Lead-acid Vrla Batteries, How They Tick and How to Battery Test Them

Author: Elliott Turner
The valve regulated lead acid battery is a rechargeable battery just like any other lead-acid battery. The difference is the valve regulated lead acid battery does not water added. Instead it is based on the absorbed glass mat technology with calcium grids. The batteries offer a high rated performance and has an increase life expectancy. The technology used has enabled them to take action to the demands and requirements of the market. They have developed batteries like the trickle cycle, which is a long life type of battery and to improving charging capabilities in order for the batteries to be charged in 1 to 2 hours.

The valve regulated lead-acid battery is used in many different applications such as electric tools, UPS, emergency lighting and wheel chairs run by electricity. The positive plates are basically plate electrodes, which is part of a grid frame of lead-tin-calcium alloy holding porous lead dioxide as the active agent.

The negative plates are plate electrodes, which is part of a grid frame of lead-tin-calcium alloy holding spongy lead as the active agent.

The Electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid, which is used as a medium for conducting ions in the electrochemical reaction in the battery.

The separators are made from an advanced micro porous Absorbed Glass Mat. The separators hold electrolyte and prevent shoring between the positive and negative plates. Separators are made from a non-woven fabric of fine glass fibers, which is chemically stable in the electrolyte. Being porous, separators retain the electrolyte for the chemical reaction of the active agents in the plates.

The valve is a one-way valve made of material such as neoprene. When gas is produced in the battery, the vent valve opens to release gas pressure. The vent protects the battery from bursting. When gas is produced is usually caused by an abnormality such as, extreme overcharge conditions due to flawed charging, or charger malfunctions. Because the rubber valve can be resealed, the valve can reopen again when it is needed. During normal use the valve of the battery is closed to shut out outside air and prevent oxygen in the air from reacting with the active material in the negative electrodes.

The Positive and Negative Terminals may be a fastened on tab type, which depends on the type of battery. Strong epoxy adhesives along with secure long adhesive-embedded paths secure the structure, which covers the terminals. The battery case is made from ABS resin, unless otherwise specified.

Valve regulated lead acid batteries are very difficult to test, unless you have the right equipment. False positives and false negatives are one of the downfalls of using a less than adequate testing method. Get the right battery tester and get the job done right.