TB 43-0134
This will cool the batteries, control the combustion of
4-6.
Lithium-Sulfur Dioxide (Li-S02) Battery, BA-5567/U
surrounding flammables and reduce the hazards of gaseous
BA-5567/U is a primary (non-rechargeable) battery. The
SO2, in case of venting, by removing some of the gas from the
battery has one cell with 0.35 grams of lithium (Li)/cell. The
air.
cell has a liquid cathode of sulfur dioxide (SO2).
(4) C02 extinguishers will not extinguish
a.
Chemical characterization Since 1980, CECOM
burning Li metal, but will extinguish other combustible
has only procured "balanced cell" Li-SO2 batteries.
materials within or near the battery.
(1) Anode: Lithium (Li).
(5) Use of an approved Class-D fire
(2) Cathode: Sulfur dioxide (SO2).
extinguisher, such as Lith-X, for Li metal fires, is
(3) Electrolyte: Organic solvent (acetonitrile
recommended. f Storage. See para 2-5. Storage shall be in
(CH3CN)) solution with lithium bromide (LiBr).
a dry, well ventilated, sprinkler protected facility, if available. A
WARNING
non-combustible building or structure without sprinklers will be
Li-SO2 batteries contain pressurized SO2 gas.
the second choice. A combustible storage facility may be
The gas has a pungent odor, and is highly
used temporarily if neither of the above types are available.
toxic. The battery MUST NOT be abused in
Other hazardous materials shall be stored separately. A
any way which may cause the battery to
Class-D fire extinguisher should be available in storage areas,
rupture.
when sprinkler protected facilities are not available.
IMMEDIATELY turn off the equipment if
g.
Transportation requirements. See para 2-6 for
battery or battery compartment shows signs
packaging, marking and labeling requirements. BA-5567/U is
of overheating or becomes hot to the touch.
not regulated under Title 49 CFR, Part 172.101 HMT; see 49
Allow the battery to cool (at least 60
CFR, Part 173.185(i).
minutes) before removing it. If you hear a
h.
Disposition and disposal. DO NOT accumulate
hissing sound (battery vent-ing), or smell
and store waste batteries for disposal for more than 90 days.
irritating gas, IMMEDIATELY Turn Off the
See para 2-7.
equipment, and LEAVE the area until any
(1) Dispose of BA-5567/U batteries as NHSW,
smell or signs of leaking gas have been
in accordance with RCRA regulations. These batteries may be
cleared from the area.
disposed with general refuse.
(4) S02 gas has a sharp suffocating odor and
(2) These batteries are classified as NHSW in
is a corrosive and poisonous material. It may irritate the eyes,
states which utilize bioassay to characterize solid wastes.
nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Personnel can detect
S02 at I part per million (ppm) concentration, and
4-7.
Lithium-Sulfur
Dioxide
(Li-SO2)
concentrations above 10 ppm are dangerous.
(5) NEVER test Li-S02 batteries for capacity
Batteries, Multi-cell
with a conventional test set not specifically designed to test
these batteries.
b.
Type number. BA-5567/U.
Multi-cell Li-SO2 batteries are primary (non-rechargeable)
c.
Solid waste characterization.
batteries. These multi-cell batteries have two or more cells (up
(1) Under federal RCRA: NHSW.
to ten cells depending on configuration). The cell has a liquid
(2) Bioassay findings: Not tested. Based on
cathode of sulfur dioxide (SO2), with up to 2.8 grams of lithium
testing of multi-cell Li-S02 batteries, not HW under this criteria.
(Li)/cell. There are two types of batteries presently available
d.
Handling. See para 2-3.
without a Complete Discharge Device (CDD), and with a CDD.
e.
Fire control/suppression . See para 2-4.
The CDD is built into most multi-cell Li-S02 batteries produced
after January 1989. Batteries with a built-in CDD can be
WARNING
identified by a label over the switch instructing users to "Push"
Halon fire extinguishers SHALL NOT be
the switch prior to disposal.
used to combat fires involving Li-SO2
a.
Chemical characterization.
Since 1980,
batteries.
CECOM has only procured "balanced cell" Li-SO2 batteries.
(3) If Li-SO2 batteries are involved in or near
(1) Anode: Lithium (Li).
fire, the principal concerns are to prevent its spread and
minimize cell venting. Flood the burning materials with water.
4-5
