To fully charge any storage battery a certain amount of overcharge is necessary. This overcharging equalizes the power in the cells of the battery. As each cell reaches 80% of capacity it dissipates the surplus energy by boiling. This causes the water in the electrolyte to separate into hydrogen and oxygen gases which vent from the battery and reduce the electrolyte level. Distilled water must be added to make up the loss to avoid battery damage.
Hydrocaps catalytically recombine the hydrogen and oxygen gases into pure water and return it to the cell. This reduces watering and washes the electrolyte spray back into the battery extending its useful power.
Do you need Hydrocaps?
Hydrocaps are a must for lead-acid battery users. Just look at the increased safety, reduced maintenance, increased battery longevity and reliability as well as tactile feedback regarding the state of charge of the battery’s individual cells. In the long run HYDROCAPS will also save you money and should be considered necessary basic equipment for any system using lead-acid batteries.
How do Hydrocaps work?
Storage batteries (lead- acid batteries) give off hydrogen while charging and discharging and even when standing idle. If the hydrogen accumulates in a battery compartment, room or a depression at the ceiling it can explode if ignited by a spark, flame or an arcing contact. As little as 4% hydrogen gas in the air is considered explosive (69 cubic inches of hydrogen in one cubic foot of air).
If you place a catylator unit, high in these areas, it will combine the hydrogen with the available oxygen producing heat and steam in small amounts. Internal temperature can reach 300F (150C) for each percent of hydrogen accumulated.