When I first entered this industry, I thought lead-acid batteries would be more dangerous than lifepo4 solar battery, but GycxSolar boss told that’s not right. Integendeel, lithium-ion battery products are more dangerous, with risks such as explosion and combustion. Echter, battery products have always had high and complex transportation requirements in logistics.
Due to the unique composition complexity of lifepo4 solar battery and the fact that not all logistics service providers have safety awareness and corresponding professional knowledge to handle them in compliance, the transportation process of lithium-ion batteries is full of variables and complexity. Daarom, please note that express delivery is not just about putting lithium batteries in boxes. Transporting batteries is a serious job, and if not handled properly, it can lead to explosions, fires, and fines – with significant risks!
In this brief blog post, we will introduce the correct methods for battery transportation, including understanding regulations, verpakking, among other things. With the correct professional knowledge, you can safely transport lifepo4 solar battery.
Understand lifepo4 solar battery
Lifepo4 solar battery is the fundamental core of modern power storage, widely used in fields such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industry. Its lightweight and high energy density make it the preferred choice for portable and long-lasting power needs. As more and more products rely on Lifepo4 solar batteries, the market demand for them is also constantly increasing.
It is crucial to have a deep understanding of the classification of lithium-ion batteries in order to ensure safe transportation. Lithium ion batteries contain various highly active substances, and understanding their chemical composition is one of the foundations.
Tegelijkertijd, it has high energy density and generates heat during operation, which may pose significant safety hazards in limited capacity spaces, especially in enclosed spaces such as containers during transportation.
Lithium ion batteries belong to Class 9 of hazardous material systems. Class 9 covers various types of dangerous goods, including items that are easily heated and flammable. Lithium ion batteries are particularly prominent in this category due to their fire hazards and susceptibility to overheating.
This classification system evaluates the potential risks of substances and materials during transportation. Improper handling, verpakking, or storage can lead to serious chemical and electrical hazards, so it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the details of safe transportation.
These classifications provide logistics providers with the characteristics of goods, enabling them to know how to ship lithium ion batteries and handle logistics of lifepo4 solar batteries correctly, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and preventing accidents during transportation.
Why do lifepo4 Solar Battery Require Special Transportation Arrangements
Lifepo4 solar battery requires special arrangements during transportation as improper handling may result in serious consequences.
If the battery is damaged or short circuited, het kan thermische wegloper veroorzaken, leidend tot brand of explosie. This may not only cause harm to the handling personnel or emergency rescue personnel, but also lead to damage to the cargo, and the fire may even spread to the cargo hold of the aircraft or ship.
If a fire occurs during transportation, especially by air, emergency landing or diversion may be required, increasing the risk and complexity of transportation. In aanvulling, if you violate battery transportation regulations, you may also end up paying regulatory fines or losing transportation rights.
Due to its high risk, lithium batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods. And other types of batteries may belong to other categories of dangerous goods. Battery products must comply with packaging, labeling, and quantity restrictions regulations.
What are the ways in which Lifepo4 solar batteries can be transported?
Lifepo4 solar battery can be transported by all four main modes of transportation used in logistics: air, sea, road, and rail. Echter, different modes of transportation may have different regulations and requirements.
Below we will introduce general guidelines applicable to all modes of transportation, which can be obtained by reviewing specific hazardous material regulations in the following industries for more detailed information:
Air freight: International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations and International Air Transport Association Lithium Battery Transport Regulations (LBSR)
Ocean: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
Highway: Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
Railway: International Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
Transportation regulations for lithium-ion batteries
Two important documents: the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
It is crucial to comply with UN Standard 38.3 when transporting lithium-ion batteries by air, sea, road, and rail.
This standard comes from the United Nations Manual of Tests and Standards and applies to both standalone batteries and batteries already installed in equipment. In trade security regulations, the United Nations has been issuing guidelines for the safe transportation of dangerous goods.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) provides universal safety standards for chemicals. This method facilitates staff to quickly understand the potential risks of different chemicals, ensuring the safe handling, transportation, and use of chemicals, thereby protecting humans and the environment.
UN Standard 38.3: Global Standards
The United Nations Manual of Tests and Standards provides detailed testing methods, standards, and procedures for the classification of dangerous goods.
In this comprehensive regulatory requirement regulation, there is a dedicated chapter widely known as UN Standard 38.3, which is the third part of the manual, Section 38.3.
This section provides detailed information on the transportation of lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries. These regulations are global benchmarks, and unified regulatory standards are conducive to maintaining the safety of lithium-ion battery transportation. Regulatory agencies around the world generally accept and comply with them.
If you are considering international transportation of lithium-ion batteries, it is crucial to understand the special limitations arising from their inherent hazards. Other detailed requirements may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the country/region where the battery is transported. It is recommended to carefully verify and consult relevant departments to ensure compliance.
Transporting batteries by Road
In road transportation, shippers must comply with the lithium-ion battery regulations of the local transportation department, including appropriate packaging, labeling, and specific quantities and types for road transportation. Truck transport companies must also comply with more detailed regulations, such as attaching labels on the outside of containers and reporting information to relevant local government departments in a timely manner.
Shipping lithium batteries by Air
Can lithium ion batteries be shipped by air ? The answer is yes, but the conditions will be slightly higher.
To ensure the safety of Shipping lithium batteries by Air, airlines will establish specific rules and restrictions. Independent lithium-ion batteries cannot be transported as cargo on passenger flights. But the lithium-ion batteries installed in the equipment can be shipped by air, but there will be limitations on the number of batteries and the type of equipment.
Independent lithium-ion batteries can be transported by cargo planes, but must be packed according to regulations to prevent potential high risks such as short circuits or spontaneous combustion.
This includes individually packaging each battery and placing it in a secondary outer packaging to prevent short circuits.
De staat van beschuldiging (SoC) of all lithium-ion battery cells and batteries (En 3480 alleen) shall not exceed 30% of their rated capacity. Battery cells and batteries with SoC exceeding 30% can only be transported in accordance with written conditions established by the authorities, with approval from the country of origin and the country where the operator is located.
For the latest and revised regulations, please refer to the guidance documents related to the transportation of lithium batteries in your location. And whether it’s international or domestic freight, it’s best to check with airlines for any additional requirements they have customized themselves.
Lithium ion Railway Transportation
Transporting lithium-ion batteries by railway requires compliance with specific railway regulations to ensure safety and compliance during transportation.
It must comply with UN Regulation 38.3: all lithium-ion batteries transported by rail must pass strict tests specified in the United Nations Manual of Tests and Standards, including height, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock tests. Lithium ion batteries must be packaged according to regulations and labeled with danger labels. To prevent risks of damage during transportation, batteries should also be prevented from moving inside the packaging (PHMSA).
For rail transit, the charging state of lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable batteries shall not exceed 30% of their rated capacity. Higher SoC levels are only allowed in special circumstances with approval from the relevant authorities of the country of origin and destination (PHMSA).
Shipping Lithium batteries By Sea
Sea freight is the main mode of international transportation for lithium-ion batteries. This method is subject to the international regulations of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), which is the global standard for the safe transportation of hazardous materials by sea. Shipping lithium batteries by sea requires compliance with international regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe transportation of these potentially hazardous materials.
Some information about shipping batteries in the ocean:
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) specifies the classification, verpakking, labeling, and other requirements for dangerous goods to prevent accidents and environmental hazards.
Classification of International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code:
En 3480 is applicable to independent lithium-ion batteries.
En 3481 applies to lithium-ion batteries inside or packaged in equipment.
En 3090 and UN 3091 respectively apply to lithium metal batteries and lithium metal batteries contained or packaged in equipment.
Conclusie
With the surge in global demand for lithium-ion batteries, logistics transportation will also face new expansion and challenges. Choosing the appropriate transportation method based on your location is beneficial for your investment safety. Sometimes the transportation of lithium batteries is not so safe, as there have been incidents of cargo catching fire during sea freight before.
Reasonable selection, verpakking, and emphasis can reduce the occurrence of these risks and ensure the smooth progress of your own investment.
Daarom, the transportation of Lifepo4 solar batteries requires careful planning and adherence to specific policies and regulations of the transportation location to ensure safety and compliance. It is recommended to always pay attention to the latest updates and detailed guidelines, which can be found in official documents from relevant regulatory agencies such as the International Air Transport Association, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Administration, and local transport authorities.
