Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

A sports bottle works quite well. Pull the plug, and squeeze in as needed, refill from a gallon distiller jug.

T.

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

BB. wrote: »

Some folks get a head lamp to check water levels--Frees up one of your hands to do the other work required.

-Bill

I like the head lamp idea, but I have tried the filler jug and sometimes I can overfill if I tilt it, so I just went back to using a new paper cup.

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

I do use a jug similar to the photo -- holds two Liters in my case. The snout is quite short on all of these that I've seen, as they are really designed for typical Gr 24/27 batteries. On mine, did extend the snout with some tubing, as the Vent Wells on most batts here are taller than car batts. Tilting the fill Jug should only make the slightest difference in max fill level, as the fill stops as the water level rises and shuts off inlet air. No more air being admitted, no more water going into the cell.

Use a small single AA celled Flashlight to allow good view into the cell, and of the Hydro if needed.

Usually fill in the Float stage, as filling when in Asorb, even if the Asorb is paused, can cause the cells that need the most water to wind up with the least H2O. The highest SG cells do the most bubbling in Asorb. These bubbles raise the water level by displacement, so less water goes into the higher SG cells (which tend to use the most water). Waiting until later in the day, or even better, at the beginning of a charge cycle allows the bubbles subside. Some have concerns about heat of recharge and bubbling in Asorb to raise the water level enough to cause electrolyte loss, but here, temp rises less than 2 degrees C per typical charge cycle. An EQ can raise the temps a bit more, BUT increases in ambiant temps are usually a larger factor than recharge/EQ temp rise.

Surrette recomments that for an EQ that water levels be checked before starting EQ, and fill about half way through EQ, but always fill prior to EQ here. For a Corrective EQ -- one which can take many, many hours, am certain that checking before start and several times along the way would be good.

Ralph, am impressed that you record the water refill quantity. Had thought about that, but decided to forus MY obsession elsewhere.

BTW, when comissioning a new bank it is good to note the fill level of each cell, resting voltage of each cell or battery and record, measure and RECORD SGs of each cell before using the bank. The data should be placed in the battery bank Log, and retained for the life of the battery bank. But Caneman, you have probably already done this. YMMV, Good Luck, Vic

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

Here is Trojans answer to your question.

Watering (Flooded batteries only)

Flooded batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or else the battery's performance and longevity suffers.

Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the water level at a different state of charge.

Depending on the local climate, charging methods, application, etc. Trojan recommends that batteries be checked once a month until you get a feel for how thirsty your batteries are.

Important things to remember:


1. Do not let the plates get exposed to air. This will damage (corrode) the plates.

2. Do not fill the water level in the filling well to the cap. This most likely will cause the battery to overflow acid, consequently losing capacity and causing a corrosive mess.

3. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled or deionized water only.

CAUTION: The electrolyte is a solution of acid and water so skin contact should be avoided.


Step by step watering procedure:


1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.

2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates.

3. If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.

4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional water (refer to the Charging section).

5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.

6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8" below the bottom of the fill well.

7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level.

8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.

WARNING: Never add acid to a battery.


Their complete guide to battery maintenance can be found here: http://www.trojanbattery.com/Tech-Support/BatteryMaintenance.aspx
HtH
Larry

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

I use a Plews filler bottle.

Re: Best Way to Check and Water Batteries

Hi Vic,

No, I'm the "automatic" watering system. 64 batteries takes about an hour and a half with the Plews bottle.

I did look at the auto waterers but decided manual is more practical and reliable with so many batteries

With the goggles, apron and gloves I could be confused with a mad scientist.

As posted before these new L16 REBs' use very little water over the older version. I could probably get by watering one to two times a year using about 4-5 gallons each time. Right now, I do it three times a year. We'll see over the longer haul.