Driven by global energy structure transformation and the “dual-carbon” goal, the new energy industry is reshaping the global economic landscape. As the core carrier of new energy, lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density and long cycle life, have become the “heart” of electric vehicles, energy storage power stations, and consumer electronics.
However, behind the explosive growth of the lithium-ion battery industry lies a significant safety hazard—gas risk. Various harmful, flammable, or toxic gases can be generated at every stage of production, testing, storage, and recycling. These gases accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated workshops, and once they reach their explosive limits, they can ignite upon contact with static electricity, electrical sparks, or high temperatures, causing casualties, equipment damage, and even supply chain disruptions.
How to strengthen the gas safety defenses for lithium-ion batteries has become a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed.
The “Invisible Killer” of Lithium-ion Battery Production: Lithium-ion battery production is a complex and precise process involving various hazardous chemicals and potential gas leakage risks. When a battery is damaged or its production malfunctions, it may leak various hazardous gases, including hydrogen (H₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen fluoride (HF).
**Carbon Monoxide (CO):** Source: A product of the decomposition of the negative electrode SEI film and electrolyte in the early stages of battery thermal runaway.
**Hazards:** A highly toxic and flammable gas, a significant indicator of fire and poisoning.
**Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):** Source: Electrolyte combustion, positive electrode material decomposition, etc.
**Hazards:** Although not flammable, high concentrations can cause asphyxiation and are also a significant indicator of abnormal battery heating.
**Hydrogen (H₂):** Source: A product of the decomposition of the negative electrode SEI film and electrolyte in the early stages of battery thermal runaway.
**Hazards:** A highly flammable gas that is poorly soluble in water, posing a high risk of fire or explosion.
**Hydrogen Fluoride (HF):** Source: Produced by the reaction or thermal decomposition of electrolyte salts (such as lithium hexafluorophosphate, LiPF₆) with water.
Hazards: Extremely corrosive and toxic, posing serious hazards to personnel’s respiratory system and equipment.
Monitoring Purpose: This is life-safety level monitoring, requiring the use of a dedicated HF gas sensor.
Other Toxic Gases
Phosphoryl Fluoride (POF3): Another highly toxic and corrosive gas produced by the decomposition of LiPF6.
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN): May be produced at high temperatures by certain cathode materials containing cobalt, etc.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): May be produced by some battery systems.
Combustible Gases (Overall Monitoring) Source: The sum of the above-mentioned combustible gases (H2, CO, VOCs, etc.).
Monitoring Method: Use catalytic combustion sensors or infrared sensors to monitor the overall concentration of combustible gases.
Monitoring Purpose: To provide broad-spectrum fire and explosion risk warnings, providing the most basic safety guarantee.
Lithium-ion Battery Plant Gas Safety Solutions
As a key technological support for the rapid development of the new energy industry, the safety of lithium-ion battery plants has become a core issue of high focus across the entire industry. Prevention is more crucial than remediation.
Henan Chicheng Electric Co., Ltd. has been deeply involved in the field of gas safety monitoring for 21 years. It possesses a professional and mature solution for gas safety issues in lithium battery factories, providing them with a comprehensive safety guarantee combining technical expertise and in-depth scenario experience.
01 Gas Safety Monitoring System
In high-risk areas such as the formation and capacity testing workshop, electrolyte warehouse, and injection room, explosion-proof fixed gas detectors are deployed to build a 24/7 uninterrupted multi-parameter monitoring network. The system focuses on monitoring the leakage concentrations of various gases, including flammable and explosive gases (H2, combustible gases), toxic gases (CO, HF), and asphyxiating gases (O2), tailored to the characteristics of lithium battery production. When the concentration of the gas to be measured reaches or exceeds the preset value, the instrument will immediately alarm and can also trigger the operation of equipment such as solenoid valves and fans. Simultaneously, alarms can be pushed to users’ mobile phones via telephone, SMS, and APP, building a proactive defense network covering all scenarios to constantly protect the gas environment safety of lithium battery factories.
02 Portable Gas Detectors
Targeting lithium battery factory operations, Chicheng Electric equips its inspection personnel with portable multi-gas detectors. These detectors support simultaneous detection of 1-6 gases, boasting fast response times and high measurement accuracy. They can be used in various scenarios, including daily inspections, maintenance, and confined space operations, serving as mobile “sentinels” to ensure the safety of personnel at all times. Through a combination of fixed and portable equipment, Chicheng Electric has built a comprehensive gas safety control system for the entire lithium battery production process, providing dual protection for personnel safety and stable equipment operation.
In the wave of the energy revolution, only safety can truly make lithium batteries the “green heart” driving the future. With 21 years of technological accumulation and innovative spirit, Chicheng Electric provides robust guarantees for the “safe start” of every battery!
