Smouldering Samsung

[Rabbi O'Genius]

Once doused with an extinguisher, the sparking phone was put in a bucket of water in the plane's toilet and kept there until the aircraft landed.

My limited knowledge of chemistry suggests that lithium in a bucket of water is probably not the smartest idea.......

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37454436

[elaw]

It seems that in general, lithium on an airplane is not a good idea!

But tell that to all the people who think being separated from their smartphone for more than 5 minutes is fatal...

[3WE]

...My limited knowledge of chemistry suggests that lithium in a bucket of water is probably not the smartest idea.....

Please, no Cowboy improvisation based off basic knowledge of Chemistry*

Stick to the QRH!

*(It is cool to throw those particular 'metals' into water, and seriously, I dunno...ENOUGH water and you can absorb the heat, as opposed to letting the phone spark next to all of those fire-proof airplane interior components.)

[Gabriel]

Once doused with an extinguisher, the sparking phone was put in a bucket of water in the plane's toilet and kept there until the aircraft landed.

My limited knowledge of chemistry suggests that lithium in a bucket of water is probably not the smartest idea.......

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37454436

You could say the same about putting sodium in water. And yet, that's exactly (well, sort of) what you do every time you put salt in the water to boil the noddles. By the way, other than sodium, a metal that is explosive in contact with water, you are adding to the noddles some chlorine, a known toxic element used as a chemical weapon to kill thousands in WW1.

[Gabriel]

Duplicate

[Rabbi O'Genius]

(well, sort of).

Indeed.
Big difference between the highly reactive pure metal and the stable compound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_25I_q4LQ

[monchavo]

Sand would have been a better idea but there's not really a readily available supply of that on an aircraft. Be interesting to know what the guidelines are for staff. The bucket of water wasn't a good idea.

[Rabbi O'Genius]

In spite of the reactivity issue, it seems that water is recommended (by the FAA) for its ability to cool the battery and prevent thermal runaway in adjacent cells.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS6KA_Si-m8

[Gabriel]

(well, sort of).

Indeed.
Big difference between the highly reactive pure metal and the stable compound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji_25I_q4LQ

Indeed, big difference.
Same difference than between the metallic lithium and a salt of lithium dissolved in an organic solvent.

Or did you think that the Li-ion batteries have pure metallic lithium? The "-ion" is there for a reason.

[Rabbi O'Genius]

did you think that the Li-ion batteries have pure metallic lithium?

Yes, that's what I thought.

1. During charging, lithium ions (yellow circles) flow from the positive electrode (red) to the negative electrode (blue) through the electrolyte (gray). Electrons also flow from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, but take the longer path around the outer circuit. The electrons and ions combine at the negative electrode and deposit lithium there.

2. When no more ions will flow, the battery is fully charged and ready to use.

3. During discharging, the ions flow back through the electrolyte from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. Electrons flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the outer circuit, powering your laptop. When the ions and electrons combine at the positive electrode, lithium is deposited there.

4. When all the ions have moved back, the battery is fully discharged and needs charging up again.

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-lit ... -work.html

[Gabriel]

Yes, that's what I thought.

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-lit ... -work.html

Ok, that's factualy correct. But do you know how much (or how little) metallic Li is deposited in the electrodes?
Also, how exposed to the water wold the Li be?
And, Li is not soooo reactive in contact with water (like sodium or magnesium are)

Finally, the real problem is the electrolyte, which is an organic solvent, highly flammable, that boils when it heats up, increasing the internal pressure of the cell, than then explodes releasing the organic vapor which then catches fire, and heats adjacent cells and you get a chain reaction.

But, again, you are right: there is metallic Li in the Li-ion batteries.

[monchavo]

Has anyone had a chance to poke about with one of the fire containment bags they have ordered for some flights?