Lithium-Ion Fire Protection for Rail Networks
The transition to electrified rail infrastructure is accelerating across the UK and global transport networks. From battery-powered trains and maintenance vehicles to onboard passenger devices, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires in rail environments is increasing.
AVD Fire provides industry-leading lithium-ion fire protection for rail operators, OEMs, and infrastructure providers, delivering proven solutions designed to contain, control, and suppress battery fires safely and effectively.
Key Rail Risk Zones We Protect
Traction Battery Packs
High-voltage lithium-ion traction batteries powering electric and hybrid rolling stock are a primary fire risk — thermal runaway in a single cell can cascade rapidly through the entire pack.
Onboard Passenger Areas
Personal devices, e-cigarettes, and e-bikes carried by passengers introduce uncontrolled lithium battery risks into enclosed, high-occupancy carriages where evacuation is difficult. Passenger devices such as laptops, e-bikes, and scooters introduce increasing fire risks within carriages.
Driver Cab & Electronics
Control systems, backup power units, and cab-mounted devices contain lithium batteries that, if compromised, can disable critical safety and communication systems.
Depots & Maintenance Bays
Battery charging, storage, and replacement activities in depots create concentrated fire risk zones — a thermal runaway event in a confined maintenance bay can spread rapidly.
Station Infrastructure
Retail units, charging points, and passenger devices elevate fire risk across stations. Below-ground rail environments present the most severe risk — limited ventilation, restricted evacuation routes, and the buildup of toxic gases from battery fires are life-threatening hazards.
Battery-Powered Rolling Stock
Hybrid and battery-electric trains require specialist fire suppression solutions.
How AVD Fire Suppression Works
Lithium-ion battery fires are unlike any conventional fire — they progress rapidly, release toxic gases, generate extreme heat, and can reignite days or even weeks later. Standard extinguishers are ineffective against thermal runaway. AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) is a revolutionary, certified extinguishing agent developed specifically to tackle these unique challenges — cooling cells, suppressing flames, and forming a physical barrier to prevent reignition.
Learn About AVD TechnologyAVD Is Applied To The Battery
AVD is discharged directly onto the lithium-ion battery using standard fire-fighting equipment — from portable extinguishers to large-volume trolley units and fixed suppression systems.
Rapid Cooling Of Battery Cells
The aqueous component immediately cools the battery cells, reducing the intense heat generated during thermal runaway and slowing the chain reaction within the cell.
Flames Are Suppressed
AVD acts to suppress the flames and extinguish the fire quickly, limiting the damage and losses caused by a rapidly propagating lithium-ion battery fire.
A Thermal Barrier Forms
As the water evaporates, a heat-resistant layer of vermiculite mineral deposits onto the battery surface, forming a physical oxygen and heat barrier to prevent reignition.
Thermal Propagation Is Blocked
AVD's non-flammable properties reduce thermal propagation between battery cells. It can also be applied as a fire break to prevent the fire spreading to surrounding materials and property
Safe, Clean & Non-Toxic
AVD contains only water and naturally occurring vermiculite mineral — it is PFAS-free, environmentally friendly, non-toxic to humans, animals, and plant life, and leaves no harmful residue.
Workshop Power Tools
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Why AVD Fire?
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Power Banks
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Power Banks
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Power Train & Energy Storage
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Power Train & Energy Storage
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
E-Scooters
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
E-Scooters
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
E-Bikes
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
E-Bikes
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Mobiles & Tablets
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.
Mobiles & Tablets
Find the perfect solution for the effective control and suppression of lithium battery fires with AVD Fire. We specialise in solutions for a range of applications to protect against the dangers of, and damage caused by, lithium-ion battery fires.