forced overdischarge related safety aspects of Li/SO2 and Li/SOCl2 cells

Results of an experiment investigating overdischarge behavior of two types of Li/SO2 cells are presented. Forced overdischarges of the Li/LiBr, CH3CN/SO2 cell can result in unsafe behavior such as venting with fire and release of toxic gases. The hazards may be minimized or eliminated by careful cell design considerations and practice of high standards of quality contol in cell manufacture. Seemingly safe cells at 25 C when forced overdischarged at -25 C, even at low currents, exhibited incipient signs of hazards. Their cathodes indicated signs of shock sensitivity. Cathode limited Li/SOCl2 cells were safe during forced overdischarge for long periods of time. Lithium limited Li/SOCl2 cells in which practically all Li had been used up before cell reversal did not exhibit hazardous behavior. Anode limited Li/SOCl2 cells, but not Li limited, exhibited detonations, all during overdischarges at relatively low current densities of or = 1 mA/sq cm 2. Anode potentials 4v with large oscillations preceeded the events. The events were confined to the anode and the temperature rose high enough to melt Ni grids.