Li/SO2 cells and Li/SOCl2 cells-safe use and testing

The author discusses two specific cell designs, the spiral wound Li/SO₂ cell and the spiral wound Li/SOCl₂ cell. All cells are designed to vent at pressures well below those required to create explosive fragmentation of the cell´s case. The primary concern is that people are not injured when a cell vents or ruptures. The likelihood of cell venting has been reduced to very low levels by optimizing cell designs. If fully developed Li/SO₂ cells of Li/SOCl₂ cells are discharged within the intended design limits, they are essentially nonhazardous. In addition, the consequences of cell ventings are being minimized by use of appropriate absorbent materials and protective coatings. During battery assembly and test, detection and monitoring equipment are used to sense the presence of vented gases. Tester data analysis techniques have been developed to foresee either an increasing likelihood of a vent or the presence of a vented cell. Standard cleanup procedures have been developed to safely decontaminate the assembly or test area following a cell vent