Gauges - Batteries

ƒ Lithium Ion batteries are used for all subsurface and surface gauges

• High density energy source

• Used in a wide range of applications such as oceanographic
oil exploration and many others

ƒ Battery Theory

• The capacity of the battery is measured in Amp-hours

• Electric current flow is defined as the rate of which a
“coulomb” of electric charge is transferred in a second
• If the capacity of the battery in amp-hours is known and the
consumption of each interval of sample is calculated, the life
of the battery can be known
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ƒ Battery Construction
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ƒ Battery Basics

• Batteries use a 7 pin connector to connect to the gauges

• Batteries come in different sizes depending on application
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ƒ Battery Storage and Handling

• Care should be taken to ensure that the batteries are not exposed to a
flammable environment
• Because batteries can release toxic material if crushed or broken apart, large
quantities should be stored in a remote area
• Batteries should be stored in a secure, cool, well ventilated dry environment
• Temperatures should be kept below 77 degrees F
• Storage areas should be clearly identified as a Lithium Battery storage
area. The storage area should have access to a Class D fire extinguisher or other
extinguisher designed for metallic fires

ƒ For a complete review of Battery Handling, refer to Electrochem document “Safety

Handling Guidelines for Electrochem Lithium Batteries”
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ƒ Battery Storage and Handling

• Dealing with a hot battery:

• The lithium batteries have an excellent safety record and high energy
density rate. However, if the energy is released uncontrollably this can cause
injury
• If the battery is treated roughly it can result in a “hot cell”
• As soon as a hot cell is detected, all personnel should be evacuated from
the area. The battery has a potential to explode
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ƒ Dealing with a vented battery

• Leaking or vented cells should be isolated from personnel and equipment

• If possible, the area should be vented to the outside
• If the cells are at ambient temperature, they should be handled with rubber
gloves or non-conductive pliers or tongs and placed in plastic bags
containing sodium carbonate
• Spilled electrolyte should be absorbed with sodium carbonate and placed in
plastic bags
• All bags should be placed in a sealed and labeled drum with Vermiculite or
other non-flammable cushioning material such as sand or sodium carbonate
to cushion the cells.
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ƒ Battery Passivation

• A chemical reaction that occurs when batteries

are left inactive
• A layer of Lithium Chloride builds up on the anode,
preventing it from discharging when a load is applied
• A sudden demand for current will create a drop in the
voltage for a period of time, affecting the current draw
• This effect is more pronounced on high temperature
packs such as the 392F pack
• All lithium batteries suffer from this effect

• In order to reduce the passivation layer the battery

must undergo a depassivation process
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ƒ Battery Depassivation

• A large load must be applied to the battery in order to reduce the passivation
layer
• This load essentially overloads the battery by drawing a large current
• This demand for current burns off the passivation layer and allows the battery
to function normally

ƒ Depassivation Process

• To depassify a battery, a depassivation box is used - *NOTE: This box is

necessary only for the 392F batteries, all other batteries can be depassified using
the SparGauge software and interface box
• Plug the battery into the box, and hold the “Load” button until the voltage
stabilizes (~5-10 seconds)
• Battery is depassified and ready for use
• This process will depassify the battery
for 3 hours
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ƒ Lithium Ion batteries are used for all subsurface and surface gauges

• Battery Do’s and Don’ts;

• Do

• Use care when handling

• Inspect the cells for physical damage

• Don’ts

• Place batteries in water.

• Expose the battery to excessive shock or vibration
• Attempt to recharge the battery
• Heat or incinerate the battery
• Attempt to disassemble the battery