E-extinguishing lance®
for extinguishing fires in vehicle batteries
The specific energy of lithium-ion batteries is in the order of 150 Wh/kg and the energy density is in the order of 400 Wh/l, making lithium-ion batteries particularly interesting as electrical energy storage in mobile applications and allowing the construction of small and lightweight batteries.
The self-discharge rate is in the range of 2 % to 8 % per month, and the temperature range for use is –20 °C to +60 °C. A common feature of all lithium-ion batteries is that the cells are hermetically sealed and can be operated in any position. ("Lithium-ion accumulator", https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-Ionen-Akkumulator, accessed 24/02/2020)
If lithium-ion cells are overcharged or exposed to high temperatures (>180 °C), as can occur in the event of an accident, the layer structure of the metal oxides used breaks down – a process known as "thermal runaway" occurs. During this process, large amounts of energy are released, which form elemental oxygen. The high heat leads to vaporisation of the electrolyte liquid, which produces highly flammable gases. If this gas ignites, the lithium-ion cell burns. This is a self-reinforcing process.
If such a battery catches fire, it is very difficult to extinguish as the lithium-ion cells produce the oxygen required for the fire themselves. Until now, these fires have been extinguished with a lot of water, as the surrounding cells also need to be cooled. The amount of water required can quickly reach several thousand litres.
Extinguish battery fires in electric vehicles quickly and safely with the E-extinguishing lance® from MURER-Feuerschutz
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries in motor vehicles can be extinguished quickly, efficiently and with a manageable amount of extinguishing agent using the E-extinguishing lance®.
The E-extinguishing lance® is made of stainless steel, specially reinforced and insulated up to 1000 V. During reconnaissance - depending on the situation - the user attaches the appropriate extension to the E-extinguishing lance® and a D-hose to the coupling. The E-pressure reducer limits the pressure of the extinguishing agent and guarantees an output of 40 l/min so that the battery is completely filled.
The E-extinguishing lance® is positioned at a location that is suitable for the user and is not permanently defined. When the extinguishing agent flows, the lance tip is inserted into the battery box using an impact tool (sledge hammer). If the lance tip is positioned correctly in the battery box, the extinguishing effect can be recognised after a few moments, as the extinguishing agent entering from the lance tip fights the fire in the cells directly. Once the battery fire has been extinguished, the extinguishing agent must run continuously until the battery components have cooled down sufficiently. The battery temperature is checked using a thermal imaging camera.
Why does a lithium-ion battery burn?
The specific energy of lithium-ion batteries is in the order of 150 Wh/kg and the energy density is in the order of 400 Wh/l, making lithium-ion batteries particularly interesting as electrical energy storage in mobile applications and allowing the construction of small and lightweight batteries. The self-discharge rate is in the range of 2 % to 8 % per month, and the temperature range for use is –20 °C to +60 °C. A common feature of all lithium-ion batteries is that the cells are hermetically sealed and can be operated in any position. ("Lithium-ion accumulator", https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-Ionen-Akkumulator, accessed 24/02/2020)
If lithium-ion cells are overcharged or exposed to high temperatures (>180 °C), as can occur in the event of an accident, the layer structure of the metal oxides used breaks down – a process known as "thermal runaway" occurs. During this process, large amounts of energy are released, which form elemental oxygen. The high heat leads to vaporisation of the electrolyte liquid, which produces highly flammable gases. If this gas ignites, the lithium-ion cell burns. This is a self-reinforcing process.
If such a battery catches fire, it is very difficult to extinguish as the lithium-ion cells produce the oxygen required for the fire themselves. Until now, these fires have been extinguished with a lot of water, as the surrounding cells also need to be cooled. The amount of water required can quickly reach several thousand litres.
The solution: the E-Extinguishing Lance® from MURER Feuerschutz
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries in motor vehicles can be extinguished quickly, efficiently and with a manageable amount of extinguishing agent using our E-Extinguishing Lance®. The E-Extinguishing Lance® is made of stainless steel, specially reinforced and insulated up to 1000 V. During reconnaissance – depending on the situation – the user attaches the appropriate extension to the E-Extinguishing Lance® and a D-hose to the coupling. The E-pressure reducer limits the pressure of the extinguishing agent and guarantees an output of 40 l/min to ensure that the battery is completely filled.
The E-Extinguishing Lance® is positioned at a location that is suitable for the user and is not permanently defined. When the extinguishing agent flows, the lance tip is inserted into the battery box using an impact tool (sledge hammer). If the lance tip is positioned correctly in the battery box, the extinguishing effect can be recognised after a few moments, as the extinguishing agent entering from the lance tip fights the fire in the cells directly.
Once the battery fire has been extinguished, the extinguishing agent must run continuously until the battery components have cooled down sufficiently. The battery temperature is checked using a thermal imaging camera.
How does the E-Extinguishing Lance® work?
The fully engulfed vehicle is extinguished with an extinguishing agent (in compliance with regional regulations). If there are indications of a battery fire, the E-Extinguishing Lance® is used. By inserting the lance tip directly into the battery, a fire can be extinguished quickly and efficiently. Depending on the situation, a suitable extension tube may be fitted to the E-Extinguishing Lance® and a D-hose connected to the coupling.
The lance tip is inserted into the battery box by a second firefighter striking the striking surface of the E-Extinguishing Lance® with an impact tool (sledgehammer).
The lance tip with the nozzle openings must be securely inserted into the battery box. If the E-Extinguishing Lance® slips or is positioned too low, it may need to be repositioned. The extinguishing effect can be recognised after a few moments. The extinguishing agent must run continuously until the battery components have cooled down sufficiently after the battery fire has been extinguished. The battery temperature is checked using a thermal imaging camera.
You can also obtain the E-Extinguishing Lance® with accessories from our online catalogue at
>> shop.murer-feuerschutz.de/murer-e-loeschlanze.
More information in the instructions or in our e-mobility catalogue
>> E-Extinguishing Lance® instructions (PDF, 2,5 MB), status 12/2024
>> E-mobility catalogue (PDF, 2,2 MB), status 06/2024
