22 Years' Battery Customization
Dec 10, 2020 Pageview：2981
Lead-acid batteries are among the most used and known batteries in the world. They are used in many types of equipment that require a constant supply of power for an extended period.
However, lead-acid batteries are not different from any other equipment that has a setback. All the devices, equipment, and batteries that we have been faced with at least one challenge. Therefore, we must know how to handle these small issues and make the batteries useful.
Lead-acid batteries are composed of lead and lead oxide that are active materials on their plates. The lead reacts with the sulfuric acid inside the electrolyte to form lead sulfate. This lead sulfate creates a finely divided amorphous state and easily changed to lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid during recharging.
With frequent use of the battery, not all lead sulfate will be converted, and they soon accumulate on the plates. This accumulation will block the transfer of electrons after some time, thus making the battery-less effective.
Therefore, this article will equip you with enough knowledge to tackle this issue using some cheap chemicals. Replacement of batteries is expensive; thus, we must reduce the expenditure in any way possible. Follow me through and learn.
A major life-limiting issue in lead-acid batteries is that when they are discharged, the resulting lead-sulfate transforms into an insoluble substance that disables the battery. We can desulfate the battery and extend its lifespan by a couple of years.
Therefore, the desulfation of batteries can be done with the use of Epsom salts. Let us discuss in detail how this can be done.
Desulfation of Lead-acid Batteries Using Epsom Salts
Before starting this procedure, there are safety measures that you must adhere to. You should perform this task in a well-ventilated room. You must have gloves and goggles and do it away from any fire source to avoid accidents.
Procedure
Please put on the gloves and goggles and remove the battery from its current location.
If the battery is used in a car, ensure that you park the car and then open the hood. Ensure that the hood stays up by joining the hood's adjustable rod to the rod port.
Heat quart of distilled water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the boiling temperature is achieved by measuring using a thermometer.
Measure about 7 to 8 oz. of Epsom salt and pour it into the hot water, then leave it to dissolve.
Remove the gaps on the battery cells, but if the battery is sealed and you cannot see, the cells locate the shadow plugs that cover the battery cells. The shadow cells are connected to the cells compartment. Slowly frill through the outline for each shadow plug.
Drain the battery's electrolyte into a bucket. Ensure that you neutralize the fluid by adding baking soda into it. Please dispose of the neutralized solution by pouring it into a drain. However, you should turn on the water and slowly pour the neutralized acid.
Place a plastic funnel into the battery's cell openings and then pour Epsom salt into each cell until the cells are filled with the salt; then replace the gaps on the battery. For drilled holes on the sealed battery, plug some plastic plugs into the holes. Shake the battery gently to ensure that the Epsom salt is well distributed inside the cells.
Charge the battery by connecting the positive (+) cable to the positive terminal and the negative (-) cable to the negative terminal. Charge the battery following the battery charger instructions. The battery is desulfated after the charge is complete.
The time taken to desulfate a battery varies from one person to the other. The speed at which I will do it is not the same speed that you will use. Also, the procedure might vary when you are using a different chemical.
If you are desulfating a sealed battery, you are likely to take a long time than when desulfating a battery that has gaps. You should not fail to do the procedure because you think it will take a lot of time. I did the procedure last week and found out that it took about 24 hours.
Therefore, the process can take between 24 to 48 hours, depending on how much sulfate is deposited on the plates. However, this time does not include the time taken to charge the battery because that will be longer. A battery can take 3 to 6 hours to attain full charge.
Also, the desulfation time of a battery depends on the size of the battery. According to experts, the process can even take a week if the battery is big and the sulfation condition worsens. Therefore, you perform the process and do not worry about the time taken.
It is vital to know the amount of salt that you need for your battery. This is because using excess salt increases corrosion of the lead plates and the internal connectors. Our main aim here is to improve the performance of the battery and not to damage it.
The most recommended amount of Epsom salt for every battery is 7 to 8 oz. dissolved in hot water. You should be keen to ensure that it has dissolved and let the solution touch all the battery cells' parts. The solution should remain the battery for a prolonged period to be more effective.
However, this solution might not be enough for large batteries; thus, you can get the recommended amount from an expert or the manufacturer. Make much effort to revive your battery because it is expensive to replace it.
You should follow the recommended ways of using your lead-acid battery to reduce the sulfation process. We can't stop it, but we can reduce the build-up time. However, you should desulfate the battery once you realize that it is no longer charging usually. Replacement of batteries is expensive; thus, we must try as much as possible to extend the batteries' lifespan.
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