48
Rev.12/31/97
Renewal electrolyte, which is purified potassium hydroxide plus additives, is
available from the battery manufacturer in dry form. The dry renewal
electrolyte is mixed with distilled water in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions and allowed to cool for 24 hours. Do not substitute commercial
grade potassium hydroxide. After the renewal electrolyte solution of proper
specific gravity has been prepared and cooled, the change of electrolyte is
made in steps as follows:
available from the battery manufacturer in dry form. The dry renewal
electrolyte is mixed with distilled water in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions and allowed to cool for 24 hours. Do not substitute commercial
grade potassium hydroxide. After the renewal electrolyte solution of proper
specific gravity has been prepared and cooled, the change of electrolyte is
made in steps as follows:
1. Discharge the battery to a voltage of 0.8 volt per cell or lower.
2. Pour the electrolyte out of the cells and rinse cells with clear distilled
water.
3. Fill the cells with renewal electrolyte to the proper level. Leave about 1/4
inch of space for mineral oil (see step 4 below).
4. To retard evaporation and contamination by CO
2
, add pure mineral oil to
cells as instructed by the manufacturer (about 1/4 inch) and mentioned
in step 6.7 above. Do not overfill cells above the high level mark. Add oil
as needed until about 1/4-inch deep.
5. Charge the battery at the equalizing charge rate until fully charged.
6.14 GENERAL CARE
6.14 GENERAL CARE
6.14 GENERAL CARE
A salt formation called potassium carbonate may form on the top of the
cells. This formation is non-corrosive and does not damage the battery but
should be removed. Excessive salt formation indicates that charging may be
excessive. Top hardware should be coated with no-ox grease after cleaning
to keep the carbonate salts in a soft condition for easy removal. Any excess
grease should be removed with a clean, soft cloth.
cells. This formation is non-corrosive and does not damage the battery but
should be removed. Excessive salt formation indicates that charging may be
excessive. Top hardware should be coated with no-ox grease after cleaning
to keep the carbonate salts in a soft condition for easy removal. Any excess
grease should be removed with a clean, soft cloth.
Cells and trays must be kept clean and dry at all times. Moisture and dirt on
top of and between cells permits stray intercell currents, resulting in
corrosion through electrolysis. For this reason, water or electrolyte spilled
on the cells or the trays must be wiped off all surfaces. Never place or drop
metal objects, such as nuts, bolts, or tools, on or between the cells. These
objects may cause heavy short circuits and damage containers and cells.
top of and between cells permits stray intercell currents, resulting in
corrosion through electrolysis. For this reason, water or electrolyte spilled
on the cells or the trays must be wiped off all surfaces. Never place or drop
metal objects, such as nuts, bolts, or tools, on or between the cells. These
objects may cause heavy short circuits and damage containers and cells.
Small traces of sulfuric acid will ruin a nickel-cadmium battery by corroding
the steel plates and cell containers. To prevent contamination, never use
any tools, such as hydrometers, funnels, rubber hoses, battery fillers, etc.,
that have ever been used for serving lead-acid batteries.
the steel plates and cell containers. To prevent contamination, never use
any tools, such as hydrometers, funnels, rubber hoses, battery fillers, etc.,
that have ever been used for serving lead-acid batteries.
Keep all vent caps closed. To prevent air from entering the cells, raise the
caps only for checking the electrolyte, never for charging.
caps only for checking the electrolyte, never for charging.
. Always check and
service only one cell at a time.
Never allow sparking near any storage battery or remove connections with
current flowing. Keep all connections tight and in good repair.
current flowing. Keep all connections tight and in good repair.