New USA Rules for Transport of Li-Ion Batteries on Aircraft

In an effort to enhance the safety of the traveling public and transportation workers, PHMSA and the FAA issued an interim final rulemaking that updates regulations pertaining to the transport of lithium batteries by aircraft. The rule:

1. prohibits the transport of lithium ion cells or batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft;

2. requires lithium ion cells and batteries to be shipped at not more than a 30 percent state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft when not packed with or contained in equipment;

3. limits the use of alternative provisions for small lithium cell or battery shipments;

4. further aligns U.S. transportation regulations specific to lithium batteries with standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);

5. does not restrict passengers or crew members from bringing personal items or electronic devices containing lithium batteries aboard aircraft in carry-on or checked baggage.

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5. does not restrict passengers or crew members from bringing personal items or electronic devices containing lithium batteries aboard aircraft in carry-on or checked baggage.

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desert.snake said:

What about music players and cell phones?

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PHMSA is requiring all lithium ion cells and batteries transported as UN3480 (not packed with or contained in equipment) on cargo-only aircraft be shipped at a state of charge of not more than 30 percent of their rated capacity.

This requirement was determined based on FAA Technical Center test results demonstrating that the propagation of thermal runaway could be greatly reduced or eliminated at this level. The hazardous effects of thermal runaway were markedly less when the cells were at 30 percent state of charge or less relative to higher states of charge. The FAA tested lithium ion 18650 LiCoO2 cells at five charge states: 100% (two tests), 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20%.

The results can be summed up as follows:

* The 100% cell exploded in both tests, and rapid cooling was observed. Peak temperature: 1030 °F.
* The 50% test consumed all cells. Peak temperature: 1044 °F.
* At 40%, two cells were consumed, and the peak temperature 760 °F decreased after thermal runaway in Cell 2.
* At 30%, venting occurred in Cell 1 with no thermal runaway. Peak temperature: 560 °F.
* At 20%, venting occurred in Cell 1 with no thermal runaway. Peak temperature: 502 °F.

These results apply to lithium ion cells of this size and chemistry and thermal runaway effects may be different for different cell sizes and chemistries. However other studies involving different lithium ion cell chemistries show a similar trend of reduced hazardous effects at a reduced state of charge. The ICAO agreed that a 30 percent state of charge limit was appropriate based on the testing information available.

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Mr. LED said:

No equipment containing lithium ion batteries can be inside checked baggage. Only carry on.

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The rule...does not restrict passengers or crew members from bringing personal items or electronic devices containing lithium batteries aboard aircraft in carry-on or checked baggage.

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