How to increase the density of the electrolyte in the battery
But even then, many car owners prefer not to sweat it, but buy a new battery, or - in rather rare cases - take the battery home to charge it with a household charger. But even then, basically, they are limited to connecting to the terminals, without checking not only the density of the electrolyte, but often even its level in the battery banks. As a result, after such an incomplete charge, the battery lasts a maximum of a couple of months.
REASONS FOR REDUCING ELECTROLYTE DENSITY
How to replace the electrolyte in a car battery
A car battery (acid battery) consists of several cans connected in series (in fact, they are separate batteries) - usually six, if we are talking about a 12-volt device. Inside each jar are metal plates (lead and lead dioxide coated), assembled into two blocks that fit into each other without metal contact - for positive and negative electrodes. The connection between them is galvanic, just occurring through the electrolyte, a solution of sulfuric acid in distilled water.
Normal electrolyte density indicators are 1.25-1.28 g / cm³. A lower concentration leads not only to a decrease in the rate of a chemical reaction, and, as a result, a decrease in the current in the battery, leading to problems with starting.
In addition, the low density of the electrolyte threatens with such problems as:
Sulfation. On the plates of the battery there is a plaque from lead sulfate - a salt of sulfuric acid, which prevents galvanic processes. The battery loses its ability to charge.
Increasing the temperature threshold of freezing. If an electrolyte with a density of 1.28 g / cm³ freezes only at -58 ° C, then at a density below 1.18 it begins to crystallize already at -5.
The ice inside the cans shifts the plates and can lead to a short circuit, after which it will be impossible to restore the battery.
A decrease in the density of the electrolyte is an inevitable phenomenon.
His reasons:
Battery discharge. The density of the electrolyte decreases with loss of charge, but increases with charging. A decrease in battery capacity indicates a drop in acid concentration.
Storage or long-term operation of the battery at low temperatures.
Boiling off of the electrolyte when overcharged. Too high voltage from the generator or charger contributes to the transition of the electrolyte into a gaseous state and its evaporation through the process holes.
Frequent addition of water without raising the density is a typical error in self-charging the battery.
Even though a battery with a low density electrolyte looks inoperable, it is quite possible to bring it back to life.
INCREASING THE DENSITY OF THE ELECTROLYTE
First you need to understand that the electrolyte, and even more so battery acid, are extremely dangerous substances, with high chemical activity. Severe burns are caused not only by contact with the skin, but also by inhalation of their vapors. On fabric, wooden and even metal products, electrolyte drops leave through holes, rendering them unusable. All work with the electrolyte must be carried out in protective clothing, a mask and thick gloves, in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
You need to start by checking the density with a hydrometer, following the rules:
How to independently increase the density of the electrolyte in the battery | peek-a-boo
only a fully charged battery is checked;
the liquid level before charging is topped up with distilled water;
the check is carried out at t 20-25 ° C (i.e. in winter you need to transfer the battery to heat);
each bank is subject to verification.
As we already know, the norm is an average of 1.27 g / cm³; for a cold climate, the density can be raised a little more. The difference in banks should not be more than 0.01 g / cm³.
With a density of at least 1.18 g / cm³, recovery is possible with the help of a corrective electrolyte (with a density of 1.3-1.4). A pear (a hydrometer is suitable) is sucked out of the cans as much as possible of the old electrolyte, a corrective one is poured in its place until the required density is established, which is equal in all banks. After that, the battery is charged again.
If the density is less than 1.18 g/cm³, two methods can be used:
Repair with battery acid. The method is roughly identical to the correction electrolyte process described above.
Drain the electrolyte completely and replace it with a new one. To do this, it is necessary to drill small holes in each battery bank (with a 3-3.5 mm drill), laying the battery on its side (you cannot turn it over). After draining the old electrolyte, rinse the jars with distilled water or soda solution. Having closed the holes with acid-resistant plastic, pour new electrolyte to the level (1.5 cm above the plates). Charge the battery.
Important! The electrolyte is prepared by adding acid to distilled water, and not vice versa. The reverse order leads to instant boiling (splashing out) of the electrolyte, which is fraught with burns.
Increasing the density of the electrolyte with your own hands is quite simple. But if you do not have a place where you can safely do the work, experience
or desire - contact the professionals. For example, at service stations of the network of smart car services Wilgood.