DCPS Blog
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Chemical Reaction Produces Hydrogen Gas
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DCPS Blog by Darrin Rolfe
12/30/15 Today one of our clients had a hydrogen explosion in the workplace. There's a chemical reaction that occurs with lead acid batteries producing hydrogen gas.
Safety Considerations
Despite the enormous growth in the use of batteries as a primary energy solution over the past two decades, the flooded lead acid battery remains a preferred and reliable solution for many applications in the industrial sector. The longer service life and performance predictability of a flooded cell battery is an acceptable trade-off to the generally higher maintenance requirements.
With the primary focus being on human and system safety there is a chemical reaction we want you to be aware of. This chemical reaction impacts battery life, maintenance economics, and poses a health risk. A critical consideration for any user considering a flooded battery solution centers on the issue of hydrogen evolution.
What is Hydrogen Evolution?
During a boost in battery charging, or overcharging, when a cell has achieved approximately 95% of its charge, a chemical reaction occurs between the water/sulfuric acid solution and the lead plates which produces hydrogen gas, resulting in a health risk to staff.
Video by HowStuffWorks: How Lead Batteries are Made
What Can You Do?
Maintain proper liquid electrolyte levels and concentrations in the flooded battery. Battery maintenance and proper watering are critical to the long-term life and performance of the flooded lead acid battery and we can help.
Peace of Mind
We have services to help you manage hydrogen evolution:
> Scheduled maintenance program > Battery room consulting
> Mobile Battery Wash
> Hydrogen gas detector
> HVAC ventilation design
If you would like any information related to batteries and charging we're always happy to help! Let's talk 1-800-326-0691.
Have a safe and prosperous New Year!
Darrin