Systems and methods for suppressing lithium-based fires

Abstract

This disclosure describes a method and system for manufacturing a fire extinguishing medium. This 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. This method also includes filtering and analyzing a sample of the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not contain sufficient alkali metal, this method also includes introducing and dissolving additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the alkali metal solution. If the filtered alkali metal solution has a sufficient alkali metal content, this 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

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for generating an alkali metal solution and their use in fire prevention, extinguishing, suppression, or control, and more particularly to systems and methods for preventing, suppressing, extinguishing, or controlling lithium-based fires.

Background Art

[0002] With the goal of global carbon dioxide emissions reduction, important steps have been taken towards the development of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power, portable computers and mobile phones, and all kinds of tools and machinery, as well as towards the development of energy storage units such as lithium-ion batteries (singular "LIB", plural "LIBs") in the development of electric transportation means (e.g., including automobiles, trucks, boats, airplanes, trains, scooters, and any other electric transportation means, but not limited thereto) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "EVs") and the development of the EV industry. However, LIBs contain chemical components with potential hazards along with the stored energy. Therefore, the use, charging, and recycling of LIBs are accompanied by various risks including the risk of fire. Other risks include the unintentional or uncontrollable release of stored energy, causing fires or explosions, and the release of toxic chemicals (e.g., flammable hydrogen gas and hydrogen fluoride).

[0003] LIBs contain residual energy proportional to the amount of lithium element remaining on the anode. When normally used as a battery, this energy is safely released as an electric current. Such energy may remain in the battery to some extent and, if the LIBs are damaged, may lead to explosions or fires, so it is necessary to know the amount of this energy to prevent its rapid release as heat. Once a fire occurs, it may spread to other battery materials such as the electrolyte and battery separator, and they may oxidize and cause harmful reactions.

[0004] Damage to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is not limited to these, but can be caused by various environmental conditions, including collisions between electric vehicles (EVs). If LIBs ignite due to a collision or other accident, a LIB fire may occur. Even if the initial fire is extinguished by conventional means such as water or carbon dioxide, the LIBs may reignite later. For example, even if initial fire suppression is achieved at the scene of a collision and the EV is towed to an external parking lot, energy may remain in the battery, causing the lithium oxidation reaction to run out of control and potentially reignite several hours or even days later. It is also possible that the reaction continues inside the LIBs. Not only is initial fire suppression important, but preventing re-ignition of LIBs is also extremely important. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] According to one broad aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a fire extinguishing medium is provided. Such a method comprises introducing a solvent into a mixer and introducing an alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer. Such a method further comprises dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. Such a method also comprises 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 comprises introducing an additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt into the mixer and dissolving the additional alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the alkali metal solution. Subsequently, a second sample of such alkali metal solution is analyzed to determine whether it has a sufficient alkali metal content. If the filtered alkali metal solution has a sufficient alkali metal content, the method comprises 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] According to certain features, the method may further include collecting the residual alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

[0007] According to other features, the method may further include reintroducing the residual alkali metal or its metal salt into the mixer.

[0008] According to certain characteristics, dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in a solvent may include stirring the alkali metal solution with a stirrer in a mixer.

[0009] According to other characteristics, the solvent may be water.

[0010] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the alkali metal is in the form of an alkali metal salt.

[0011] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal is lithium.

[0012] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the lithium is in the form of a lithium salt.

[0013] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal salt may contain lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0014] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the sufficient alkali metal content is at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0015] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the sufficient alkali metal content is 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

[0016] According to one broad aspect of the present invention, a system for producing a fire extinguishing medium is provided. Such a system includes a mixer which receives a solvent and an alkali metal or alkali metal salt. The mixer further dissolves the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. Such a system further includes a filter which is fluidly connected to the mixer and separates residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt from the alkali metal solution to produce a saturated alkali metal solution.

[0017] According to certain characteristics, the mixer may include a stirrer.

[0018] According to other features, the system may include a storage section for the solvent.

[0019] Furthermore, according to other features, the system may include a storage section for the alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

[0020] According to certain characteristics, the solvent may be water.

[0021] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0022] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0023] According to other characteristics, the lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0024] Furthermore, according to other features, the alkali metal salt may contain lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0025] According to certain characteristics, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0026] According to another feature, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

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

[0028] According to a feature, the solvent may be water.

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

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

[0031] According to another feature, the lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0032] According to 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] According to another aspect, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution is less than 2,500 mg / L.

[0034] According to a feature, a fire extinguisher includes the fire extinguishing medium. ?

[0035] According to another feature, the fire extinguisher is portable.

[0036] According to yet another feature, the volume of the fire extinguisher is 2.5 gallons.

[0037] According to another feature, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system includes a pressurized gas fire supply and the fire extinguishing medium.

[0038] According to other features, the engineered fire extinguishing system includes a suppression agent, and the suppression agent includes the fire extinguishing medium.

[0039] According to other features, the pail contains the fire extinguishing medium, and the pail is configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

[0040] According to other features, the drum contains the fire extinguishing medium and is configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

[0041] Furthermore, according to other features, the tote contains the fire extinguishing medium, and the tote is configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

[0042] Further features indicate that the bulk container contains the fire extinguishing medium and is configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or engineered fire extinguishing system.

[0043] Furthermore, according to other features, the bulk transport container contains the fire extinguishing medium, and the bulk transport container is configured to transport at least one of lithium combustion residue, damaged lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion batteries suspected of being damaged.

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

[0045] According to certain characteristics, the solvent may be water.

[0046] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0047] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0048] According to other characteristics, the lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0049] Furthermore, according to other features, the alkali metal salt may contain lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0050] According to certain characteristics, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0051] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

[0052] According to one broad aspect of the present invention, the use of a composition for fire suppression, prevention, extinguishing, or suppression is provided. The composition comprises a solution comprising an alkali metal or alkali metal salt and a solvent.

[0053] According to certain characteristics, the solvent may be water.

[0054] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be an alkali metal salt.

[0055] Furthermore, according to other characteristics, the alkali metal may be lithium.

[0056] According to other characteristics, the lithium may be a lithium salt.

[0057] Furthermore, according to other features, the alkali metal salt may contain lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, or lithium chloride, or a mixture of any of these alkali metal salts.

[0058] According to certain characteristics, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be at least 2,200 mg / L.

[0059] According to other characteristics, the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution may be 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

[0060] Various aspects of the present invention can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of various aspects of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a system for producing a fire extinguishing medium that suppresses lithium-based fires and prevents runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0062] [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows an example of a method for producing a fire extinguishing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions, following the exemplary system in Figure 1.

[0063] [Figure 2B] Figure 2B, following the exemplary system in Figure 1, shows another example of a method for producing a fire extinguishing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0064] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the use of a fire extinguishing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0065] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of the use of a fire extinguishing medium to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0066] [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of a fire extinguisher before and after operation involving the use of a fire extinguishing agent to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0067] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows another example of a fire extinguisher before and after operation involving the use of a fire extinguishing agent to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0068] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system before and after operation involving the use of a fire extinguishing agent to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0069] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of a pressurized gas fire suppression system before and after operation involving the use of a fire extinguishing agent to suppress lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0070] [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a transport container for lithium-based fire residue. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] The detailed description and embodiments described herein are provided to illustrate one or more examples of specific principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the principles of the present invention. In the detailed description below, corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings.

[0072] According to one aspect of the present invention, a solution of an alkali metal (or a salt thereof) is provided. According to a preferred aspect, a solution of lithium or a lithium salt is provided. According to a more preferred aspect, a solution of lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, or lithium bicarbonate is provided. According to an even more preferred aspect of the present invention, a lithium solution is provided that can be used to suppress, extinguish, suppress, and / or prevent further spread of fires related to lithium-based fires or fires originating from LIBs. As those skilled in the art will understand, a lithium-based fire is a fire involving lithium, and includes not only fires caused by lithium ignition, but also fires caused by ignition of other elements or the environment, but in which lithium is present. Examples of lithium-based fires, but not limited to these, include ignition in lithium storage areas and ignition due to trauma to LIBs. Those skilled in the art will recognize other examples of lithium-based fires.

[0073] As a general overview, methods for preparing solutions of alkali metals (or their salts) (more preferably saturated lithium solutions) are also provided. In preferred embodiments, solutions prepared by these methods can be used as extinguishing, extinguishing, or quenching agents for lithium-ion fires or fires from LIBs. As those skilled in the art will understand, the terms “extinguish,” “extinguish,” and “quench” may be used interchangeably to refer to removing, reducing, or mitigating the activity, severity, or intensity of a fire. Alkali metal (or their salt) solutions can also be used as fire retardants. As those skilled in the art will understand, the term “preventer” may also mean preventing the occurrence or ignition of a fire. These methods generally involve introducing an alkali metal (or its salt) into a solvent or solution (which may be referred to in this disclosure as a liquid solvent or solution) to produce an alkali metal or corresponding salt solution by dissolving the alkali metal or corresponding salt in the solvent or solution. In preferred embodiments, the alkali metal is lithium and its corresponding salts. In a more preferred embodiment, the lithium salt can be selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, and lithium chloride. In an even more preferred embodiment, the lithium salt is lithium carbonate. As those skilled in the art will understand, the terms “alkali metal,” “alkali metal salt,” and “lithium” may be used interchangeably to refer to preferred embodiments of the present invention. This specification aims to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, but as those skilled in the art will understand, these disclosures also include other embodiments.

[0074] The solution of an alkali metal or its salt (for example, but not limited to lithium carbonate) may then undergo a residence time. During such a residence time, dissolution continues, and the solution of the alkali metal or its salt becomes further saturated with the remaining alkali metal (for example, but not limited to lithium carbonate particles). After the residence time has elapsed, the remaining lithium carbonate particles are removed by filtration, and the lithium carbonate solution is recovered. The recovered lithium carbonate solution can be used in fire extinguishing devices such as handheld fire extinguishers and pressurized gas fire extinguishing systems to extinguish lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0075] When suppressing lithium-based fires or other LIB-based fires, the use of solutions of alkali metals or their salts according to the present invention may be advantageous as fire extinguishing media because it can further prevent runaway oxidation reactions. While not intended to be bound by any theory, the suppression, extinguishing, or suppression of LIB-derived fires, particularly in the presence of embodiments of the present invention, may be related to the reduction or suppression of alkali metal (e.g., lithium) oxidation reactions. Lithium-based fires include, for example, fires in LIBs and other lithium-based batteries. Fires can occur in lithium-based on-board batteries during electric vehicle collisions, or when lithium-based batteries are subjected to trauma or other extreme environmental conditions. Fires can also occur in situations with rapid or explosive heat release. Once a fire starts, it can consume other battery materials such as electrolytes and battery separators, which can also oxidize and cause harmful reactions.

[0076] The lithium oxidation reaction may trigger the ignition of other flammable materials. The heat generated by lithium oxidation may only account for a portion of the total heat generated by the fire. In some cases, the majority of the energy released may come from the ignition or combustion of other flammable materials.

[0077] Even when prior art or other forms of extinguishing media are used to extinguish lithium-based fires, the initial fire and fires caused by other flammable materials can be extinguished. However, lithium oxidation continues to occur, potentially triggering further exothermic reactions. This could lead to re-ignition of the fire after the prior art extinguishing media has been removed or evaporated. For example, when extinguishing a fire involving LIBs, prior art systems may involve immersing the LIBs in water, aqueous solvents, or solutions. Such water, aqueous solvents, or solutions can oxidize the lithium element at the negative electrode, quantitatively liberating and recovering lithium, but they also generate heat. Prior art aqueous solvents or solutions may also undergo hydrolysis during the reaction, generating hydrogen gas. In the presence of oxygen-containing (air-containing) aqueous solvents or solutions, the reaction proceeds more quickly and actively because oxygen is supplied as an oxidizing agent. However, the reaction proceeds even in the presence of oxygen-free aqueous solvents or solutions, as well as water, because the aqueous solvent or solution acts as an oxidizing agent. The heat generated by such a reaction is about 40% less than that of a reaction using free oxygen, but it produces hydrogen gas (which is not produced in the presence of oxygen). This hydrogen gas is dangerous in itself because it can be used in further reactions. When prior art aqueous solvents or solutions are applied to lithium-based fires, the following reactions may occur: In the first reaction, water acts as the lithium oxidizer. In the second reaction, water and oxygen act as lithium oxidizers.

[0078] [ka] [ka]

[0079] As is clear from the above reaction, adding water acts as an oxidizing agent, accelerating the reaction. Adding oxygen acts as a catalyst, further promoting the reaction and thus accelerating it even more.

[0080] Using an alkali metal or salt solution of the present invention (preferably a saturated lithium solution, more preferably a saturated lithium carbonate solution) makes it possible to significantly reduce the scale of the exothermic reaction. Specifically, the amount of heat can be reduced, and hydrogen gas is often undetectable. Furthermore, by using an alkali metal solution (preferably a lithium solution, more preferably a saturated lithium carbonate solution), it is possible to prevent further reaction of lithium in the fire and prevent runaway oxidation reactions. When the solution of the present invention is applied to a lithium-based fire, such a solution prevents further oxidation and heat release of lithium near the fire, so the two reactions described above may not occur (or may be reduced).

[0081] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for producing a saturated lithium-based liquid aqueous solution. System 100 includes a storage tank 104 (also referred to as storage tank 104 or tank 104 in this disclosure) for an aqueous solvent or solution. This tank is connected to a mixer 120 via an aqueous solvent or solution or liquid supply line 108 (also referred to as supply line 108 in this disclosure) and is configured to allow the aqueous solvent or solution to be delivered from storage tank 104 to mixer 120. System 100 also includes a solid lithium storage unit 112 (also referred to as storage unit 112 in this disclosure) connected to mixer 120 via a lithium supply line 116. Preferred lithium salts include lithium chloride and lithium bicarbonate. Mixer 120 dissolves solid lithium in the aqueous solvent or solution for a predetermined residence time to produce a mixture of lithium solution and solid lithium. By dissolving solid lithium in the aqueous solvent or solution for a predetermined residence time, it is possible to saturate the lithium solution. The mixer 120 is fluidly connected to the filter 128 and is configured to extract or filter residual solid lithium from the mixture of lithium solution and solid lithium. The resulting saturated lithium solution may be collected in a storage tank 136 via a collection line 132. The extracted or filtered residual solid lithium carbonate may be collected in a storage unit 144 via a collection line 140. As those skilled in the art will understand, system 100 represents the production of a saturated lithium-based liquid aqueous solution using solid lithium, but according to other embodiments of system 100, it is also possible to produce a saturated alkali metal-based liquid aqueous solution using solid alkali metals.

[0082] In this embodiment, an aqueous solvent or solution may be supplied from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120 via the supply line 108. The aqueous solvent or solution is preferably water. In a more preferred embodiment, purified water with a total dissolved salt concentration of less than 100 mg / L and a total suspended solids concentration of less than 25 mg / L may be used. To avoid the precipitation of unwanted solids, an aqueous solvent with a low impurity content, such as purified water, is preferred. The storage tank 104 is a container of any size for storing liquids and is readily available commercially. In another embodiment, the storage tank 104 may store liquids under pressure. In yet another embodiment, the storage tank 104 may be another liquid supply source, such as a continuous supply source of such liquid (not shown) or a water supply pipe (not shown). Various sources and types of solutions or solvents usable in system 100 will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0083] The supply line 108 fluidly connects the storage tank 104 and the mixer 120, providing a path for transporting liquid from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120. In this embodiment, the supply line 108 may be a pipeline. In another embodiment, the supply line 108 may include valves positioned along the supply line 108 to control the flow of aqueous solvent or solution from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120. The presence of valves also allows for further control of the amount of a particular aqueous solvent or solution when mixing solid lithium carbonate with the aqueous solvent or solution in the mixer 120. As those skilled in the art will understand, different types of valves and different supply lines may be used in combination to control the transport and flow of liquid from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120. As will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, depending on the source of the aqueous solvent or solution from the storage tank 104, the transport of the aqueous solvent or solution may take other forms. For example, the aqueous solvent or solution may simply be manually transported from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120 in a container.

[0084] The solid lithium storage unit 112 stores solid lithium (preferably lithium carbonate) and provides a source of solid lithium supplied to the mixer 120 via the solid lithium supply line 116. In another embodiment (not shown), the solid lithium storage unit 112 can store any alkali metal. However, in a more preferred embodiment, the solid lithium or solid lithium carbonate is a particle with a diameter of less than 25 microns. The larger the surface area of ​​the lithium particles, the more effective they are when dissolved in an aqueous solvent or aqueous solution. Any type of commercially available solid lithium can be used. For example, commercially available industrial-grade lithium carbonate may be used. Alternatively, a low-grade solid lithium containing an alkali metal, preferably lithium, with an unspecified composition may be used. As will be further described below, trace or minute amounts of impurities originating from the battery electrolyte solution and other battery materials may be present, but these may not affect the fire extinguishing effect of the saturated lithium solution produced by system 100. Therefore, the contaminated lithium carbonate byproduct stream generated by battery recycling can be used as a source of solid lithium stored in the solid lithium storage unit 112 used in system 100. Alternatively, as will be further explained below, after using saturated lithium liquid as a fire extinguishing medium, the solid lithium can be recovered and stored in the solid lithium storage unit 112 for reuse. The solid lithium storage unit 112 can be any container that keeps the solid lithium dry. In one embodiment, the solid lithium carbonate storage unit 112 can also control the temperature and humidity to prevent the solid lithium from becoming damp. In another embodiment, the solid lithium storage unit 112 may be a simple container. The solid lithium storage unit 112 may receive solid lithium from other sources and may function as a local storage unit before transporting the solid lithium to the mixer 120.

[0085] The lithium supply line 116 provides a path for transporting solid lithium from the solid lithium storage unit 112 to the mixer 120. In one embodiment, the lithium supply line 116 may be a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the lithium supply line 116 may be a gravity pipeline. Other potential embodiments of the lithium supply line 116 as means of transporting solid material will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Solid lithium particles may be distributed into the mixer 120 via the supply line 116. In one embodiment, the lithium supply line 116 may have valves or other flow control mechanisms positioned along the lithium supply line 116 to control the flow rate and amount of solid lithium distributed into the mixer 120. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of the lithium supply line 116, solid lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) may be manually sprayed onto the mixer 120. In yet another embodiment, lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) may be sprayed or distributed onto the mixer 120. In yet another embodiment, lithium particles (e.g., lithium carbonate) may be supplied to the mixer 120 as a slurry. Other methods and / or other embodiments of the available lithium supply line 116 will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0086] The mixer 120 is configured to accept both a liquid solvent or solution and solid lithium, mix the liquid and solid lithium, and further dissolve the solid lithium in the liquid within a predetermined residence time to produce a mixture of saturated lithium solution and residual solid lithium. In another embodiment, the mixer 120 may include a device such as a stirrer to further accelerate the dissolution process. By adding a device such as a stirrer, the efficiency of the dissolution process can be further increased and / or the residence time required to achieve an appropriate saturation level can be further reduced. The dissolution process and the saturation process will be described in more detail below.

[0087] In other embodiments, system 100 may further include additional equipment (not shown) for causing further saturation. By providing additional equipment, such as a standing container, it becomes possible for the mixer 120 to receive further solid lithium and aqueous solvent or solution for the dissolution process while simultaneously carrying out the saturation process on another mixing batch.

[0088] Once the dissolution process and saturation of the liquid lithium solution are complete, the filter 128 can collect a mixture of undissolved residual solid lithium and saturated lithium solution. Here, the filter 128 is configured to separate the residual solid lithium from the saturated lithium solution. According to a preferred embodiment, the filter 128 can filter particles of 5 microns or larger. According to other embodiments of System 100, the filter 128 may be replaced with other devices or instruments capable of separating residual solid lithium from the liquid saturated lithium solution. For example, in certain embodiments, System 100 may include a centrifuge, and centrifugation may be used to separate particles from the saturated lithium solution. Those skilled in the art will recognize different mechanisms that can be included in System 100 to separate the saturated liquid lithium solution from residual solid lithium.

[0089] The storage tank 136 is configured to receive the resulting saturated lithium liquid, which can be used for extinguishing lithium-based fires, via the collection line 132. The storage tank 136 can be any commercially available container or vessel for holding the saturated lithium liquid. The collection line 132 can be any conduit capable of receiving the saturated lithium liquid from the filter 128 and transporting it to the storage tank 136. The collection line 132 may further include valves positioned along its length to control the flow of the saturated lithium liquid.

[0090] The storage unit 144 is configured to receive residual solid lithium filtered from the filter 128. The storage unit 144 may receive the residual solid lithium via a collection line 140. The collection line 140 can be any distribution system that can transport the residual solid lithium from the filter 128 to the storage unit 144. Examples include a conveyor belt or a gravity pipeline. Alternatively, as another example, a user may manually remove the solid from the filter 128 and transport it to the storage unit 144.

[0091] Figure 2A shows a method 200 for producing a fire extinguishing medium to extinguish lithium-based fires and prevent runaway lithium oxidation reactions.

[0092] Block 205 shows the introduction of liquid from the storage tank 104 to the mixer 120 via the liquid supply line 108. Block 210 shows the introduction of solid lithium from the lithium storage unit 112 to the mixer 120 via the lithium supply line 116.

[0093] As described above, in certain embodiments where the solid lithium is in the form of powder and / or particles, the solid lithium particles may be dispersed, sprayed, or scattered on the liquid in the mixer 120, or supplied as a slurry. Dispersing the solid lithium particles in the liquid in the mixer 120 may improve the dissolution efficiency of the solid lithium particles in the liquid. In addition, according to other embodiments (not shown), other alkali metals may be introduced into the liquid in the mixer 120.

[0094] In this embodiment of Method 200, first a liquid aqueous solvent or solution is received into the mixer 120, and then lithium particles are dispersed in the aqueous solvent or solution within the mixer 120. However, in other embodiments, solid lithium may be introduced into the mixer 120 first, followed by the liquid aqueous solvent or solution being poured into the mixer 120. In yet another embodiment, solid lithium and the aqueous solvent or solution may be introduced into the mixer 120 simultaneously.

[0095] In other embodiments, lithium or other alkali metals may be stored in the lithium storage unit 112 in different states. As those skilled in the art will understand, when introducing lithium, lithium carbonate, or other alkali metals into the mixer 120 in a non-solid state, the order of introduction of the aqueous solvent or solution and the non-solid alkali metals may be adjusted in a manner well known in the art to optimize mixing.

[0096] When the liquid and lithium particles are received into the mixer 120, the lithium particles begin to dissolve in the liquid water, and a lithium solution is produced during a predetermined residence time. This is shown in block 215.

[0097] The dissolution process can be provided, for example, according to the following formula.

[0098] [ka]

[0099] The solid lithium carbonate dissolved here exists in the solution as ionized lithium ions and bicarbonate ions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the dissolution of lithium particles (or other alkali metals, or preferably lithium carbonate particles) into an aqueous solvent or solution may occur without external intervention. However, in this embodiment, stirring the mixture of lithium particles and the aqueous solvent or solution with a stirrer makes the dissolution of lithium particles into the aqueous solvent or solution more efficient, thereby shortening the residence time between the lithium particles and the aqueous solvent or solution. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the dissolution of lithium particles into the aqueous solvent or solution can be made even more efficient by adjusting the temperature or pressure of the liquid aqueous solvent or solution before introducing the aqueous solvent or solution into the mixer 120, or during dissolution in the mixer 120. As those skilled in the art will understand, the adjustment of the temperature or pressure of the contents of the mixer 120 can be determined, for example, based on the type of aqueous solvent or solution used and the type of alkali metal used. By making the dissolution more efficient, it becomes possible to dissolve lithium particles at a higher concentration in the aqueous solvent or solution with a shorter residence time, and furthermore, to saturate the lithium solution.

[0101] Furthermore, the factors described above that affect the efficiency of the dissolution process of solid lithium in an aqueous solvent or aqueous solution also affect a predetermined residence time. The predetermined residence time may be determined by and / or influenced by the lithium concentration and the amount of liquid aqueous solvent or aqueous solution. The length of the residence time may also be influenced by the method of supplying the solid lithium to the mixer 120 and the efficiency of the dissolution process. In addition, the length of the residence time may also be influenced by the preferred saturation level of lithium in the resulting lithium solution. Furthermore, a reduction in residence time may also allow for a reduction in production costs. Furthermore, the length of the residence time may also be influenced by the particle size of the solid lithium introduced into the mixer 120. A person skilled in the art will recognize various factors that affect or may affect a predetermined residence time, and will also recognize various factors that may shorten a predetermined residence time. Also, as a person skilled in the art will recognize, the aforementioned recognized factors may be influenced based on the type of aqueous solvent or aqueous solution used and the type of alkali metal used (e.g., lithium or lithium carbonate).

[0102] The degree of fluid saturation can be determined by taking samples of the mixture over time and analyzing their lithium content. If the lithium content in the solution stops increasing or levels off, the solution may be saturated. In a preferred embodiment, a saturated solution has a lithium content of 2,200 milligrams or more and 2,500 milligrams or less per liter. The sampling and analysis of the mixture will be described in more detail below.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the solid lithium particles are solid lithium carbonate particles with a particle size of less than 25 microns, the aqueous solvent is purified water, and the predetermined residence time is at least 4 hours. During the predetermined residence time, the mixture of solid lithium carbonate particles and purified water may be continuously stirred.

[0104] In block 220, after a predetermined time has elapsed, a sample of the mixture of solid lithium and lithium solution (also referred to in this disclosure as the lithium mixture) may be extracted for analysis. The solid lithium in this sample may be removed by passing it through a filter similar to filter 128, or by similar means for filtering the lithium solution in block 225. Such a process will be described in more detail below.

[0105] After filtering a sample of lithium solution, it may be analyzed to determine the lithium content or saturation level. Specifically, the lithium solution can be analyzed to determine whether the lithium content is sufficient. This is shown in block 223. According to a preferred embodiment, the lithium content in a saturated lithium solution is at least 2,200 mg / L. If the filtered sample of lithium solution does not meet the predetermined saturation level, the residence time for additionally dissolving and / or mixing solid lithium in the aqueous solution and / or solvent may be increased. This is shown returning to block 215. Another sample may then be extracted for analysis. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the amount of solid lithium added to the aqueous solution or solvent in mixer 120 may be further increased. As those skilled in the art will understand, the predetermined saturation level may differ depending on the alkali metal introduced into the solution.

[0106] In block 223, if the filtered lithium solution sample is analyzed and meets a predetermined saturation level, the mixture of lithium solution and residual solid lithium particles that have not yet dissolved in the mixer 120 can be separated using filter 128, as shown in block 225. After filtration, the lithium content in the saturated lithium solution may be similar to that of the sample tested in block 223. In a preferred embodiment, the lithium content of the saturated lithium solution after filtering with filter 128 can be, for example, at least 1,000 mg / L. In a preferred embodiment, the total residual suspended solids in the saturated lithium solution can be, for example, less than 1 mg / L. As those skilled in the art will understand, the total amount of residual suspended solids can vary depending on the application of the saturated lithium solution. For example, in situations where the flow of the fire extinguishing medium may pass through a nozzle, a lower total residual suspended solids concentration may be required to prevent clogging of the nozzle.

[0107] In Block 230, saturated lithium liquid is collected and supplied to various fire extinguishing systems. These are described in more detail below.

[0108] Referring to Figure 2B, an example of a method for producing a fire extinguishing medium to extinguish lithium-based fires and prevent or stop runaway lithium oxidation reactions is provided. For convenience, corresponding steps are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figures 2A and 2B. Method 200A is substantially similar to Method 200, except that it has an additional block 235.

[0109] Blocks 205, 210, 215, 220, 223, 225, and 230 are performed as described above in the context of method 200 shown in Figure 2A. Block 235 may be performed simultaneously with, before, or after block 230. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, block 235 is performed simultaneously with block 230. In block 235, the remaining solid lithium carbonate may be collected for reuse in block 210. In this case, the remaining solid lithium carbonate can be reintroduced into an aqueous solvent or aqueous solution. As those skilled in the art will understand, in an alternative embodiment, the recovered remaining solid lithium may be used and / or processed for another purpose, such as a raw material for the manufacture of batteries. Also as those skilled in the art will understand, in other embodiments where other alkali metals are used, the remaining alkali metals may be recovered for reuse.

[0110] Figure 3 shows an example 300 of a method using a fire extinguishing medium to extinguish a lithium-based fire and prevent or stop a runaway lithium oxidation reaction. Block 200 represents the production of a saturated liquid lithium solution, similar to method 200 described above.

[0111] Once saturated lithium liquid is available, it may be encapsulated in a fire extinguishing device in block 310. An example of a fire extinguishing device that can use saturated lithium liquid is a handheld fire extinguisher. The handheld fire extinguisher may be filled with saturated lithium liquid under pressure together with other chemicals and / or components and may be used for lithium-based fires as shown in block 315.

[0112] More specifically, a handheld fire extinguisher (also referred to as a fire extinguisher in this disclosure) may be filled with a saturated lithium solution along with 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 tank with saturated 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 tank with saturated lithium solution and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide. A Class C fire extinguisher for extinguishing lithium-based fires can be manufactured by filling a Class C fire extinguisher tank with saturated lithium solution, a layer of liquid carbon dioxide, and a layer of compressed gaseous carbon dioxide.

[0113] Existing fire extinguishers may be modified to use saturated lithium liquid. Referring to Figure 5, one modification 500 of a fire extinguisher using saturated lithium liquid as a Class A extinguishing medium is shown. A fire extinguisher 505 (also referred to herein as a Class A fire extinguisher) with a Class A extinguishing medium contains water and compressed air, and a water mist and / or water spray is used to extinguish a fire. Class A fire extinguishers are commercially available and well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize the composition and functionality of a Class A fire extinguisher 505. A Class A fire extinguisher 505 can be converted into a modified Class A fire extinguisher 510 that uses a Class A extinguishing medium comprising a saturated lithium liquid solution and compressed air. More specifically, a Class A fire extinguisher 505 can be converted into a modified Class A fire extinguisher 510 by replacing the water in the fire extinguisher 505 with saturated lithium liquid and then adding compressed air to enable spraying and dispersing of the saturated lithium liquid.

[0114] Referring to Figure 6, one modification of a fire extinguisher, 600, is shown. A fire extinguisher 605 (also referred to in this disclosure as a Class B fire extinguisher) equipped with a Class B extinguishing medium contains gaseous carbon dioxide, which is sprayed onto the fire to suffocate it. Class B fire extinguishers are commercially available and well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize the composition and functionality of the Class B fire extinguisher 605. The Class B fire extinguisher 605 can be converted into a modified fire extinguisher 610 that uses a Class B extinguishing medium containing a saturated lithium liquid solution and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide. More specifically, the Class B fire extinguisher 605 can be converted into a modified Class B fire extinguisher 610 by replacing some of the gaseous carbon dioxide with a saturated lithium liquid solution. The remaining compressed gaseous carbon dioxide in the modified Class B fire extinguisher 610 enables the spraying and dispersion of the saturated lithium liquid.

[0115] Other fire extinguishing media can also be used to address different fire classes. For example, a Class C fire extinguishing media may include pressurized saturated lithium liquid, liquid carbon dioxide, and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide. Liquid carbon dioxide and compressed gaseous carbon dioxide provide pressure for longer periods when spraying and dispersing saturated lithium liquid.

[0116] Referring to Figure 8, an example of the portable fire extinguisher product 800 is shown. In this embodiment, the contents of the portable fire extinguisher product 800 are filled with saturated lithium liquid and compressed air, as previously described for the modified Class A fire extinguisher 510. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the portable fire extinguisher product 800 has a capacity of approximately 2.5 gallons or 9 liters of saturated lithium liquid. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the portable fire extinguisher 800 can have any capacity.

[0117] In other embodiments, saturated lithium liquid may be used as an additive to fire hoses. For example, saturated lithium liquid may be injected into the water flow in a fire hose to further cover lithium-based fires.

[0118] In another optional embodiment, the saturated lithium liquid solution may be used as part of a pressurized gas fire suppression system, such as a sprinkler system, or as part of other known systems that can be incorporated into a building. Referring to Figure 7, a pressurized gas fire suppression system 700 is shown that uses the saturated lithium liquid solution as part of the fire suppression medium. The storage tank 705 includes a pressurized gas fire suppression supply source. Examples of pressurized gas fire suppression supplies include pressurized air, pressurized nitrogen, pressurized argon, and pressurized carbon dioxide. The storage tank 710 contains the saturated lithium solution. When activated, or when a fire based on a lithium fire is detected, the pressurized gas fire suppression supply and the saturated lithium solution may be mixed and supplied to the sprinkler 715. In this embodiment, the sprinkler 715 may be installed above a large storage of LIBs, but as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the sprinkler 715 may be installed anywhere there is a possibility of a lithium fire. In another embodiment (not shown), a valve may be installed between the storage tank 710 and the sprinkler 715 to control the amount of the saturated lithium solution supplied as part of the fire suppression medium through the sprinkler 715. A controller (not shown) may be provided to close a valve in order to control the amount of saturated lithium solution, or, if it is clear that the fire is not lithium-based, to prevent saturated lithium solution from being included as part of the fire extinguishing medium. Those skilled in the art will recognize various modifications and configurations for incorporating and controlling saturated lithium solution in pressurized gas fire extinguishing systems. Those skilled in the art will also recognize other embodiments different from those shown in Figures 5 to 7, and other fire extinguishing systems in which saturated alkali metal solutions may be used as the fire extinguishing medium.

[0119] In another alternative embodiment, a saturated liquid lithium solution may be used as part of an engineered fire suppression system. As those skilled in the art will recognize, an engineered fire suppression system is a fire suppression system designed for facilities, warehouses, and buildings, and may include various components such as detectors, alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishing agents. Other applications of engineered fire suppression systems, but not limited to these, include manufacturing plants, power plants, data centers, large ships and land vehicles, industrial paint lines, immersion tanks, and electrical rooms. Engineered fire suppression systems may be used in facilities where hazardous materials are stored. In the present embodiment, the engineered fire suppression system may include a saturated lithium solution as the extinguishing agent, where the engineered fire suppression system may be installed in an environment where LIBs are present.

[0120] The portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800 may be configured to allow replenishment of saturated lithium liquid when the extinguishing agent in the extinguishers 510, 610, and 800 is depleted. Alternatively, it may be necessary to periodically replace the saturated lithium liquid in the portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800 to comply with fire safety laws or regulations. Similarly, the storage tanks or containers for saturated lithium liquid solution in the pressurized gas fire extinguishing system 700 and other engineered fire extinguishing systems may also need to be replenished after depletion or replaced periodically. Refills of saturated lithium liquid can be supplied in a variety of wholesale or bulk containers. Such containers include, but are not limited to, pails, drums, or totes. Users can use wholesale or bulk containers to replenish the portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800, or the pressurized gas fire extinguishing system 700 or other engineered fire extinguishing systems. As those skilled in the art will recognize, replenishment is not limited to wholesale or bulk containers, but may be supplied in containers of any capacity or size. Replenishment may also be supplied by other means, such as via pumps and hoses from trucks.

[0121] Alternatively, a saturated lithium liquid solution may be provided in combination with a lithium-based device or lithium fire residue that may ignite. For example, LIBs that may be installed in electric vehicles are at risk of igniting due to collision or impact, and may contain saturated lithium liquid in a package. In this case, when extreme heat is applied due to a battery fire or other factors, the saturated lithium liquid is released around the LIB, extinguishing the fire in the LIB. In another embodiment, the saturated lithium liquid package may be configured to release the saturated lithium liquid when activated by heat. Once the lithium-based fire is extinguished, the LIB remains surrounded by saturated lithium liquid, preventing re-ignition and keeping the LIB safe.

[0122] Referring to Figure 9, a transport container 900 (also called a bulk transport container 900) is shown, which is a preferred embodiment for safely transporting lithium fire residue to another location, such as a final disposal site. The transport container 900 comprises a drum 904 and saturated lithium liquid 908, where the lithium combustion residue 912 is immersed or submerged in the saturated lithium liquid 908. Specifically, the transport container 900 comprises the lithium combustion residue 912 and a drum 904 containing a sufficient amount of saturated lithium liquid 908 to prevent further reaction. More specifically, immersion or submersion of the lithium fire residue 912 in saturated lithium liquid 908 prevents the lithium fire residue 912 from re-igniting. When using the transport container 900, the lithium fire residue 912 may be placed in a drum 904 pre-filled with saturated lithium liquid 908. Alternatively, the lithium fire residue 912 may first be placed in the drum 904, and then the drum 904 may be filled with saturated lithium liquid 908.

[0123] Drum 904 contains, or serves as a container for, saturated lithium liquid 908 and lithium fire residue 912, making them easily transportable. Drum 904 may be of any size, but preferably, drum 904 is a 5-gallon or 55-gallon steel transport drum according to U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Furthermore, drum 904 may be made of any material that does not react with lithium or saturated liquid lithium solution 912. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various compositions and materials of drum 904.

[0124] Lithium fire residue 912 is the remnants of a lithium-based fire that may contain lithium and therefore may reignite. Examples of lithium fire residue 912 include, but are not limited to, the remnants of LIBs after a lithium-based fire, or damaged LIBs. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the transport container 900 is not limited to the transport of lithium fire residue 912, but can also be used to transport lithium-containing materials that may be damaged or suspected to be damaged and pose a risk of ignition or combustion. For example, damaged or suspected damaged LIBs after a collision may be transported in the transport container 900 to prevent the possibility of ignition and fire. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the transport container 900 can be used to transport any material or equipment containing lithium that poses a risk of ignition.

[0125] Applying a saturated lithium liquid solution to a lithium-based fire can stop or reduce further reactions of lithium present in the fire, thereby preventing future lithium oxidation reactions. Specifically, the lithium carbonate solution inhibits and slows the rate of oxidation, reducing the rate of heat accumulation and gas release, and consequently lowering the risk of runaway reactions. Since the oxidation of elemental lithium is autocatalytic, the reaction rate at which elemental lithium forms lithium ions depends on pH, with higher pH resulting in a faster reaction rate. The reaction itself produces alkalinity and increases pH. Therefore, once the reaction begins, the reaction rate may increase over time until all present lithium has reacted. By using a saturated lithium solution (or, in other embodiments, a saturated alkali metal solution, or more preferably a saturated lithium carbonate solution), the autocatalytic reaction is inhibited, thereby providing a useful impediment to the rapid oxidation of lithium.

[0126] When saturated lithium liquid is applied to a lithium-based fire, the saturated lithium liquid covers the surface of the burning component, such as the surface of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) where lithium oxidation may occur. Due to its surface coating properties, a small amount of saturated lithium liquid can be used to extinguish the lithium-based fire. Furthermore, when extinguishing lithium-based fires of comparable size, surface area, and intensity, less saturated liquid lithium solution can be used compared to other known conventional extinguishing agents. For example, the amount of water used as an extinguishing agent for a lithium-based fire depends on the energy required to vaporize the water and generate steam that has the function of cooling the fire. Moreover, it is estimated that the amount of water required to extinguish a lithium-based fire would be approximately 10 times the volume of saturated liquid lithium solution that could potentially be used.

[0127] Figure 4 shows Method 300A, which is an alternative embodiment of Method 300, which uses a fire extinguishing medium to extinguish a lithium-based fire and prevent a runaway lithium oxidation reaction. Method 300A has the same steps as Method 300, and blocks 200, 310 to 320 follow the same process.

[0128] Block 325 shows the recovery of lithium from a lithium-based fire that has been extinguished by coating it with a saturated lithium solution. Since no chemical components are added when using the lithium solution, the lithium can be extracted and reused or processed by other means, such as a refined lithium product. Alternatively, as shown in Method 300A, the extracted lithium can be processed into a solid lithium salt for reuse in Block 200 / Method 200 to produce an additional liquid saturated lithium carbonate solution. More specifically, the extracted lithium is returned to the solid lithium storage unit 112 and reprocessed into a saturated lithium solution. Processing the used saturated liquid lithium solution minimizes waste generation and reduces the need for special disposal of contaminated fluids.

[0129] Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries with permeable graphite anodes, or LIBs using other materials that are less expensive or perform better, such as graphite-silicone composites or similar materials, may require a fire extinguishing medium. If an alternative embodiment of a liquid saturated lithium solution is more effective as a fire extinguishing medium for LIBs using other materials, system 100 may further include an additional storage section (not shown) for producing such alternative embodiment of a liquid saturated lithium solution by introducing additional components into the mixer 120. For example, an additional storage section (not shown) of a surface-reactive hydrophilic material may be added to system 100 and introduced into the mixer 120, where the surface-reactive hydrophilic material may promote the coating of LIBs that may cause fire or exothermic reactions. Those skilled in the art will recognize different components or surfactants that may be added to produce a liquid saturated lithium solution, and different arrangements for introducing such different components or surfactants into system 100.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, a saturated lithium solution is produced by adding solid lithium (preferably lithium carbonate, but other alkali salts can also be used) to an aqueous solvent or aqueous 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 for the test ("lithium solution").

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, approximately 15 gallons of the lithium solution according to the present invention can be used to extract lithium from a single lithium-ion battery or lithium-ion battery material (for example, during recycling). Multiple tests were carried out sequentially using the same lithium solution in each test (the lithium solution was reused for each test). Tests to extract lithium using a pure aqueous solvent (e.g., water) instead of the lithium solution were also carried out in parallel. When pure water was used, significant heat generation and gas emission were immediately observed in the first test. Extraction was carried out with careful control to avoid localized heat generation and gas release.

[0132] In contrast, when the lithium solution of the present invention was used as the extractant, no signs of localized heating or gas release were observed. Heating and gas release only became a problem after more than six tests. This is likely because the lithium solution lost its ability to slow the reaction due to the decrease in lithium or alkali metals.

[0133] This suggests that using the lithium solution of the present invention hinders and reduces the rate of oxidation. Therefore, the present invention may reduce the rate of heat accumulation and gas release, making these factors easier to control and potentially reducing the risk of runaway reactions.

[0134] Furthermore, there is a view that the oxidation of elemental lithium itself is autocatalytic. The reaction rate at which elemental lithium forms lithium ions depends on pH, with higher pH resulting in a faster reaction rate. Because this reaction itself creates alkalinity (increases pH), once the reaction begins, the reaction rate increases over time until all the lithium is reacted. This behavior may be common to chemical reactions used in explosives. The lithium solution of the present invention interferes with the autocatalytic reaction, thereby providing a useful barrier to the rapid oxidation of lithium.

[0135] In the process described here, using the lithium solution of the present invention does not add any new chemical components to the extracted lithium stream, which are later removed to produce a purified lithium product. Since lithium carbonate can be used in the production of further products or saturated lithium liquid, the supply chain may be simplified. The overall process is sustainable and has significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to competing recycling processes.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, a saturated lithium solution used as an additive to the above-mentioned containers, for example, but not limited to, portable fire extinguishers 510, 610, and 800, pressurized gas fire extinguishing systems 700, other engineered fire extinguishing systems, fire hoses, pails, drums, tote bags, and other wholesale or bulk containers, is designated as product name FCL-X. TM It has this feature. This is also shown in the portable fire extinguisher 800 in Figure 8.

[0137] The above description and accompanying drawings relate to a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention as currently envisioned by the inventors, but it will be understood that various changes, modifications, and adaptations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a fire extinguishing medium, The solvent is introduced into the mixer, Introducing an alkali metal or alkali metal salt into a mixer, The alkali metal or alkali metal salt is dissolved in a solvent to produce an alkali metal solution. The alkali metal solution sample is filtered, The filtered alkali metal solution sample was analyzed. If the filtered alkali metal solution does not have a sufficient alkali metal content, Add an additional solid alkali metal or alkali metal salt to the mixer, The additional solid alkali metal or alkali metal salt is dissolved in the alkali metal solution. Further analysis of the second alkali metal solution sample is performed to confirm whether or not it contains a sufficient amount of alkali metal. If the filtered alkali metal solution has a sufficient alkali metal content, By filtering the alkali metal solution to remove residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt, a saturated alkali metal solution is produced. The saturated alkali metal solution is collected. A method that includes the act of doing so.

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

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

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of dissolving the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in a solvent includes stirring the alkali metal solution with a stirrer in the mixer.

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

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

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

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the lithium is in the form of a lithium salt.

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

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

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

12. A system for manufacturing a fire extinguishing medium, comprising a mixer and a filter, The mixer is configured to accept a solvent and an alkali metal or alkali metal salt, dissolve the alkali metal or alkali metal salt in the solvent, and produce an alkali metal solution. The system is configured such that the filter is fluidly connected to the mixer and separates residual alkali metal or residual alkali metal salt from the alkali metal solution to obtain a saturated alkali metal solution.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the mixer includes a stirrer.

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a solvent storage section.

15. The system according to claim 12 or 14, further comprising a storage section for the alkali metal or alkali metal salt.

16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the solvent is water.

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

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

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the lithium is in the form of a lithium salt.

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

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

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

23. A fire extinguishing medium containing 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. A fire extinguishing medium wherein the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution is at least 2,200 mg / L.

24. The fire extinguishing medium according to claim 23, wherein the solvent is water.

25. The fire extinguishing medium according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the alkali metal is in the form of an alkali metal salt.

26. The fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the alkali metal is lithium.

27. The fire extinguishing medium according to claim 26, wherein the lithium is in the form of a lithium salt.

28. The fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the alkali metal salt is selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, lithium dicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

29. The fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the alkali metal content of the saturated alkali metal solution is less than 2,500 mg / L.

30. A fire extinguisher comprising the fire extinguishing medium described in any one of claims 23 to 29.

31. A portable fire extinguisher according to claim 30.

32. A fire extinguisher according to claim 30 or 31, having a volume of 2.5 gallons.

33. A pressurized gas fire extinguishing system comprising a pressurized gas fire supply and a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

34. An engineered fire extinguishing system comprising a suppression agent, wherein the suppression agent comprises a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

35. A pail containing a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the pail being configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

36. A drum containing a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

37. A tote containing a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, the tote being configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

38. A bulk container comprising a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, configured to be refilled into a fire extinguisher, a pressurized gas fire extinguishing system, or an engineered fire extinguishing system.

39. A bulk transport container comprising a fire extinguishing medium according to any one of claims 23 to 29, configured to transport at least one of lithium combustion residue, damaged lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion batteries suspected to be damaged.

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

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

42. The composition according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the alkali metal is in the form of an alkali metal salt.

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

44. The composition according to claim 43, wherein the lithium is in the form of a lithium salt.

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

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

47. The composition according to any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein the alkali metal content of the solution is 2,200 mg / L to 2,500 mg / L.

48. Use of a composition for fire suppression, prevention, extinguishing, or suppression, wherein the composition comprises a solution, the solution further comprising an alkali metal or 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 in the form of an 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 in the form of 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 dicarbonate, and lithium chloride.

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

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

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