Tag Archives: humidity control

Packaging for batteries

Battery packaging, essentials and main factors to be taken into account

In our more than 80 years, 360 Eco Packaging has manufactured many certified packaging for dangerous goods and explosives, so we want to mention that we are members of the Subcommittee CTN 192 SC 03 (UNE/ISO) in the development of a new regulation in the field of transport of dangerous goods with AENOR and the Ministry of Industry (ISO 16495 development).

In this post, we will talk about the packaging and batteries shipping, including those coming from the automotive sector as one of the most complex in the field of transport and logistics.

To begin with, we must take into account the type of item to be transported; in this case, batteries classified as hazardous under current regulations. Therefore, as a normative and legal basis we must take among others the ADR code that identifies this type of element in category 2, class 9.

For the different types of batteries, this ADR code classifies them according to their construction material, for example:

  • Lithium-ion battery: UN No. 3480
  • Lithium metal battery: UN No 3090
  • Nickel-metal hydride battery: UN No. 3496
UN 3480

In this link, you can consult all the information.

Once the type of battery to be protected has been defined, the ADR code defines specific instructions for each type of battery depending on different parameters such as: the point in its life cycle, the degree of deterioration, whether it is installed in equipment, etc.

After this short introduction, we will try to answer the main questions that may arise:

What are ADR boxes or certified packaging for battery transport?

The certified packaging for the transport of batteries or ADR crates for batteries is a type of packaging specifically designed and developed for this purpose.

These crates come with the product from the factory to the recycling plant.  In other words, we offer the solution for the entire circuit from the point of view of savings, since the cost is the minimum.

Therefore, the packaging not only serves as a mere means of protection, but is positioned as a key link in the value chain that makes up the life cycle of the batteries.

 

Why is the transport of batteries classified as dangerous?

Mainly, because due to their construction type, this type of batteries are sensitive to impacts and sudden temperature changes, and there is a risk of internal component leakage, explosion or fire due to high temperature, among others.

Therefore, it is essential to minimize these risks by designing a packaging that contains and minimizes them.

 

Can damaged batteries be transported?

Yes, as we mentioned at the beginning of this post, there is a specific regulation for these issues.

In this case, it is a robust packaging capable of containing and retaining liquid spills, thus avoiding explosions, perforations, deterioration or other types of incidents capable of damaging not only the product but also causing damage to the population or the environment.

Lithium Battery

As a conclusion, storing, transporting and shipping a battery correctly ensures that the risks involved are eliminated or minimized.

Keeping the battery at a suitable temperature is essential to avoid spontaneous combustion. These types of batteries are very sensitive to humidity, high and low temperatures. In addition to the main packaging, there are temperature and humidity detectors capable of monitoring these parameters.

Finally, it must be taken into account that the transport agency with which the service is carried out must be certified for this type of shipment. They must be qualified for the transport of dangerous goods and comply with the established regulations.

Passive control devices
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Passive Control Devices, Which One Should We Use?

After several posts analyzing and then looking at case studies of humidity control (desiccant salts) we are going to talk again, but this time in a more practical way, about passive control elements.

Passive control devices

To verify that our fixation or control of the environment has been correct, we must use passive control devices that will tell us once at destination if the goods have suffered any stress during the trip. For this we must use impact detectors to measure accelerations and humidity and temperature detectors to measure the atmosphere in which the cargo has been transported.

 

How do I know which impact detector to use?

For this we must know well what load we are going to transport and how sensitive it is to accelerations and in which axes. Once known we must take as a unit of measurement the units “g” to know what resulting acceleration depending on its weight must support, so that the more “g” less sensitivity (loads with lower weights and volumes). For example, if we want to transport a device of 10Kg and 0.5 m3 with a normal sensitivity, we should take as an approximate reference an impact detector of 50g.  Here is an indicative table:

Passive control devices

Are there impact detectors that monitor the entire route?

For the transport of a load that we need to monitor in real time and have a database with all the transport parameters we will need to use an electronic impact detector or logger.  These devices would allow us to measure periodically accelerations, temperature, humidity… and then download this data to our pc to analyze them.

 

Once I have this device, how should I place it?

Finally, these devices should usually be placed on the longest side and at a height equal to or greater than 2/3. If you see that this device has triggered (usually it will show a red color) indicates that it has exceeded the defined tare.

Passive control devices

In the case of guaranteeing a controlled humidity atmosphere we must use humidity detectors, these devices as well as impact devices allow us to easily identify if the load has suffered any stress on the way.

 

There are control elements with several scales where we would show the maximum humidity levels to which our product has been exposed, so we will have to define on which safety scale our product should be transported.

 

As we have seen, after a correct conditioning it is essential to monitor it to have a feedback on how the transport has been developed to adjust it if necessary in subsequent shipments.

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