Japan's First AVD Discharger Specialized for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, 'LITH EX (LITHEX)', Now Available

Japan's First AVD Discharger Specialized for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires, 'LITH EX (LITHEX)', Now Available — Using AVD Fire Suppressant to Contain Dangerous 'Thermal Runaway' via Cooling and Oxygen Isolation

Nitibou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroyuki Sugiyama) will begin sales in June 2026 of the 'LITHEX' discharger, specifically designed to combat fires caused by lithium-ion batteries (LiB).

This product has already received multiple certifications and has been widely deployed overseas. Nitibou serves as the exclusive distributor of AVD products in Japan.

1. Background of Development and Launch

Lithium-ion batteries (hereinafter 'LiB') are widely used in essential everyday devices such as smartphones, power banks, vacuum cleaners, and electric bicycles. In recent years, the number of fires caused by LiB has been increasing, with many incidents leading to residential fires. According to a report by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as many as 1,297 LiB fires occurred in Reiwa 7 alone.

LiB fires differ significantly from conventional fires. When abnormal heating occurs due to any cause, it can trigger a chain reaction leading to uncontrollable 'thermal runaway', during which toxic and flammable gases are emitted, resulting in repeated ignition and explosions. As a result, traditional fire extinguishers often fail to fully extinguish such fires, creating an urgent need for specialized safety equipment capable of safely addressing these incidents.

2. Key Features of 'LITHEX'

This product is Japan's first dedicated discharger utilizing UK-made AVD fire suppressant (aqueous vermiculite dispersion). It features an innovative fire suppression mechanism that combines three key functions to effectively control intensely burning LiB fires:

Suppression of Temperature Rise through Rapid Cooling

The water content in the AVD suppressant, discharged as a fine mist, absorbs heat through evaporation, rapidly cooling the burning object and suppressing the temperature rise that leads to thermal runaway.

Formation of a Non-Combustible Barrier (Oxygen-Blocking Film)

After the water evaporates, plate-like crystals of vermiculite—a natural mineral (expanded mica)—accumulate and form a ceramic-like, non-combustible barrier on the surface of the burning object. This barrier blocks heat and oxygen, preventing reignition of the LiB and suppressing the generation of flammable gases.

Eco-Friendly and Safe Composition

The suppressant is primarily composed of natural minerals and water, making it an inert agent with extremely low environmental impact. It contains no PFAS (fluorinated surfactants).

AVD Discharge on LiB Forming Protective Barrier

3. Target Applications and Devices

Smartphones, power banks, notebook PCs, cordless vacuum cleaners, power tools, electric bicycles, electric kick scooters, drones, and similar devices.

4. Future Outlook

We will offer a wide range of models tailored to different battery types and sizes, contributing to safer living environments. Additionally, combining the use of AVD fire blankets will enable even more reliable and secure fire suppression measures.

5. Company Overview: Nitibou Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Nitibou Co., Ltd. Headquarters: 1-9-5 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Hiroyuki Sugiyama Business Activities: Development, design, installation, and maintenance of disaster prevention equipment

Website: https://www.nitibou.co.jp

Collaborator: Machikado Bousai Lab

Representative: Eiki Sato

Website: https://mb-l.net

6. Contact Information

Special Equipment Department, Nitibou Co., Ltd. TEL: 03-3444-6429