C&D Technologies RS-1476 Standby Battery Vented Cell - Manual (Page 29)

2.5 Cleaning cell containers
Wipe the outside of the cells as necessary with a cloth moistened with water to remove dust and ordinary dirt. If
electrolyte is spilled on the covers, neutralize it with a cloth moistened with a solution of sodium bicarbonate and water
mixed in the proportion of one pound of sodium bicarbonate to one gallon of water. When fizzing stops as fresh sodium
bicarbonate solution is applied, wipe with a water-moistened cloth to remove all traces of sodium bicarbonate. Covers
and containers should be clean and dry at all times.
Never use solvents, detergents, glass cleaners, special battery cleaning materials, oils, waxes or polishes on the
plastic containers or covers since these materials may attack the plastic and cause it to craze or crack. Use of any of
these materials will void the warranty.
Cracks and crazing of the plastic components may not be observed for months, but eventually the condition will occur
and in many cases result in large cracks in the containers or covers causing failure and leakage of electrolyte.
2.6 Cell reversal
Excessive deep discharging of a string can result in individual cells driven to negative voltages. On recharge
these cells may read as high as 4 volts indicating a high internal resistance. Reversed cell temperatures may rise
significantly on recharge and immediate action is necessary to avoid permanent damage to the cell(s). Recharge
voltage must be decreased to ensure that the reversed cell(s) do not exceed 3.0 volts or 110ºF . If the cell(s) do not
respond to this special charging it may be advisable to charge the cell individually. An ac-isolated single cell charger is
required for this procedure. Contact your C&D representative for additional assistance.
2.7 Flame arrestors, contamination
If electrolyte levels are permitted to exceed the high level mark at full charge, it is possible for electrolyte to be pumped
up into the vent and contaminate the porous stone. In such cases it will be necessary to remove the flame arrestor for
cleaning, replacing it with another flame arrestor. Adjust the electrolyte level to between the high and low level lines
while the battery is on float charge.
Clean the contaminated flame arrestor stone in a mild solution of sodium bicarbonate and water. Provide a final
rinse in water and allow the stone to dry. All white deposits should be removed from the stone if the procedure was
performed successfully.
2.8 Battery recycling
When a battery reaches 80% of its rated capacity it is typically considered for replacement. Government regulations
require that lead acid batteries at the end of their useful life be recycled. It is illegal to dispose of industrial lead acid
batteries in the trash. C&D provides a recycling program. Contact your local C&D representative for assistance in
recycling of your battery.
2.9 Battery records
As noted throughout this manual, battery records are extremely useful for evaluating the installation, operation and
maintenance of the battery over its service life. A form is attached (RS-105) to assist you in maintaining a record of
service and to be used for warranty records. It is recommended that you make a photocopy of the original RS-105 in
the back of this manual so that additional copies may be made for future records.
2.10 Measurements of internal cell ohmic values (impedance, resistance and conductance)
A technique that has gained popularity particularly in valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries is the measurement
of internal ohmic values. Since the plates are not visible in VRLA batteries many of the visual analytical techniques
that can be used for vented lead acid batteries are not applicable in sealed products. Primarily for this reason other
methods of analysis have been developed. The measurement of internal ohmic values utilizes either ac at various
frequencies (impedance or conductance) or dc (resistance) measured across the cell terminals to determine the
degree of deterioration of the element from a baseline value. C&D considers the techniques most useful for identifying
cells with gross defects.
PART 4
REFERENCE INFORMATION, TROUBLE SHOOTING & EXTENDED MAINTENANCE (CONTINUED)
RS1476/0215/CD 27 www.cdtechno.com