Step-by-step replacement of the electrolyte in the battery

Despite the fact that to date, most batteries for cars do not require frequent maintenance (often called unattended power supplies), there are times when this can not be avoided. The most difficult and important service operation is the replacement of the electrolyte in the battery.

What is needed to replace the electrolyte

So, a lead-acid battery is an instrument whose purpose is to store energy by chemical reactions. They occur in a solution of distilled water and sulfuric acid. In other words, in the electrolyte. It sometimes needs to be replaced. The solution of this problem is especially important when it is necessary to restore the old battery. To replace the electrolyte in the car battery successfully, you need to have several attachments. So, this is a 12 volt charger and an aerometer that measures the density of the liquid. Also, a funnel is needed, through which the electrolyte is poured into the cans. Some people make this solution themselves, while others buy them in stores.

Step-by-step instruction: replacing the electrolyte of the car battery

1. Before starting the process, it is necessary to rinse the battery from the inside with purified water. Due to this, it will be possible to eliminate mechanical impurities from the housing. It is worth to shake the battery intensively during washing - so the crumb will come out with water. Then it is necessary to remove the salt deposits from the electrodes.

2. Then you need a bottle with the finished electrolyte. Its density should be 1.28 g / cm³. The solution must be poured into each jar, which will require a funnel. It must necessarily have a narrow neck. You can add additives to the electrolyte, for example, to remove sulphate from the electrodes. To charge to proceed it is necessary, when from the case all air will leave. In addition, the additive must be dissolved. No need to hurry, completely it will dissolve after 40-48 hours.

Accumulator charging

Replacement of the electrolyte in the battery means the connection of the starting-charging device. It is worth noting one nuance. The battery, after the electrolyte is replaced, it is necessary to charge cyclically, following the scheme called "charge-discharge". This process will last until the moment when the density is restored. In this mode, the current should be 0.1 A. It should be ensured that the solution does not "boil away". The fact that the charging is completed, indicates the indicator of 2.4 volts (voltage) on each section. After the rated voltage has been reached, it is necessary to reduce the charging current by half. And if in the next two hours the density does not change, then the charge can be completed. But then it is necessary to discharge it, applying a current of 0.5 A (until the moment when the voltage reaches 10 V).

How to calculate the capacity index

How it was possible to understand that the replacement of electrolyte in the battery was successful, you need to know this indicator. It is not difficult to find it out. From the time during which the discharge was going, as well as the current values that are available, and the capacitance is calculated. It should be noted that if the capacitance value is lower than four amperes / hour, then the charge cycle will have to be repeated. Replacing the electrolyte in the battery, as we see, the process is not very heavy. But the most important thing is to act step by step, observing all the rules, because the result depends on how professionally the replacement is performed. In particular, you should carefully treat the preparation of electrolyte. The best option is to get ready, because if there is no experience in such a case, it's better not to risk it.