fire blankets have to withstand extreme conditions - not only high temperatures, but also strong mechanical loads. Especially when used on burning lithium-ion batteries, it is important that the blanket can withstand a possible pressure wave. This is because if a lithium-ion battery overheats or is damaged, a thermal runaway can occur: An uncontrolled chain reaction leads to the release of large quantities of hot gases, which escape at enormous pressure. This can lead to deflagrations or even explosions, which pose an enormous danger. But how much force can a fire blanket really withstand? A burst pressure test provides revealing results. We have tested two of our high-quality blankets: VLITEX PREMIUM (HT glass fiber fabric) and VLITEX SUPERIOR (silica fabric). The results show clear differences.
Table of contents
What does burst pressure mean?
Bursting pressure describes the mechanical load-bearing capacity of a material, i.e. the force that acts on a surface before it tears or bursts. This is measured in kilonewtons (KN), a unit of force. But what exactly does this mean in practice?
For a better understanding: 1 KN corresponds approximately to the weight of 100 kg. So if a material can withstand a pressure of 8.69 KN, this means that it can withstand the weight of a small car! If it can only withstand 1.82 KN, this is more like the weight of two adults.
VLITEX PREMIUM vs. VLITEX SUPERIOR - the comparison
| Ceiling quality | Fabric type | Stamp pressure to bursting point |
| VLITEX PREMIUM | Silicone-coated HT fiberglass fabric | 8.69 KN (corresponds to a small car) |
| VLITEX SUPERIOR | Silica fabric | 1.82 KN (equivalent to two adults) |
The results clearly show that VLITEX PREMIUM is significantly more resistant to mechanical pressure than VLITEX SUPERIOR. The premium version can withstand almost five times the load. Why is this important?
Why is a high burst pressure crucial?
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries in particular not only generate heat, but also an explosive increase in pressure. Gas releases and thermal reactions can develop enormous forces that could easily tear a weak cover.
A fire blanket with high bursting pressure ensures that:
- dangerous explosions are attenuated because it partially retains the pressure,
- flames and heat remain better contained if the fire blanket can withstand deflagrations and explosions
- the surrounding area is protected from flying parts, which reduces the risk of secondary fires.
Conclusion: Stability can save lives
Burst pressure is a decisive factor for the safety of fire blankets. Anyone looking for high resistance should opt for VLITEX PREMIUM. The blanket not only withstands high temperatures, but also remains intact under enormous pressure - a decisive advantage when it comes to protection against uncontrollable fires.
