Ultracapacitor

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

This ultracapacitor is a manufactured electronic product that contains primarily non-hazardous materials, including metal and plastic. Ultracapacitors are sealed, metal containers (steel or aluminum), which enclose layers of activated carbon that is saturated with an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution contains a quaternary ammonium salt compound (tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate or other proprietary salt) dissolved in the solvent acetonitrile. Assembled layers of activated carbon are inserted into a metal outer container, are saturated with the above electrolyte solution and are then sealed and stored in an electrically uncharged state. If the contents of these ultracapacitors remain sealed in the outer shell and they are kept uncharged, persons handling these products will avoid the risks associated with the hazardous components of the electrolyte. Accordingly, precautions should be taken to avoid rupture or overheating the sealed metal containers. Document Number 3000389-EN.6 www.maxwell.com 1 EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Product definition

This product is a solid article consisting of an opaque plastic and metal sealed case, which is filled with an electrolyte solution that has been almost completely adsorbed and/or absorbed by the activated carbon layers.

Health hazards

This product is considered a manufactured article and presents negligible health hazards under typical use conditions. Misuse of this product, such as deliberate destruction, overcharging or heating, may release internal components contained within the sealed case. Skin contact with the carbon may cause mild irritation. FLAMMABILITY HAZARDS: The internal components of this product are flammable and may be ignited if a rupture occurs and they are exposed to an ignition source or if subjected to direct flame. If an ultracapacitor is involved in a fire, the chemicals contained in the case may thermally decompose and produce toxic gases (e.g. nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride and other miscellaneous fluoride and boron compounds). During a fire involving this product, care should be taken to avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors. Misuse of this product, such as overcharging, may cause the article to vent, which could then cause a release of these toxic fumes as well. REACTIVITY HAZARDS Negligible.

Environmental hazards

Negligible. EMERGENCY CONSIDERATIONS Emergency responders must wear proper personal protective equipment (and have appropriate fire-suppression equipment) suitable for the situation to which they are responding. Appropriate precautions should be taken in the event of a container rupture under emergency conditions including fire.