MAINTENANCEDOE-HDBK-1084-95Lead-Acid Storage BatteriesBatteriesPage 34Rev. 0 approximately 1 kg of baking soda to 4 L of water. After application of such a solution,the area should be rinsed thoroughly with water.A good example procedure for cleaning may be found in DOE-STD-3003-94, BackupPower Sources for DOE Facilities. AvoidingHighTemperaturesOne of the most detrimental conditions for a battery is high temperature, particularlyabove 55ºC, because the rates of corrosion, solubility of metal components, and self-discharge increase with increasing temperature. High operating temperature duringcycle service requires higher charge input to restore discharge capacity and self-discharge losses. More of the charge input is consumed by the electrolysis reactionbecause of the reduction in the gassing voltage at the higher temperature. While 10%overcharge per cycle maintains the state of charge at 25 to 35ºC, 35 to 40% overchargemay be required to maintain state of charge at the higher (60 to 70ºC) operatingtemperatures. On float service, float currents increase at the higher temperatures,resulting in reduced life. Eleven days float at 75ºC is equivalent in life to 365 days at25ºC. Batteries intended for high-temperature applications should use a lower initialspecific gravity electrolyte than those intended for use at normal temperatures. Manufacturers should be consulted on acceptable temperature ranges for operation oftheir batteries and on the associated effects of temperature. Nickel-cadmium batteriesmay be more suitable for higher-temperature applications. SupplyinganEqualizingChargeOften a multi-cell battery will have one or more cells at a significantly lower voltagethan other cells in the battery. When the battery is discharged the cells with lowervoltage may become overdischarged. As noted earlier, overdischarge may causeenough damage to a cell that it needs to be replaced. When a difference exists betweenthe potentials of cells in the same battery, an equalizing charge is applied to bring themup to an equal potential to the other cells. Criteria for applying an equalizing chargemay be found in ANSI/IEEE 450, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance,Testing, and Replacement of Large Lead Storage Batteries for Generating Stations andSubstations.SafetyPrecautionsSafety problems associated with lead-acid batteries include spills of sulfuric acid, potentialexplosions from the generation of hydrogen and oxygen, and the generation of toxic gasessuch as arsine and stibine. All these problems can be satisfactorily handled with properprecautions. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, provides guidance on battery roomventilation. Wearing of face shields and plastic or rubber aprons and gloves when handlingacid is recommended to avoid chemical burns from sulfuric acid. Flush immediately and
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