Quote:
Originally Posted by the_42nd_parado
Hello everybody,
I am sorry for my ignorance on what happened. One of our lead acid batteries is scaring us, no one on our team has any idea what happened. All we know is that in the morning there was something definitely wrong. The sides of the battery are bulged, as though there was a reaction that created pressure. Yet oddly it seems to only be affecting one side. It seems that the top (the black part) is separated from the battery. Also when we entered it smelled as though there was a gas leak in our shop. Though this may be a separate event. If anyone has any ideas on what happened I would love to know, and possibly save our remaining two batteries.
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Thanks,
The_42nd_Paradox |
Based on all your input my guess is that batt was last charged and not erect.
(i.e. on one of its sides)
It is perfectly OK to DISCHARGE the battery in any orientation.
Charging must always be upright to prevent gas accumulation pockets which could cause case bulging due to normal pathways being blocked. In an older battery this may be the more likely scenario. Gas generation is natural in charge mode and normally is re-absorbed. Gas is not normally generated when discharging. (reverse chemistry)
We successfully use FIRST batteries for 6-7 years (since 1999), tho as they get older just for test and evaluation. Our "charge" policy is to always have them on a charger as soon as practical after being used, and always while being stored.
Only exception is if the battery self heated in a particularly push push match - then wait until batt isn't noticeably warm to the touch (~ room temp) before charging.
Every team sould invest in a Battery Capacity tester and keep records (id ea batt ea yr 2016-1, 2016-2.. it can be done manually and produces instructive discharge curves - we use 50A as match average simulated load ~.25 ohm but must be rated a minimum of 500W (use fan) test will fully exhaust batt capacity in ~9 min.. I can send a sample of the data and plot if you send me a personal email if my jpg attachment did not post here 50A Load Discharge graph+data)