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412 Bell ELEC SPM CH11
412 Bell ELEC SPM CH11
412 Bell ELEC SPM CH11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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BHT-ELEC-SPM
FIGURES
Figure Page
Number Title Number
TABLES
Table Page
Number Title Number
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BHT-ELEC-SPM
TABLES (CONT)
Table Page
Number Title Number
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11-1. NICKEL-CADMIUM ELECTRICAL The plaque is then impregnated with active material by
POWER STORAGE BATTERY being soaked in a solution of nickel salts to make a
positive plate or in a solution of cadmium salts to make
As numerous nickel-cadmium battery types are used a negative plate (Figure 11-2, Detail A). Soaking is
in Bell Helicopter Textron products, the information repeated until the plaque contains the necessary
contained in this chapter is general in nature. Refer to amount of active material to give it the desired
the battery manufacturers instructions for specific capacity (Detail B). After impregnation, the negative
information concerning servicing and handling and positive plaques are submerged in electrolyte and
procedures. subjected to an electric current, which converts the
nickel and cadmium salts to final form (Detail C). The
plaque is then washed and dried and cut into plates.
11-2. PRINCIPAL PARTS AND MATERIALS
When the cell is assembled, a nickel tab is welded to a
corner of each plate for connection purposes
NOTE (Detail D).
Model 429 helicopters have a lead-acid
battery. Refer to BHT-429-CMM-V, Separator. The separator (Figure 11-3) is a
Chapter 96 for the Teledyne battery continuous thin porous multi-laminate of nylon and
maintenance manual. cellophane, or some other gas barrier material such as
Permion or Celgard, that keeps negative and positive
The fundamental unit of the nickel-cadmium storage plates from coming into contact with each other. In
battery is the cell. The sintered-plate, nickel-cadmium preparing the cell assembly, the continuous separator
cells used in the battery consist of two basic types: is interposed between plates as each successive plate
vented and sealed. Most helicopter nickel-cadmium is added to form a stack-up.
storage batteries employ rectangular vented-type
cells. Sealed cells, of both rectangular and cylindrical Cell. The cell is assembled into its final form by
types, are used in some applications for standby welding tabs of the negative plates to one terminal
power requirements. post and tabs of the positive plates to a second
terminal post (Figure 11-4). Once assembled, it is
11-3. Battery Container inserted into a plastic case and fitted with a
cover-and-vent assembly that permits the terminal
The battery container is a rectangular metal case posts to project through the top of the case. The
enclosing the cells. The container has a removable top complete unit is then sealed. The venting system
to permit access for routine maintenance. Plastic allows excess gasses to escape. A typical cell
liners are used to insulate the inner sides of the assembly is shown in Figure 11-5. The exact number
container. Plastic shims are used to firm up the cell of cells required for a specific battery assembly is
pack within the container (Figure 11-1). determined by the voltage rating of the equipment to
be operated. The nominal voltage of a single
11-4. Vented Cell nickel-cadmium cell ranges between 1.2 and 1.3 volts.
For a 24-volt battery, 19 vented sintered-plate cells are
The principal parts and materials used in vented cells connected in series.
of the nickel-cadmium battery are as follows:
Vent plug. The vent plug on the top of the cell is
Plate. A plate is made from powder in a metallurgy usually constructed of nylon. It can be removed for the
process. Nickel carbonyl powder is lightly compressed addition of distilled water or for adjustment of the
in a mold and then either subjected to a temperature of electrolyte. When excessive gasses develop in the cell
about 1600°F (871°C) in a sintering furnace or to a during charge, they escape through the vent hole,
heavy electric current. These processes cause the which opens when a certain pressure is reached.
individual grains of nickel to weld to their points of Except when releasing gas, the vent automatically
contact, resulting in a porous plaque that is seals the cell to prevent electrolyte leakage and entry
approximately 80% open holes and 20% solid nickel. of foreign material into the cell.
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(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0001
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DETAIL A DETAIL B
NICKEL-SINTERED COINED PLAQUE
PLAQUE
ELECTROLYTE
DETAIL D
DETAIL C TABS ARE WELDED
COINED PLAQUE IMPREGNATED TO EACH PLATE
WITH NICKEL OR CADMIUM SALTS
(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0002
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BHT-ELEC-SPM
SEPARATOR
GA NY
S LO
BA N
NY R RI
LO ER
N
PLATE
(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0003
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(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0004
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(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0005
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11-5. CYLINDRICAL SEALED CELL positive plates is brought to a higher state of oxidation
(Table 11-1). These changes continue in both sets of
The cylindrical sealed cell is rechargeable and free of plates as long as charging current is applied, or until
the usual maintenance routines such as adjusting and active material of plates has been completely
checking the electrolyte (Figure 11-6). The electrolyte, converted. The cell emits gas toward the end of this
a viscous solution of potassium hydroxide, does not process because of decomposition of water
take part in the chemical reaction. The active materials components of electrolyte into hydrogen at negative
are contained in molded screens or sintered plates plates and oxygen at positive plates. The electrolyte
that are spirally rolled with a separator to form a core. conducts current between plates of opposite
The core is then jacketed in a metal case that provides polarity and reacts to produce electrochemical
a rigid unit. Generally, the negative plate is welded to changes without producing any significant changes in
the case and the positive plate is welded to the cell its own overall chemical composition. Thus, the
cover. The cover is attached to the case by a plastic measurement of specific gravity of the electrolyte
sealing gasket. A cutaway view of a cylindrical sealed gives no indication of the state of charge in a
cell is shown in Figure 11-6. nickel-cadmium cell.
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POSITIVE TAB
SEPARATOR
JACKET
(TYPICAL)
ELEC-SPM_11_0006
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Charge: Charge:
Overcharge: Overcharge:
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28
26 34 AMPERE-HOURS
BATTERY VOLTAGE (VOLTS)
24
22
20
20-CELL (NICKEL CADMIUM)
19-CELL (NICKEL CADMIUM)
18
(LEAD ACID)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 120
ELEC-SPM-11-7
Figure 11-7. Comparison of Discharge Voltage for Typical Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium Electrical
Power Storage Batteries
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11-17. Discharge Rates for Capacity Tests • RL. Load resistor whose resistance value is
determined by dividing open circuit voltage of
the battery by discharge current; e.g., 25.0
NOTE volts divided by 18.0 amps equals 1.39 ohms.
A resistance of 1.5 ohms or 2.0 ohms could be
The normal rated capacity used throughout used in this example as they are of a more
this manual is the 1-hour capacity at 80°F common value. The wattage of the resistor is
(26.7°C) determined by P = I2R.
The most accurate and repeatable methods of During the discharge, the current through the circuit is
measuring capacity is to discharge the battery at a controlled by the current control device in the power
constant current rate. The load resistance in the supply. The power supply and battery are connected in
method is varied to maintain a constant discharge series and total voltage of both items is impressed
current as the battery voltage decreases. At the end of across the load resistor. (Figure 11-8, View A). The
discharge, the calculation of amp/hour capacity is the output voltage of the power supply increases as the
product of the discharge current times the elapsed battery voltage decreases thereby keeping voltage
discharge time. constant across the load resistor.
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+
A
+ +
STORAGE V
BATTERY
POWER
SW SUPPLY
SEE VIEW A
R
L
R
L
ALIGATOR CLIPS
COVERED WITH
INSULATED SLEEVING
VIEW A
RL LOAD RESISTOR WORKAID
ELEC-SPM-11-8
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11-20. Fixed Resistance Discharge Since nickel-cadmium cells have extremely low
(Approximating Capacity) internal resistance (Table 11-3). A severely discharged
battery will initially draw very high currents if charged
A method for approximating capacity is to place a fixed by the constant potential method. Because of high
resistor (Figure 11-9) across the battery terminals and current initially drawn by a discharged battery, and
monitor the current and time as the battery discharges. when using the constant potential method of charging,
As the battery discharges, the current drops as the it is advisable to use charging equipment with built-in
battery voltage decreases. To calculate capacity, protective circuitry. Constant potential charging
multiply the average discharge current by the equipment should be capable of delivering current of
discharge time. at least three times the capacity rating of the battery.
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11-24. CHARGE TECHNIQUES Any constant current charge or power supply may be
used to charge a nickel-cadmium battery if current and
voltage ratings of the unit are adequate. Generally, a
C/10 charging rate (rated capacity, C, of the battery
WARNING divided by 10) is a safe charging rate. A voltage limit is
not necessary as the charging rate will not overcharge
cells to any great extent. This rate will require
I F T E M P E R AT U R E O F A N I C K E L - approximately 16 hours of charging to fully charge a
CADMIUM BATTERY EXCEEDS 100°F completely discharged battery. Refer to the battery
(37.8°C) WHILE BEING CHARGED ON manufacturer's service manual for recommended
NON-AUTOMATIC TYPE OF CHARGING charging instructions.
EQUIPMENT, THE CHARGE SHALL BE
T E R M I N AT E D . THERE IS NO When a vented or sealed nickel-cadmium battery is
REQUIREMENT TO MONITOR THE constant current charged on non-automatic type of
TEMPERATURE OF A NICKEL-CADMIUM equipment, the battery voltage, charging current, and
BATTERY THAT IS BEING CHARGED ON battery temperature should be monitored frequently to
A U T O M AT I C T Y P E O F C H A R G I N G minimize any damage that can occur from excessive
EQUIPMENT UNLESS SPECIFIED BY charging or equipment malfunction. The temperature
BATTERY MANUFACTURER OR OTHER of vented batteries may be monitored by placing a
AUTHORITY. suitable thermometer (liquid-in-glass, thermocouple,
thermistor) in, or adjacent to a centrally located cell. A
deterioration of potassium hydroxide electrolyte can
NOTE
take place when vent caps of vented nickel-cadmium
Refer to the battery manufacturers cells are removed and electrolyte is exposed to the
instructions for specific information. atmosphere. Vented nickel-cadmium batteries shall be
charged with vent caps loose but in place. Vent caps
The three charge techniques currently used are may be removed to allow for the inspection of the
constant current (paragraph 11-25), constant potential interior of the cell, inspection of vent caps, adjustment
(paragraph 11-26), and trickle charging (paragraph of the electrolyte levels, or measurement of the
11-27). electrolyte temperature. The temperature of sealed
batteries may be monitored by placing thermometer
11-25. Constant Current Charging adjacent to the battery case in the area of greatest
heat concentration.
Time required to charge a nickel-cadmium battery by Vented 19-ceII 24-volt nickel-cadmium batteries will
constant current methods depends on the state of normally be charged in the shop at 28.5 volts when
charge of the battery, charging current, and actual charging with a constant potential voltage. Note that
capacity of the battery. On average, a nickel-cadmium charging a 19-cell battery at 28.5 volts is equivalent to
battery will require a recharge of 140% of the previous charging each cell at 1.50 volts. Initial charging current
discharge. may be as high as 10 times the amp/hour rating of the
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Charging should continue until ammeter indicates a Thermal runaway is a condition in which current for a
charged nickel-cadmium battery rises out of all
current flow of 1 amp or less, or until a maximum time
proportion to the charging voltage.
of 4 hours has elapsed. Should a battery be severely
discharged, charging by the constant potential method Thermal runaway occurs in an overcharged state.
may produce a slight imbalance in cell capacity. After the battery is fully charged, excess charging
Imbalance can be detected by a periodic check of cell energy is dissipated as heat. Continued overcharging
terminal voltages with a precision voltmeter after under certain conditions has the effect of reducing
charging current levels off and while battery is internal battery resistance so that it draws a higher
current from the charging voltage. As temperature of
charging. Should voltage spread between the highest
the battery increases, the effective internal resistance
and lowest cell exceed 0.35 volt, the battery shall be continues to decrease, and current becomes
subjected to an equalization discharge (paragraph progressively greater. This process continues and
11-21). eventually destroys the battery.
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WARNING
NOTE
Refer to the battery manufacturers
instructions for additional information. IF THE BATTERY IS ON FIRE AND
FLAMES ARE PRESENT, A C02 FIRE
When a nickel-cadmium helicopter battery is being EXTINGUISHER SHALL BE USED TO
serviced in the battery shop on a charger/analyzer, it is EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DO NOT USE A
highly unlikely that the entire battery will overheat to C02 FIRE EXTINGUISHER IF FLAMES
the dangerous levels sometimes experienced aboard ARE NOT PRESENT, AS THE STATIC
a helicopter. This is because of voltage and current DISCHARGE FROM THE FIRE
control offered by the charger. A true thermal runaway EXTINGUISHER NOZZLE MAY IGNITE
does not occur when the battery is on the charger/ ANY EXPLOSIVE GASSES THAT ARE
analyzer, as by definition. In a thermal runaway the PRESENT WITHIN THE BATTERY SHOP.
charge current increases as battery impedance
decreases, the charge current of the charger/analyzer 1. If the battery is not on fire or fire has been
is present and fixed. extinguished, the personnel required to handle the
battery shall dress with protective gear to complement
their standard work clothes.
It is possible, however, for individual cells within a
battery to overheat to dangerous levels. This occurs 2. Turn off the charger/analyzer and disconnect the
when separator material within a cell breaks down and charge/discharge cable from the battery. The cable
allows a negative and a positive plate to make contact should be removed in such a manner as to direct any
with each other. This action creates a hot spot that is electrolyte spewage away from the personnel
characterized by increased pressure within the cell, involved.
which forces hot electrolyte, steam, and smoke from
the cell vent cap. This hot spot can progressively burn
3. Place a battery cover on the battery. Quickly
itself from one cell to the next unless the cell pack can
transport the battery to a location where the battery
be cooled down.
case can be flooded with cold water. A deep sink,
water spigot, garden hose, etc., will suffice.
Although explosive gasses can be discharged from an
overheated nickel-cadmium battery, the greatest 4. Remove the cover and fill battery case with cold
hazard to battery shop personnel is spewing of hot water. The water should cover the cell pack completely
electrolyte. and it should be allowed to run to dissipate heat within
the cells. Dropping the battery into a container of
Overheated nickel-cadmium batteries shall be handled sufficient size that is full of water may also be used as
as follows: an alternate method of cooling the battery.
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5. After the battery cools to the point where gas ARTICLES, SUCH AS WATCH BANDS,
bubbles are no longer visible, water may be dumped BRACELETS, AND RINGS SHOULD BE
from the case and the battery disassembled and REMOVED BEFORE WORKING WITH
repaired. NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES.
INADVERTENT CONTACT OF THESE
This previous procedure is also the procedure for METALLIC OBJECTS WITH CURRENT
handling overheated nickel-cadmium batteries aboard CARRYING PARTS OF THE BATTERY
the helicopter. WOULD RESULT IN THE FUSING OF THE
METAL, VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE, AND
11-30. OPERATION OF BATTERY SHOP SEVERE BURNS TO THE WEARER.
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shop and blue for the nickel-cadmium shop. The on the main body of the battery whenever
color-coding or tools and the color-codes used shall be possible.
as directed by the local tool control.
A form similar to that shown in Figure 11-11 shall be
affixed to each main and spare nickel-cadmium
If there is a shortage of tools and it becomes
helicopter battery as a record of battery service. The
necessary to use the same tools for both the
use of the form on avionics batteries is optional. The
nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, neutralize the
form shall be completed as follows:
tools of any acid contamination prior to use on
nickel-cadmium batteries.
• Serial number. Manufacturers serial number
of the battery, or serial number assigned by
Tools can be neutralized for acid by rinsing them in the user.
clean water, preferably hot water and then immersing
them in a solution of sodium bicarbonate (C-488),
• Cell manufacturer. The manufacturer of the
followed by an additional rinse with clean tap or
cells that make up the battery. This may be
distilled water.
different from the manufacturer of the battery
case.
MAKE SURE THAT A PREMIXED • Helicopter type. The type helicopter in which
CONTAINER OF 3% BY WEIGHT BORIC the battery is installed.
ACID (C-489) IS READILY AVAILABLE TO
CLEAN TOOLS AND NEUTRALIZE • Rated capacity. The rated capacity of the
S P IL L S O N S K IN . D O NO T US E T O battery as determined by the AH standard for
FLUSH EYES. the battery.
A 3% by weight boric acid (C-489) may be used as a • Maintenance interval days. The
neutralizing agent for cleaning tools contaminated with maintenance interval for the battery as
potassium hydroxide solution. In this case, also, use established by the user.
water freely to rinse.
• Next service due date. Date battery is due
for servicing as determined by the user,
11-35. BATTERY RECORDS
figured from the date of issue.
Proper maintenance is essential if the battery is to • Battery issued date/activity. Date the battery
achieve maximum life and performance. Associated leaves battery shop and activity performing
with good maintenance practices is the keeping of maintenance.
accurate records. These records serve as a
verification of maintenance accomplished, provide
• Helicopter number. Serial/registration
information for determining usage rates, establish
number of helicopter.
optimum servicing procedures, and determine cause
for removal of battery from helicopter.
• Initials. The initials of the individual that
installed the battery on the helicopter.
11-36. Shop and Helicopter Record of Battery
Service 11-37. Nickel-Cadmium Battery Service Record
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AH DAYS
BATTERY SERVICING HELICOPTER INSTALLATION
NEXT SERVICE BATTERY ISSUED HELICOPTER SERIAL\
TAIL NUMBER INITIALS
DUE DATE DATE ACTIVITY
ELEC-SPM-11-11
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
STOP CHARGING OPERATION IF ANY CELL IS SHORTED, MEASURES LESS THAN 1.0 VOLT,
OR HAS REVERSE POLARITY. PERFORM STEP F. THEN STEP G.
2- DURING THE LAST TEN MINUTES OF INITIAL ON-CHARGE, MEASURE THE VOLTAGE OF EACH CELL.
A. CELL VOLTAGE BELOW AVERAGE (0.1 VOLT LESS THAN AVERAGE OF ALL CELLS).
B. CELL VOLTAGE ABOVE ANY MINIMUM CELL VOLTAGE (VOLTAGE OF 0.1 VOLTS OR GREATER THAN CELLS
ABOVE MINIMUM (1.4 VOLTS) CELL VOLTAGE).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A VOLTAGE LESS THAN 1.4 VOLTS INDICATES DAMAGED CELL. PERFORM STEP F. THEN STEP G.
HIGH VOLTAGE INDICATES CELL LOW IN ELECTROLYTE. (ADD ONE (1)/TWO (2) DROPS OF DISTILLED
WATER TO LOWER HIGH VOLTAGE.
3- AFTER 54 MINUTES OF DISCHARGE (1- HOUR RATE) OR 1 HOUR 48 MINUTES (2.0 HOUR RATE) CHECK
THAT EACH CELL IS AT LEAST 1.0 VOLT.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A. IF ALL CELLS MEASURE OVER 1.0 VOLT, ALLOW THE DISCHARGE TO CONTINUE. *
B. IF ANY CELL MEASURES LESS THAN 1.0 VOLT, PERFORM STEP D. AND E. ,THEN C.
* THE CHARGER/ANALIZER AUTOMATICALLY MAKES A GO/NO-GO DECISION AS TO BATTERY CAPACITY AT THE
END OF THE DISCARGE CYCLE.
C. CAPACITY TEST YIELD ________ AMPERE HOURS.
SIDE 1
ELEC-SPM-11-13
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REPLACE DAMAGED CELLS (LEAKING, SHORTED). CELLS THAT FAIL TO CHARGE ABOVE MINIMUM
4. VOLTAGE SHOULD BE DEEP CYCLED TWO/THREE TIMES BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED.
2. CHARGE COMPLETED 6.
ELECTRICAL LEAKAGE WITHIN
TIME_________ LIMITS AS PER STEP B.
ELECTROLYTE ADJUSTED INTERCELL CONNECTORS COATED
3. 7.
TIME_________ WITH CORROSION PREVENTIVE.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
DATE SERVICING COMPLETED __________________ BOOST CHARGED OR TRICKLE DATE ISSUE FOR
____________ CHARGED BEFORE ISSUED __________ INSTALLATION___________
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11-38. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS charge efficiency, and self-discharge rate. Full
capacity is regained when the battery is deep cycled.
In addition to the charger/analyzer, and those
specified by the battery manufacturer, the materials In order to minimize the loss-of-capacity problem,
and tools listed in Table 11-4 are recommended for nickel-cadmium batteries shall be removed from the
servicing nickel-cadmium batteries. helicopter for servicing in accordance with
maintenance and reconditioning schedules.
Table 11-4. Nickel-Cadmium Special Equipment
and Tools 11-41. Cell Gassing
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Any nickel-cadmium helicopter battery, other than the BODY. USE RUBBER GLOVES, RUBBER
sealed-cell type, that is to be stored for more than 30 APRON, AND PROTECTIVE GOGGLES
days, shall be discharged to 0 volt/cell, have battery WHEN HANDLING THE ELECTROLYTE.
terminals shorted with bus wire, with vent caps in
place, and electrolyte in cells. Under no circumstance IF THE ELECTROLYTE GETS ON THE
shall the electrolyte be dumped or vent caps removed SKIN, WASH AFFECTED AREAS WITH
for storage. LARGE QUANTITIES OF WATER OR
TA K E A S H O W E R I M M E D I AT E LY.
Dumping of electrolyte and removal of vent caps NEUTRALIZE WITH 3% BORIC ACID
results in oxidation of plate materials and SOLUTION AND WASH WITH WATER.
contamination of electrolyte. Both actions are
extremely detrimental to cells and will probably render IF THE ELECTROLYTE GETS INTO THE
them inoperable. E Y E S , WA S H E Y E S W I T H L A R G E
QUANTITIES OF WATER AND SEEK
Nickel-cadmium batteries should be stored at MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
temperatures not exceeding 130°F (54°C). Any
nickel-cadmium battery, other than the sealed-cell IF ELECTROLYTE HAS BEEN TAKEN
type, that is to be shipped any distance, should be I N T E R N A L LY, DRINK LARGE
discharged to 0 volt/cell and the battery terminals QUANTITIES OF WATER AND A WEAK
shorted with bus wire. SOLUTION OF LEMON JUICE, ORANGE
JUICE, OR VINEGAR: FOLLOW WITH
Shipping of discharged batteries shall be in WHITE OF EGG, OLIVE OIL, MELTED
accordance with battery manufacturers shipping BUTTER, STARCH WATER, OR MINERAL
instructions and applicable dangerous goods O I L . S E E K M E D I C A L AT T E N T I O N
regulations. Batteries that have to be transported in a IMMEDIATELY.
charged condition shall also be packaged in
accordance with manufacturers instructions and DUR ING PRE PA RATION OF THE
applicable dangerous goods regulations. ELECTROLYTE, ALWAYS POUR THE
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE INTO THE
Any nickel-cadmium battery equipped with a MS3509 WATER SLOWLY AND ALLOW IT TO
receptacle, that leaves the battery shop, shall have D IS S O LV E . O TH E RW IS E , V I O L E N T
protective plastic cover(s) over the receptacle pins. BOILING WILL OCCUR AND THE
RESULTANT MIXTURE MAY SPLATTER
11-45. ELECTROLYTE REQUIREMENTS AND O N T HE P ERSO N P REPA RING THE
ADJUSTMENTS ELECTROLYTE.
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The electrolyte used for the nickel-cadmium battery is 1. Insert the electrolyte level checker into the filler
a solution of 70%, by weight, of distilled water and opening deep enough to touch the bottom of the
30% potassium hydroxide. The specific gravity of this baffle. Place a finger over top open end of tube and
mixture is 1.300. When these liquids are mixed, heat is remove tube from filler well. Electrolyte level in the
generated, which raises the temperature of the tube is a measure of electrolyte level in the cell.
mixture. After a battery has been in use for some time,
specific gravity may change slightly. Unless it falls 2. The electrolyte removal syringe will remove
outside the range of 1.240 to 1.320, the effect of the excess electrolyte from the cell. Wash the tool after
change on battery performance is usually insignificant. use.
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0.250 IN.
(6.350 mm)
0.125 IN.
(3.175 mm) 0.062 IN. (1.57 mm) WIDE
MARKINGS ON BOTH ENDS
ELEC-SPM-11-14
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BHT VENDOR C
MODEL
PART NUMBER PART NUMBER VENDOR VOLTS RATING CELLS
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BHT VENDOR C
MODEL
PART NUMBER PART NUMBER VENDOR VOLTS RATING CELLS
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BHT VENDOR C
MODEL
PART NUMBER PART NUMBER VENDOR VOLTS RATING CELLS
CAUTION WARNING
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2. If necessary, tops of the cells may be flushed with removed from connectors, screws, nuts, and washers
ordinary tap water of low mineral content. Make by washing in alcohol or by degreasing after they are
certain that all cell vent plugs are properly seated. Tip removed from the cells. Use hot water to thoroughly
battery at about a 45° angle with the receptacle (or wash vent assemblies.
power connector) facing upward. Flush with water
from top of battery in a downward direction to prevent, f. If the rubber liner used on some of the older
as much as possible, any water from entering battery batteries has deteriorated, repair or replace it in
container. It is permissible to use a non-conductive accordance with manufacturers instructions.
bristle brush to clean away stubborn dirt particles. Any
excess liquid should be drained off and battery g. Allow all parts to dry thoroughly before
permitted to dry. Drying may be accelerated by use of assembling.
oil-free compressed air.
h. Inspect all parts and replace those that are
damaged or heavily corroded. Replace connecting
straps that are burned, bent, or have defective nickel
CAUTION plating. Polish tarnished connecting straps with a fine
emory cloth being careful not to remove the plating.
WATER USED TO WAS H CELLS OR
i. Check the battery power receptacle for burns,
BATTERY WILL BE COME CAUSTIC;
cracks, and bent or pitted terminals. Replace defective
AVOID CONTACT WITH IT. DO NOT USE
receptacles. Receptacles can overheat, arc, reduce
A METAL BRUSH; THIS MAY RESULT IN
battery voltage, and cause premature battery failure.
A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH MAY CAUSE
S K IN B U RN S O R DA M A G E TO T HE
j. Repair or replace bent battery cases and
BATTE RY. D O N O T CL E AN TO P O F
covers, loose or damaged cover gaskets, and cell
CELLS WITH SOLVENTS, ACIDS, OR
hold-down bars.
ANY CHEMICAL SOLUTION. THESE MAY
DAMAGE CELL CASES AND
k. Clean vent caps (vent plugs).
HARDWARE.
3. If battery has loose electrolyte on top of cells, l. Reassemble battery in accordance with
drain off as much as possible, wash with water, and air battery manufacturers instructions.
dry. If electrolyte has overflowed to an extent that it
has run down between the cells, the battery should be 11-53. Electrical Leak Check
completely discharged, disassembled, and completely
cleaned before reassembling. NOTE
Voltage reading between terminals and
a. Disassemble battery in accordance with
battery must not be used as a criteria for
manufacturers instructions.
rejection; current flow is the determining
factor.
b. Wash cells under running water. Do not allow
wash water to enter interior of the cells. Refer to the battery manufacturers
instructions for specific information on
c. Dry cells with clean absorbent toweling or with conducting an electrical leak check.
an air hose.
General. This refers to external electrical leakage
d. Inspect each cell for cracks, holes, or other between a cell terminal or connector and battery
defective condition. If any defects are found, replace container, caused by electrolyte collecting around the
with new or rebuilt cells. cell, usually as a result of spewing from vent caps. It
may also be caused by a damaged cell case-to-cover
e. Wash and clean all hardware to remove seal. A leakage path greater than about
accumulated dirt and carbonate deposits. Heavy 50 milliamperes between battery container and either
deposits may be removed by scrubbing with a stiff positive or negative terminals of battery, is considered
bristle brush. Corrosion preventive grease may be to be excessive.
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