A battery being charged will ‘gas’ with the majority of the gassing taking place at the end of the charging
cycle.
This gas is hydrogen which is lighter than air. Water and sulphuric acid droplets will be carried out of the battery
vents by the hydrogen gas; however, this loss is minimal. If the battery electrolyte level is too high, the electrolyte
will block the vent tube and the gas will force it out of the vent tube and battery cap. The water will evaporate but
the sulphuric acid will remain
where it can damage vehicle components and the storage facility. Sulphuric
acid
loss will weaken the concentration of acid within the electrolyte and reduce the life of the battery.
Over
the life
of the battery, a considerable
amount of water is consumed. It is important that the water used be
pure and free of contaminants
that could reduce the life
of the battery by reducing
the chemical reaction.
The
water must be distilled or purified by an efficient filtration system. Water that is not distilled should be analysed and
if required, filtration installed to permit the water to meet the requirements of the water purity table.
Even if the water is colourless, odourless, tasteless and fit for drinking, the water should be analysed to see that it
does not exceed the impurity levels specified in the table. Automatic watering devices can be used with an
approved water source. These watering devices are fast and accurate to use and maintain the correct electrolyte
level within the battery cells.
Battery Cleaning
Caution: To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery caps (if equipped) are tightly installed. To reduce the
possibility of damage to vehicle or floor, neutralise acid before wiping battery.
To reduce the possibility of damage to electrical components while cleaning, do not use a pressure washer/hose/bucket.
Cleaning should take place on a regular basis. When cleaning the outside of batteries and terminals, first spray
with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water to neutralise any acid deposits before wiping with
clear water. Use of a wiping without first neutralising any acid will move acid from the top of batteries to another
area of the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor.
Additionally, conductive residue will remain on the batteries and contribute to their self discharge.
WARNING!
To reduce the possibility of battery explosion that could result in severe injury or death, do not use metallic spray
wand to clean battery and keep smoking materials, open flame or sparks away from the battery.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and sides with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
and water. This solution is best applied with a garden type sprayer equipped with a non metallic spray wand or
plastic spray bottle. In addition, special attention should be paid to metal components adjacent to the batteries
which should also be sprayed with the solution.
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes. Use a soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries
to remove any conductive residue. Rinse the entire area with a handheld spray bottle clear water. Do not use a
pressure washer, bucket or hose.
Battery replacement
Disconnect batteries and be aware of the correct arrangement for reconnection.
Remove battery hold downs and cables. Lift out batteries with a commercially available lifting device. If the
batteries have been cleaned and any acid in the battery rack area neutralised as recommended, no corrosion to
the battery racks or surrounding area should be present. Any corrosion found should be immediately
removed.
The area should be washed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water and thoroughly dried
before priming and painting with a corrosion resistant paint.
The batteries should be placed into the battery racks and the battery hold downs tightened to 5-6 Nm torque, to
prevent movement but not tight enough to cause distortion of the battery cases.
Inspect all wires and terminals. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals or the wire terminals with a solution
of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and brush clean if required.
WARNING!
To prevent battery explosion that could result in severe personal injury or death, extreme caution must be used
with aerosol containers of battery terminal protectant. Insulate the metal container to prevent the metal can from
contacting battery terminals which could result in an explosion.
Use caution to connect the battery wires correctly. Tighten the battery post hardware. Protect the battery
terminals and battery wire terminals with a commercially available protective coating.
To Next Page
Loading...
General