Lithium Batteries and Marine Seismic

1. Lithium Batteries and Marine Seismic An HSE perspective S.Dale

3. Why Lithium batteries? Superior Energy Density Low self discharge (< 2%/year)

4. Battery = Stored Chemical Energy  Controlled release of this energy gives electrical power in the form of current and voltage Uncontrolled release of this energy (venting, fire or explosion) can result in shrapnel, burning molten Lithium and the release of toxic materials gases. A venting/burning or exploding Lithium Thionyl-Chlorid will release: HCl Hydrochloric Acid Fuming hydrochloric acid forms acidic mists. Both the mist and the solution have a corrosive effect on human tissue, with the potential to damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines. H2 Hydrogen gas Hydrogen gas is highly flammable and will burn in air at a very wide range of concentrations between 4% and 75% by volume (forms oxyhydrogen or �Knallgas�) SO2 Sulfur Dioxide is an allergen to which some consumers are sensitive. SO2 is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and disease, difficulty in breathing, and premature death LiOH Lithium hydroxide May be fatal if swallowed. Eye contact may cause serious, irreversible damage. Corrosive - causes burns. May cause severe eye irritation or burns. Chronic exposure may cause CNS, liver or kidney damage.

5. Tests of Lithium batteries Statoil, Gassco, Kongsberg Maritime & Norwegian Defense Research Establishment conducted a series of tests following an explosion in a Pipe Pig in 1999. Fugro, Gexcon fire test

6. Findings �A fast and uncontrolled release of energy in a Lithium Battery can be devastating�

7. Findings Relatively low temperatures can result in a violent reaction

8. Findings

9. Fugro Lithium battery test, Bergen 2007

10. Fugro test

11. Battery requirement A 14*8000 meter streamer configuration can deploy more than 750 Lithium batteries (Birds,fins & acoustics) A vessel would then carry onboard: 750 in use 750 new (30 kg metallic Lithium) 750 used = 2250

12. Lithium Battery Life Cycle Risk Analysis Primary Mitigation Procedures Storage facilities PPE

14. Lithium Battery storage containers, Geo Caribbean 90 minutes fireproof according to DIN 4102, full fire test on unit (to protect from external heat!) Explosion proof climate-control unit (AC/heater > 15-20�C) Temperature monitoring/alarm Explosion relief hatch Fixed water sprinkler/flood installation

15. Water and Lithium batteries? There is an industry misconception on the use of water to fight or prevent Lithium fires. Water has better extinguishing properties on burning Lithium batteries Water will cool down the battery and the surrounding batteries preventing an escalation Water can be applied from a safer distance Water is readily available Our batteries are hermetically sealed and direct contact with Lithium metal is not possible on intact batteries

16. Discard overboard Most literature recommends: Evacuate area Call professional fire fighters� Not an option offshore Our main philosophy on lithium anomalies: The HSE considerations of the vessel takes priority over the environmental concerns of discarding a lithium cell overboard. Any cell/device anomaly Immediately discard overboard The battery will slowly deplete, consuming the active components- Very little or no harm to the environment � especially compared to the potential loss of ship

17. Best Practices FIFO storage Segregate new and used batteries Fireproof, climate controlled storage facility in �open air� Keep away from other combustible material Have generous water supply available everywhere you use/store Lithium batteries Use proper PPE during anomalies Everyone onboard must be familiar with the risks of Lithium batteries Immediately discard suspected batteries/devices overboard Perform regular lithium emergency response training Ship off used batteries at first opportunity

18. noncardiogenic pulmonary edema