A new pilot project will trial a system that isolates batteries or their parent devices in waste and recycling centres to reduce the risk of fires.
Barnbrook Systems, Flair, and TJ Waste & Recycling are collaborating on the project in Portsmouth.
The pilot is based on Barnbrook and Flair’s E-bag system, which was designed using nanotechnology to create its temperature-sensitive smart fabric.
The system can adapt to completely smother a battery or hardware once it has been placed inside to prevent ignition or extinguish flames.
The E-bag is being adapted for trials at TJ Waste and Recycling’s Materials Recovery Facility at Tipner in Portsmouth.
The trial comes after a major blaze involving 117 tonnes of material at the centre on 6 July was believed to have been sparked by a lithium-ion battery.
This is game-changing technology which can deal with the increasing threat from lithium-ion batteries.
Andrew Barnett, managing director of Barnbrook Systems, said: “This is game-changing technology which can deal with the increasing threat from lithium-ion batteries.
“There have been a number of cases recently where they have caught fire, including within a passenger’s hand luggage which resulted in the evacuation of a passenger aircraft at Gatwick Airport in September.
“We are looking forward to working with TJ Waste & Recycling in the UK’s first trial of its kind using our E-bag technology which has the potential to save lives and money while supporting business continuity and enhancing community confidence.”
As part of the pilot, Barnbrook said operatives sifting materials at TJ Waste & Recycling will have purpose-made, portable bags in which they can place suspect or hazardous devices. Once the bag is zipped up, it can be safely taken outside for processing.
There will also be a large sack into which bigger batteries or devices can be placed before it is lifted by a forklift and removed by a disposal company.
Tracking and monitoring
The E-bag is also fitted with Barnbrook’s BlueCube© tracking and monitoring sensors.
Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, BlueCube© tracks pressure, temperature and movement in real-time with readings sent live to a phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet.
The technology can also be used to track the temperature and humidity inside the E-bag.
Barnbrook said it is in talks with several international airlines about the use of the E-bag, which was launched at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
