Industrial Battery Maintenance Tips for Long Life Performance?
Industrial batteries are commonly found it machines like forklifts, bulldozers and excavators, as well as many other industrial machines used for lifting and moving incredible amounts of weight. Because of this industrial batteries are bigger, stronger and have to work a lot harder than your common car battery. We at Polar Battery offer a wide array of industrial batteries for use in anything from construction and mining, to mass transportation. Most industrial batteries have a life span of at least 5 years, however, this life span is only guaranteed with regular battery maintenance. If a battery is not taken care lifespanfe span drops significantly and can leave you on the job with a lot to move and no way of moving it. Through our years of experience servicing the industrial needs of the greater Vancouver area we has amassed a few helpful tips to maintain your battery’s lifespan.
Regular battery maintenance is a simple and effective way to give your battery a long and strong lifespan. Industrial machines aren’t made to look good, they are made to work hard and often do so in environments with higher dirt contents. Like any part of your engine, if it gets dirty it’s performance dwindles. However, unlike other parts of the engine that only deal will a build up of dirt and oil, your battery works with a much more precarious substance. You industrial battery works with the use of an electrolyte. This electrolyte is a chemical solution of sulfuric acid, pure water and a few other additives. This is a highly corrosive solution and can do serious damage to your battery if not properly taken care of.
When your battery is in use it releases an acidic vapour that can drift to the top of your battery’s case. The electrolyte solution can also leak out of your battery, especially if they are stored on tiered racks or in a machine that often works on inclines or declines. Both of these issue cause acidic residue to build up on the battery’s casing. This residue is highly corrosive and can eat away at the battery’s terminals, causing serious electrical problems and greatly reducing your battery’s lifespan. Routine cleaning is a great way to reduce the risk of acidic corrosion. Use an acid-neutralizing de-greaser to clean the top of the battery case and it’s terminals. Be sure that the battery’s vent caps are tightly connected, as mixing de-greaser with the electrolyte will destroy your battery. Washing your battery every three to six months is enough to maintain its life span, however it is recommended that your check your battery monthly to stay on top of the residue level.
Another way to ensure your battery has a long life is to regular check and refills the battery’s water levels. As mentioned earlier, your battery works with a electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and pure water. When in use not only is an acidic vapour release, the water also evaporates and escapes through vent holes which, in turn, effect the battery’s chemical balance. A low water level also exposes the battery’s plates to the air, which causes oxidization, further disintegrating your battery’s life span. While just water this still must be done very carefully. First try to use clean, non-ionized water and avoid using tap water. Tap water contains minerals and additives that can collect on your battery’s cells when the water evaporates. This residue can affect your battery’s output and lifespan. Next, be sure not to add too much water and overflow the battery. This over-correction will tip the chemical solution too much the other way as well as spill corrosive material all over your battery and engine. Finally when adding water be sure to wear all proper safety gear; you are dealing with a highly acidic chemical solution and run the risk of spills and splash backs. Make sure you have chemical splash goggles, jackets, gloves and anything else you made need.
Even though an industrial battery is big and strong, it still works like the battery in your computer and phone and like the battery in your computer or phone it needs to be recharged. Recharging your industrial battery is crucial in maintaining its lifespan. Every battery is made to discharge energy to a certain level before it needs to be recharged. If you use this battery beyond this line then you run the risk of doing serious damage. Use a hydrometer to check your battery’s charge and routinely top it up. Remember, charging an industrial battery is a lot more dangerous than charging a common car battery. Charging an industrial battery releases hydrogen gas, so make sure you are in a well ventilated are with no open flames.
Unfortunately, eventually all batteries die, but we won’t leave you motionless. Come visit Polar Battery where we offer a wide range of batteries for some of the biggest jobs under some of the most trusted names in battery manufacturing.
