Since November 27, 2016, the FAA has documented 21 lithium-ion battery incidents during flights. Many of these incidents were contained by AvSax®, while other listed carriers are in the procurement process. Click here to read the complete incident list. Incidents that were contained by AvSax® are outlined in red.
Last week Viking Packing Specialist participated in the annual American Eagle Charity Golf Tournament. We also donated two custom gun cases and guns as auction items. We are grateful to give back and be part of this important event.
Viking Packing Specialist announced a deal with Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., who will install Viking’s fire containment product, AvSax®, in their fleet.
Known by its yellow bag, AvSax® allows airlines to safely deal with lithium-ion battery fires in flight. During a thermal runaway on a lithium-ion battery, AvSax® cools the hot batteries and contains the majority of smoke. In addition, AvSax® is the only fire containment bag on the market that has the potential to not only contain a fire, but also prevent it.
We applaud Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd.’s commitment to flight safety for their crew and passengers, and we look forward to our continued partnership.
What is AvSax®?
AvSax® is a fire containment bag that can contain and even prevent a thermal runaway on a lithium-ion battery. This product allows airlines to safely handle lithium-ion battery issues while in flight.
Why is this product important?
A typical commercial airline flight carries hundreds of devices that are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If damaged or manufactured improperly, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous for airlines to carry. In the case of what’s called a thermal runaway on a lithium-ion battery, AvSax® cools the hot batteries and contains the majority of smoke.
How does AvSax® work?
AvSax® has a gelling polymer, which forms a tight seal when water is added. AvSax® works by utilizing this water to cool hot batteries, while containing the majority of smoke that accompanies a thermal runaway on a lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the polymer in AvSax® can also absorb any explosion or force that can occur during this process. Click here to view a demonstration.
How is AvSax® different from other fire containment bags?
The important difference between AvSax® and other products is that AvSax® is the only fire containment bag that can not only contain a thermal event, but also prevent it by stopping propagation. Water will remain within the bag’s polymer if a device does not go into thermal runaway. This allows AvSax® to be used as a preventive measure without damaging customer property. Click here to view a demonstration.
Who uses AvSax®?
Currently, AvSax® is the most popular fire containment bag among major airlines. Many major air carriers, including Delta, have chosen to install AvSax® in their fleet to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.
Is AvSax® a certified product?
Currently, the FAA and EASA refuse to certify any lithium-ion containment bag until they have a standard with which to certify. The only certifications available are vertical burn testing, which AvSax® passed.
How can I learn more?
Contact us today at 800.788.8525.
Viking will be at the following trade shows in 2017.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Regional Forum
Fort Worth, Texas
March 23, 2017
Booth #705
MRO Americas
Orlando, Florida
April 25 – 27, 2017
Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA) 2017 Annual Forum & Expo
Scottsdale, Arizona
April 30 – May 3, 2017
In the past few days, our fire containment bag, AvSax®, has protected airline passengers and crew members on two separate flights.
During each incident, a lithium-ion battery-powered device began to overheat. Fast-acting crew members recognized the problem, so they quickly placed the suspect devices into a hydrated AvSax®, immediately remedying the issue. Neither airplane had to divert, allowing them to safely continue to their destination.
Lithium-ion batteries are on every commercial flight, making AvSax® an absolute necessity on airplanes. If damaged or manufactured improperly, lithium-ion batteries can experience a rapid, uncontrolled increase in temperature, also known as a thermal runaway. When this occurs, AvSax® cools the hot batteries and contains the majority of smoke.
Used by four major airlines, along with several smaller airlines, AvSax® is the most popular fire containment bag in the nation. We applaud our airline partners’ commitment to flight safety for their crew and passengers. At Viking, we will continue our goal of ensuring that airline passengers can fly safely, knowing they are flying with AvSax®.
On Dec. 14, 2016, we performed an AvSax® demonstration using a Power Bank eight cell 96.8 watt-hour battery pack. A flexible heater was attached to one cell, causing the battery to go into thermal runaway. As shown in the attached video, AvSax® not only completely contained the cell explosion, but it also prevented propagation to any of the other cells in the pack.
Viking Packing Specialist is proud to announce that GSI Logistics, Inc. in Dallas has officially joined our Viking family. We are very proud of this partnership and we look forward to continuing GSI’s reputation for excellent customer service. In addition, this partnership will allow GSI to have expanded capabilities.
We value GSI’s clients and we assure that there will be no disruption to the wonderful service that they are currently receiving. All GSI employees are joining our team, so GSI representatives will remain the same.
Some changes are expected as part of this transition, including the eventual retirement of GSI’s President, Roger Prebis. We will continue to keep you informed, and we promise to work diligently with our clients and employees to make this process as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact any member of our team.
We’re expanding!
Viking Packing Specialist is proud to announce its acquisition of GSI Logistics, Inc., a full-service packing and crating company near the DFW airport area. GSI has an incredible reputation, including more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We’re thrilled to join forces and we look forward to our next chapter together.
(Pictured from left to right: Gerald and Michelle Wilganoski, GSI, Melanie and Roger Prebis, GSI, and Dave Weilert, CEO, Viking Packing Specialist)
Viking would like to thank all of the airlines that showed for our presentation including: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, FedEx Express, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. We felt that the event was a great success and gave the Airline representatives hands on experience with the benefits of our innovative new product.
The above video shows what can happen when a laptop’s lithium batteries go into full thermal runaway
This shows how the AvSax extinguishes fire burst and contains the majority of the smoke released during a full blown lithium battery runaway event
This is the laptop contained inside the AvSax
Observation of uncontained event
Post inspection of AvSax interior