20
Rev.12/31/97
2.13 REPLACEMENT WATER
2.13 REPLACEMENT WATER
As batteries are charged, a small quantity of water in the electrolyte is
broken down into hydrogen and oxygen by the charging current. The gases
are dissipated through openings in vent plugs. As this process takes place,
electrolyte level gradually lowers until distilled water must be added.
Commercially available "demineralized" water has been found by test to be
equal or superior to commercial or "in plant" distilled water. References
throughout this bulletin to "distilled water" do not preclude the use of
"demineralized water." Do not add water in excess of the maximum level
mark. Never store distilled water in a metallic container. Use glass, plastic,
or rubber containers.
broken down into hydrogen and oxygen by the charging current. The gases
are dissipated through openings in vent plugs. As this process takes place,
electrolyte level gradually lowers until distilled water must be added.
Commercially available "demineralized" water has been found by test to be
equal or superior to commercial or "in plant" distilled water. References
throughout this bulletin to "distilled water" do not preclude the use of
"demineralized water." Do not add water in excess of the maximum level
mark. Never store distilled water in a metallic container. Use glass, plastic,
or rubber containers.
Water consumption of batteries is indicated on figure 1. Take an average of
the amount of water added over several months and compare with the
amounts given on figure 1.
the amount of water added over several months and compare with the
amounts given on figure 1.
2.14 WATER REPLACEMENT RATE FOR
2.14 WATER REPLACEMENT RATE FOR LEAD-ANTIMONY CELLS
LEAD-ANTIMONY CELLS
Lead-antimony cells begin their lives with low water consumption, which
increases as much as five times toward the end of their lives (see fig. 1).
Capped cells evaporate very little water, and loss is caused by gassing and is
proportional to the amount of charge the battery receives. Heavy gassing
requires frequent additions of distilled water. The water should be added
just before or at the beginning of a charge so that gassing will ensure
thorough mixing before specific gravity readings are taken. Proper charging
minimizes distilled water replacement by limiting the amount of gas
generated to a small quantity. This method is much easier than
overcharging and having to refill cells frequently. It also extends the life of
the battery.
Capped cells evaporate very little water, and loss is caused by gassing and is
proportional to the amount of charge the battery receives. Heavy gassing
requires frequent additions of distilled water. The water should be added
just before or at the beginning of a charge so that gassing will ensure
thorough mixing before specific gravity readings are taken. Proper charging
minimizes distilled water replacement by limiting the amount of gas
generated to a small quantity. This method is much easier than
overcharging and having to refill cells frequently. It also extends the life of
the battery.
2.15 WATER REPLACEMENT RATE FOR
2.15 WATER REPLACEMENT RATE FOR LEAD-CALCIUM CELLS
LEAD-CALCIUM CELLS
Frequent additions of distilled water in small amounts are not desirable.
Water additions two or three times a year will probably be sufficient at most
installations. The electrolyte in all cells should be maintained within 1/4
inch below the high level mark. Calcium cells, because of greater purity of
their components, require only about one tenth the water needed by
equivalent size antimony cells. This low requirement remains constant
during the entire battery life. See figure 1 for water consumption rate.
Water additions two or three times a year will probably be sufficient at most
installations. The electrolyte in all cells should be maintained within 1/4
inch below the high level mark. Calcium cells, because of greater purity of
their components, require only about one tenth the water needed by
equivalent size antimony cells. This low requirement remains constant
during the entire battery life. See figure 1 for water consumption rate.
2.16 WATER REPLACEMENT FOR LEAD-SELENIUM CELLS
2.16 WATER REPLACEMENT FOR LEAD-SELENIUM CELLS
Water replacement should only be necessary every 12 to 18 months if the
battery is not subjected to many discharges. If several discharges are
experienced, water replacement should be performed as with the lead-
calcium cells in paragraph 2.15 above. Water consumption is low
throughout the life of these cells.
battery is not subjected to many discharges. If several discharges are
experienced, water replacement should be performed as with the lead-
calcium cells in paragraph 2.15 above. Water consumption is low
throughout the life of these cells.