VOGT-CTE - WE DELIVER FLAME RETARDANTS

The increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, solar systems, and many electronic devices brings not only technological advancements but also new challenges in fire safety.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries pose unique risks, as conventional fire extinguishers designed for standard fire types are often not adequately effective.

This can delay extinguishment and significantly increase the extent of damage and danger. In response to this issue, “FlameBlock Lithium Black” is introduced as an innovative safety solution specifically developed for lithium-ion battery fires.

THE-FIRELAB - FLAME RETARDANTS

THE-FIRELAB
HYDRA-X
High-performance firefighting water additive for versatile use.

THE-FIRELAB
LITHIUM-BLACK
Lithium Black quickly extinguishes and controls lithium-ion battery fires

THE-FIRELAB
TITAN-ATOM
Fire protection system for the suppression of fires in electrical systems

THE-FIRELAB
MASTIC
High-performance, fire-resistant paste that creates fire protection barriers

THE-FIRELAB
FABRIC-SHIELD
Fabric Shield is an innovative, fire-retardant solution for fabric treatment.

THE-FIRELAB
NO-PANIC
No-Panic is a drop-in solution for combating pan and grease fires

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Vogt-CTE
Rescue
Business area for products related to rescue and emergency services

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Defense
Business field for products related to defense and security

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Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile power supply

Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business sector for fire protection and fire safety products

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GLOSSARY: BATTERIES AND LITHIUM-ION FIRES (A–Z)

Term	Detailed Explanation
Anode	The negative electrode of a battery. In lithium-ion batteries, it is usually made of graphite. If damaged, it may react with the electrolyte and contribute to heat generation.
Battery Fire	A fire originating from a primary or rechargeable battery. It may be caused by a short circuit, overcharging, mechanical damage, or a manufacturing defect.
Battery Pack Fire	A fire involving an entire battery pack, such as one installed in an electric vehicle or energy-storage system. It is extremely difficult to control.
Battery Swelling	A visible increase in battery volume caused by internal gas formation. It is a serious warning sign of an impending fire or explosion.
Cathode	The positive electrode of a battery, often made of lithium metal oxides. Instability or oxygen release from the cathode can significantly intensify a fire.
Cathode Decomposition	Thermal decomposition of the cathode accompanied by oxygen release. This can greatly intensify a battery fire.
Cell Cascade	The delayed thermal failure of multiple battery cells in succession. This is particularly problematic in large energy-storage systems.
Cell Fire	A fire involving a single battery cell. It may initiate a larger battery or battery-pack fire.
Chain Reaction	A progressive reaction spreading from one cell to another within a battery pack. It is closely associated with thermal-runaway propagation.
Deflagration	Rapid combustion that occurs below the speed of sound. Battery fires commonly involve deflagration but may appear explosive.
Electrolyte	A combustible liquid or gel inside a battery, usually based on organic solvents. It evaporates when heated and produces highly flammable gases.
Electrolyte Decomposition	The chemical breakdown of the electrolyte at high temperatures. It causes gas generation and an increase in internal battery pressure.
Energy Density	A measure of the amount of energy stored per unit of volume or mass. High energy density increases both fire risk and fire intensity.
Explosion	A sudden release of pressure caused by gas formation. In lithium-ion batteries, this often involves violent casing rupture rather than a conventional explosion.
Fire Load	The amount of energy that a battery can release during a fire. Lithium-ion batteries have a very high fire load relative to their volume.
Fire Propagation	The spread of a battery fire to adjacent cells, batteries, or equipment. It is particularly critical in battery packs and energy-storage systems.
Fire Suppression Agent	Suitable suppression methods include large quantities of water for cooling or specialised extinguishing granulates. Conventional dry-powder extinguishers are often ineffective at stopping internal cell reactions.
Flame Jet	A directed jet flame discharged from an opening in a battery. It may extend for several metres and ignite nearby materials.
Gas Release	The discharge of highly flammable and toxic gases, such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and fluorinated compounds.
Graphite Anode	A commonly used battery anode. During overheating, lithium may deposit on its surface, increasing the risk of internal short circuits.
Hazardous Material	Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials for transport because of their fire and explosion risks.
Heat Release Rate	The rate at which energy is released during a fire. Battery fires may produce extremely high peak heat-release rates.
High-Energy Battery	A battery with a particularly high energy density, such as those used in electric vehicles. It requires specialised fire-protection concepts.
Ignition of Released Gases	The sudden and potentially explosive ignition of combustible gases released from a battery. It frequently occurs during thermal runaway.
Insulation Failure	Loss of electrical separation between the anode and cathode. This causes strong heat generation and may initiate thermal runaway.
Internal Short Circuit	A short circuit inside a cell caused by separator failure, contamination, or mechanical damage. It is a common cause of battery fires.
Lithium Fire	A fire involving elemental lithium. Lithium reacts violently with water. Pure lithium fires are rare but extremely hazardous.
Lithium-Ion Battery	A rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as charge carriers. It provides high energy density but also presents an increased fire risk.
Mechanical Damage	Crushing, puncturing, dropping, or otherwise damaging a battery may cause an internal short circuit.
Oxidising Agent	A substance that supplies oxygen or otherwise promotes oxidation. Batteries may contain internal oxidising materials and can therefore sustain reactions with limited external air.
Overcharging	Charging a battery beyond its permitted voltage. This may cause gas formation, overheating, and an increased fire risk.
Overtemperature	An increase in cell temperature beyond its defined safety limits. It is a critical precursor to thermal runaway and fire.
Pyrolysis	Thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. It produces combustible gases inside the battery.
Reaction Heat	Heat generated by chemical reactions within the battery. It is a major driving force behind thermal runaway.
Re-Ignition	Renewed ignition after a battery fire appears to have been extinguished. Battery fires may re-ignite hours or even days later.
Safety Vent	A pressure-relief device designed to release internal gas and prevent violent casing rupture. It does not necessarily prevent fire.
Self-Ignition	Ignition without an external ignition source, caused by internal overheating or chemical reactions.
Separator	A thin polymer film positioned between the anode and cathode. It may melt when exposed to heat, allowing an internal short circuit to occur.
Short Circuit	A direct electrical connection between the positive and negative terminals or electrodes. It causes extremely high currents and rapid heat generation.
Solid-State Battery	A battery type that uses a solid electrolyte. It is considered potentially safer against fire, but it is not yet in widespread use across all applications.
Thermal Runaway	An uncontrollable self-accelerating reaction involving an exponential increase in temperature. It is the central mechanism behind severe lithium-ion battery fires.
Toxic Smoke Gases	Hazardous combustion and decomposition products that may include hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and metal oxides. They can be life-threatening even at relatively low concentrations.
Vent Failure	Failure or blockage of a safety vent may cause excessive pressure accumulation and violent casing rupture.
Venting	The controlled release of gas through a battery safety vent. The escaping gases may still ignite and produce a flame jet.
Water Reaction	Elemental lithium reacts violently with water. Lithium-ion batteries, however, can generally be cooled using large quantities of water because they normally contain lithium compounds rather than significant amounts of elemental lithium.

WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in fire extinguishing technology. Our solutions facilitate firefighting efforts, making them faster, safer, and less resource-intensive. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and make a real difference – saving lives every day. We don’t just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure these innovations reach those who need them most: those on the front lines conducting rescue operations.