a site for final disposal.The transport container 900 includes a barrel 904 and a saturated liquid lithium solution 908, wherein the lithium fire residue 912 is immersed or submerged in the saturated liquid lithium solution 908. Specifically, the transport container 900 includes a barrel 904 containing the lithium fire residue 912 and a sufficient volume of saturated liquid lithium solution 908 to prevent further reaction. More specifically, by immersing or submerging the lithium fire residue 912 in the saturated liquid lithium solution 908, reignition of the lithium fire residue 912 is prevented. When using the transport container 900, the lithium fire residue 912 can be placed in a pre-filled barrel 904 containing the saturated liquid lithium solution 908, or alternatively, the lithium fire residue 912 can be placed in the barrel 904 first, and then the barrel 904 can be filled with the saturated liquid lithium solution 908.

[0110] The barrel 904 contains or serves as a container for the saturated liquid lithium solution 908 and the lithium fire residue 912, making it easy to transport. Drum 904 can be of any size; however, in a preferred embodiment, drum 904 is a U.S. Department of Transportation rated five (5) gallons or fifty-five (55) gallons steel transport drum. Furthermore, drum 904 can be any material that does not react with lithium or a saturated liquid lithium solution 912. Those skilled in the art will recognize the different configurations and materials of drum 904.

[0111] Lithium fire residue 912 is the residue of any lithium-based fire that may contain lithium and therefore may be reignited. Examples of residue 912 include, but are not limited to, remaining material from a LIB or a damaged LIB after the LIB has experienced a lithium-based fire. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that transport container 900 is not limited to the transport of lithium fire residue 912, but can be used for the transport of materials containing lithium that may be damaged or suspected of being damaged and may pose a risk of ignition or fire. For example, a LIB damaged or suspected of being damaged after a collision may be transported in transport container 900 to prevent the possibility of ignition and fire. Those skilled in the art will recognize that transport container 900 can be used to transport any material or device containing lithium with a risk of ignition.

[0112] Once a saturated liquid lithium solution is applied to a lithium-based fire, the saturated liquid lithium solution (e.g., a lithium carbonate solution) can stop or reduce any further reaction of the lithium present in the fire, preventing any future lithium oxidation reaction. Specifically, the lithium carbonate solution interferes with and slows down the rate of oxidation reaction, reducing the rate of heat buildup and gas release, thereby reducing the risk of escaping the reaction. Since the oxidation of elemental lithium is autocatalytic, the reaction rate of elemental lithium forming lithium ions depends on pH and is faster at higher pH. The reaction itself produces alkalinity, which increases the pH, so once the reaction begins, the reaction rate can increase over time until all the lithium present has reacted.The autocatalytic reaction is interfered with by using a saturated liquid lithium solution (or, in other embodiments, a saturated alkali metal solution, or more preferably, a saturated liquid lithium carbonate solution), and in doing so, a useful barrier to rapid lithium oxidation is provided.

[0113] When a saturated liquid lithium solution is applied to a lithium-based fire, the saturated lithium solution coats the surface of the burning component, such as the surface of a LIB where lithium oxidation is possible. Due to the nature of the surface coating properties, a small volume of saturated liquid lithium solution can be used to extinguish lithium-based fires. Furthermore, a smaller volume of saturated liquid lithium solution can be used to extinguish lithium-based fires of similar size, surface area, and intensity compared to other known prior art suppression media. For example, the volume of water used as a suppression medium for lithium-based fires is comparable to the energy required to evaporate the water into steam, which is used to cool the fire. Furthermore, it is estimated that the volume of water required to extinguish any size lithium-based fire can be approximately ten times larger than the volume of saturated liquid lithium solution that can be used.

[0114] Figure 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of method 300A, which uses a fire suppressing medium to extinguish a lithium-based fire and prevent the escape of the lithium oxidation reaction. Method 300 A has steps similar to those of Method 300, and blocks 200, 310 to 320 follow the same process.

[0115] Block 325 depicts the recovery of lithium from an extinguished lithium-based fire covered with a saturated liquid lithium solution. No chemical components are added using the lithium solution, therefore, the lithium can be extracted for reuse and / or processed for use in other devices, such as purified lithium products. Alternatively, as seen in Method 300 A, the extracted lithium can be processed into a solid lithium salt for reuse in block 200 / Method 200 to produce another liquid saturated lithium carbonate solution. More specifically, the extracted lithium can be returned to the solid lithium storage 112 for further processing into a saturated lithium solution. By processing the used saturated liquid lithium solution, minimal waste is generated, and the need for special disposal of any contaminated fluids is reduced.

[0116] LIBs with permeable graphite anodes or other materials that may be cheaper or perform better, such as graphite-silicon composites or similar materials, may also require a fire suppressant. Where alternative embodiments of the liquid saturated lithium solution can serve more effectively as a fire suppressant for LIBs containing other materials, system 100 may further include an additional storage (not shown) to introduce additional components into mixer 120 for producing the liquid saturated lithium solution in the aforementioned alternative embodiments. For example, an additional storage (not shown) of a surface-reactive hydrophilic material may be added to system 100 and introduced into mixer 120, where the surface-reactive hydrophilic material can facilitate the coating of LIBs that may undergo fire or exothermic reactions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different components or surfactants may be added to produce the liquid saturated lithium solution, and different arrangements may be made for introducing said different components or surfactants into system 100.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, a saturated lithium solution is produced by adding solid lithium (preferably lithium carbonate, but other alkali metal salts / alkali salts may be used, as per CN 121398900 A, pages 12 / 13 of the specification) to an aqueous solvent or solution. The lithium salt partially dissolves and saturates the solution. The solution is then decanted from the solid. The decanted (solid-free) solution is the solution used in the test (“lithium solution”).

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, about 15 gallons of the lithium solution of the present invention can be used to extract lithium from materials derived from a single LIB or lithium-ion battery (e.g., during recycling). Several tests are performed sequentially using the same lithium solution for each test (the lithium solution is recycled for testing). Tests are performed in parallel, wherein pure aqueous solvents (e.g., water) are used instead of the lithium solution to extract lithium. Using pure water immediately shows obvious heating and gas release in the first test. Extraction is performed in a carefully controlled manner so as not to obtain localized heating and gas release.

[0119] In contrast, using the lithium solution of the present invention as an extractant shows no evidence of localized heating or gas release. Heating and gas release only became a problem after multiple tests (6 or more), presumably because the lithium solution lost its ability to slow the reaction due to the depletion of lithium or alkali metals.

[0120] It is believed that the use of the lithium solution of the present invention interferes with and reduces the rate of the oxidation reaction. Therefore, this can reduce the rate of heat buildup and gas release, and can allow these factors to be more easily controlled and reduce the risk of escaping the reaction.

[0121] It is also believed that the oxidation of elemental lithium is itself autocatalytic. The reaction rate of elemental lithium to form lithium ions depends on pH and is faster at higher pH. The reaction itself produces alkalinity (increasing pH), so once started, the reaction rate will increase over time until all lithium is reacted. This behavior may be common for chemical reactions used in explosives. The lithium solution of the present invention interferes with the autocatalytic reaction, and doing so provides a useful barrier to rapid lithium oxidation.

[0122] Using the lithium solution of the present invention in the methods described herein does not add any new chemical components to the extracted lithium stream, which must later be removed to prepare purified lithium products. Since lithium carbonate can be used to produce additional products, or even saturated liquid lithium solutions, it can simplify our supply chain. Compared to competing recycling processes, the entire process is both sustainable and has a very small carbon footprint.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the saturated lithium solution used in the above-described containers has the product name FCL-XTM, and the containers include, but are not limited to, portable fire extinguishers 510, 610 and 800, pressurized gas fire suppression systems 700, other engineered fire suppression systems, fire hose additives, buckets, barrels, handling boxes and other wholesale or bulk containers. This is also depicted in Figure 8 on portable fire extinguisher 800.

[0124] Although the inventors have now considered the foregoing description and drawings of certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Instruction manual page 13 / 13, 17 CN 121398900 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual figure 1 / 10 page, 18 CN 121398900 A, Figure 2A; Instruction manual figure 2 / 10 page, 19 CN 121398900 A, Figure 2B; Instruction manual figure 3 / 10 page, 20 CN 121398900 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual figure 4 / 10 page, 21 CN 121398900 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual figure 5 / 10 page, 22 CN 121398900 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual figure 6 / 10 page, 23 CN 121398900 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual figure 7 / 10 page, 24 CN 121398900 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual figure 8 / 10 page, 25 CN 121398900 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual figure 9 / 10 page, 26 CN 121398900 A, Figure 9 Instruction manual, Figure 10 / 10, page 27, CN 121398900 A.

Claims

1. A method of producing a fire suppression medium, comprising: introducing a solvent into a mixer; introducing an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal into the mixer; dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution; filtering a sample of the alkali metal solution; analyzing the filtered sample of the alkali metal solution; if the filtered alkali metal solution does not have a sufficient alkali metal content: introducing additional solid alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal into the mixer; dissolving the additional solid alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal into the alkali metal solution; and further analyzing a second sample of the alkali metal solution for sufficient alkali metal content; if the filtered alkali metal solution has the sufficient alkali metal content: filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt to produce a saturated alkali metal solution; and collecting the saturated alkali metal solution.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising collecting the residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising reintroducing the residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein dissolving the alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal in the solvent comprises agitating the alkali metal solution with an agitator in the mixer.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solvent is water.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the alkali metal is the salt of the alkali metal.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alkali metal is lithium.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the salt of the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sufficient alkali metal content is at least 2,200 mg / L.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sufficient alkali metal content is between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

12. A system for producing a fire suppression medium, comprising: a mixer configured to receive a solvent and an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal to dissolve the alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution; and a filter fluidly connected to the mixer, the filter configured to separate residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt from the alkali metal solution, leaving a saturated alkali metal solution.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the mixer comprises an agitator.

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a reservoir for the solvent.

15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a reservoir for the alkali metal or the salt of the alkali metal. ​ 16. The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the solvent is water.

17. The system of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt.

18. The system of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the alkali metal is lithium.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt.

20. The system of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

21. The system of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

22. The system of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has a lithium content of between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

23. A fire suppression medium, comprising: a saturated alkali metal solution, the saturated alkali metal solution comprising: a solvent; and an alkali metal or a salt of the alkali metal dissolved in the solvent; wherein the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

24. The fire suppression medium of claim 23, wherein the solvent is water.

25. The fire suppression medium of claim 23 or 24, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt. the alkali metal is lithium.

26. The fire-suppression medium of any of claims 23-25, wherein, 27. The fire suppression medium of claim 26, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt.

28. The fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride. the saturated alkali metal solution has an alkali metal content of less than 2,500 mg / L.

29. The fire-suppression medium of any of claims 23-28, wherein, 30. A fire extinguisher comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29.

31. The fire extinguisher of claim 30, wherein the fire extinguisher is portable.

32. The fire extinguisher of claim 30 or 31, wherein the fire extinguisher has a volume of 2.5 gallons.

33. A pressurized gas fire suppression system comprising a pressurized gas fire source and the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29.

34. An engineered fire suppression system comprising an inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor comprises the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29.

35. A pail comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29, the pail configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

36. A bucket comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29, the bucket configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

37. A tote comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23 to 29, the tote configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system. ​ 38. A bulk container comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23-29, the bulk container configured to refill a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire suppression system, or an engineered fire suppression system.

39. A bulk transport container comprising the fire suppression medium of any one of claims 23-29, the bulk transport container configured to transport at least one of lithium fire residue, damaged lithium ion batteries, and suspect damaged lithium ion batteries.

40. A composition for use as a fire suppression medium, the composition comprising a solution, the solution further comprising an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent.

41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the solvent is water.

42. The composition of claim 40 or 41, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt.

43. The composition of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the alkali metal is lithium.

44. The composition of claim 43, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt.

45. The composition of any one of claims 40-44, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

46. The composition of any one of claims 40-45, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

47. The composition of any one of claims 40-45, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of between 2,200 mg / L and 2,500 mg / L.

48. Use of a composition for suppressing, preventing, smothering, or extinguishing a fire, the composition comprising a solution, the solution further comprising an alkali metal or an alkali metal salt and a solvent.

49. The use of claim 48, wherein the solvent is water.

50. The use of claim 48 or 49, wherein the alkali metal is the alkali metal salt.

51. The use of any one of claims 48-50, wherein the alkali metal is lithium.

52. The use of claim 51, wherein the lithium is a lithium salt.

53. The use of any one of claims 48-52, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

54. The use of any one of claims 48-53, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of at least 2,200 mg / L.

55. The use of any one of claims 48-53, wherein the solution has an alkali metal content of 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

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