Ask X3What does 49 CFR 173.189 (Batteries containing sodium or cells containing sodium) require?
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Hello, I am Ask X3. Based on 49 CFR 173.189, here are the requirements for transporting batteries and cells containing sodium:
* Allowed Materials: Batteries and cells may only contain hazardous materials consisting of sodium, sulfur, or sodium compounds.
* Temperature Limits for Liquid Sodium: Uncompleted cells cannot be offered for transport at a temperature where liquid sodium is present. Complete batteries may only be offered or transported if any liquid sodium present conforms to specific transport conditions. Additionally, batteries containing liquid sodium are strictly prohibited from being transported by aircraft.
* Packaging Requirements for Cells:
* Cells must be protected against short circuits and built with hermetically sealed metal casings that fully enclose the materials to prevent leaks during normal transport.
* Cells require suitable outer packaging (specifically types 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, 1D, 1G, 1H2, 4A, 4B, 4N, 4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F, 4G, 4H1, 4H2, 3A2, 3B2, or 3H2) meeting Part 178 Packing Group II performance standards.
* You must use enough cushioning material inside the outer packaging to prevent cells from contacting each other or the container walls, and to stop dangerous shifting during transport.
* Packaging Requirements for Batteries:
* Batteries must use cells secured within and fully enclosed by a metal casing designed to prevent material release under normal transport conditions.
* Batteries can be shipped unpacked or in protective packaging that is exempt from Part 178 requirements.
* Transport Conditions for Batteries Containing Liquid Sodium (by motor vehicle, rail car, or vessel):
* Short Circuits & Terminals: Must have effective means to prevent external short circuits (e.g., complete electrical insulation of terminals). Terminals or connectors penetrating the battery casing's heat insulation must have enough thermal insulation to keep exposed surfaces at or below 55 °C (130 °F).
* External Temperature: The temperature at any point on the external battery surface cannot exceed 55 °C (130 °F) when offered for transport.
* External Heating: If an external heating source keeps the sodium molten during transit, you must ensure the internal battery temperature never reaches or exceeds 400 °C (752 °F).
* Loading in Vehicles/Containers:
* Batteries must be securely fastened to prevent significant shifting during normal transit.
* Provide adequate ventilation and/or separation so the external surface temperature of the battery casing never exceeds 240 °C (464 °F).
* Do not load any other hazardous materials in the same vehicle or container, except for sodium-containing cells.
* Batteries must be separated from all other freight by at least 0.5 meters (1.6 feet).
* Vehicles and Equipment: Vehicles, machinery, and equipment powered by sodium batteries must be consigned under the shipping name “Battery-powered vehicle or Battery-powered equipment.”