Nitibou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroyuki Sugiyama) has been selected by the Tokyo Fire Department for its 'Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT' and will conduct a two-year joint research and development program.

1. Background and Objectives of the Tokyo Fire Department INNOVATION PROJECT

In recent years, the rapid proliferation of lithium-ion batteries (hereinafter 'LiB'), which are compact, high-capacity, and used in various devices, has led to a significant increase in LiB-related fires, posing a serious societal challenge. To accumulate expertise on LiB fires and promote public awareness and research into fire extinguishing agents and equipment for firefighters and citizens, the Tokyo Fire Department has launched a public call for joint R&D projects with private companies.

2. Overview of Nitibou's Research and Development

(1) Research Content

Utilizing the 'AVD fire suppressant,' which simultaneously achieves 'thermal runaway suppression,' 're-ignition prevention,' and 'containment' for LiB fires, Nitibou will research and develop new discharge methods and firefighting equipment capable of functioning even in situations where conventional fire extinguishers fail.

※ The AVD fire suppressant is a dispersion of vermiculite (expanded mica), which efficiently absorbs heat by adhering closely to the ignition source, providing effective cooling. Additionally, fine vermiculite particles cover the surface of combustible materials, forming a strong film that cuts off oxygen and prevents re-ignition. Being derived from natural minerals, it is environmentally friendly and has received numerous certifications and has a proven track record of installations overseas. Nitibou is the exclusive distributor of AVD products in Japan.

AVD Fire Suppressant

(2) Firefighting Equipment to be Developed

① Firefighting equipment for public transportation systems, facilities handling or storing LiBs, and commercial establishments

② Firefighting equipment for fire departments

Equipment will be developed to enable remote discharge of fire suppressant from a safe distance in facilities handling large quantities of LiBs during a fire. Additionally, the combined effectiveness and improvements with fire blankets will be evaluated and refined.

(3) Collaboration with the Tokyo Fire Department

① Utilizing the Tokyo Fire Department's experimental facilities, combustion tests will be conducted based on LiB capacity.

The extinguishing effectiveness, re-ignition suppression, temperature changes, and other factors of the AVD fire suppressant will be verified.

② Prototype development and discharge testing of equipment will be conducted with expert input and advice from firefighters.

Based on feedback regarding site-specific challenges and operational needs, equipment will be iteratively improved, and models for deployment in LiB-handling facilities and storage sites will be studied.

3. Nitibou's Objectives

Data and developed firefighting equipment from this R&D will be shared with the Tokyo Fire Department and fire departments nationwide. The developed firefighting equipment will aim for social implementation as products for infrastructure sectors such as public transportation and facilities handling LiBs.

Nitibou Co., Ltd. will contribute to societal development by minimizing the risks and damages associated with LiB fires and delivering reliable safety and peace of mind.

4. Company Overview: Nitibou Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Nitibou Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 1-9-5 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director Hiroyuki Sugiyama

Business Activities: Development, design, construction, and maintenance of disaster prevention equipment

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

5. Contact Information

Yuichi Kouga, Head of Special Equipment Division, Nitibou Co., Ltd.

TEL: 03-3444-6429

Email: kouga@nitibou.co.jp

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership