Vent Cap Valve Test

TM 11-6140-203-14-4&P

minutes of the initial charge to determine if all cells are

leakage current less than 0.1 milliamperes per Ah of

uniform within 0.1 volts of the average of the entire

battery rated capacity. (For example, the sum of the

battery. Electrolyte level should also be checked to

positive and negative leakage current for a 30 Ah BB-

determine if electrolyte is visible in all cells. Charge at

693AIU must be less than 3mA.) In general, however,

the C/2 rate for 3 hours (for 30Ah,

BB600A/A cells

the normal measured leakage current value should be

charge at 15A). Then lower the charging current to the

zero.

f. Final Charge If the battery has passed both the

C/5 rate (for 30 Ah, BB600A/A cells charge at 6.0A),

continue charge until battery voltage remains constant

capacity and leakage tests, then it can be given its final

for 2 consecutive hourly readings and/or all cells are

charge in accordance with the normal procedure for the

above .1.5 volts. Do not exceed 8 hours of charging

specific charger-analyzer used. However, if the battery

time at the C5 rate.

temperature exceeds 120° F (for Permion or Celgard

(2) Pulse charging method with the AN/USM-

Separated Batteries) or

104° F (for cellophane

432 Set charger in Manual Charge Mode at a CHARGE-

separated ones) on the AN/USM-432 or the RF80GT,

allow sufficient time for the battery to cool before starting

AMPERE-HOUR setting two-thirds (2/3) of normal. For

the final charge. After completing the final charge,

example, with a BB693A/U battery which would normally

check all cell voltages, adjust the electrolyte level (para

be set at 30-35 use a setting of 22. After one hour of

5-5).

charge, turn timer clockwise to provide a second hour.

Determine when charger goes into topping mode. With

charge in topping mode, increase CHARGE-AMPERE

5-12. Vent Cap Valve Test

HOUR setting to the normal value and continuing in the

a. Fabricate the vent cap valve tester as shown in

topping mode for a minimum of 4 hours, turning the

figure 5-7. (Use on old BB600/A cell or equivalent, that

charge dock back to the start position as required. Cell

has been flushed clean and is empty of electrolyte.)

voltages and electrolyte levels should be checked for

Details of the connection to the side of the cell have not

uniformity periodically, as previously described. For

been provided because of the wide variety of equipment

indications of dry cells

and/or high resistance

presently available in the field.

connections, the voltage change (from cell to cell) must

b. Before testing, wash the flllercap thoroughly in

be compared between the pulse ON and OFF periods

detergent and water.

(3) Reflex charging method with the RF80GT.

CAUTION

Set the charger to a current equal to the rated capacity

When using an air hose for cleaning,

of the battery (for a BB-693AIU set current to 30

the compressed air source must limit

amperes), switch to Reflex mode and charge for 2

the nozzle pressure to no more than 29

hours. To complete initial formation charge, reduce the

pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).

current to the C/2 rate (15 am peres for the 30 Ah BB-

Goggles must be worn at all times while

693A/U) and charge for an additional 4 hours in the

cleaning with compressed air.

Reflex mode. Notice the Ammeter-Zeroing which is

c After washing, rinse the fillercap with clean

used to indicate full charge on the RF80GT may not

water and dry with an air blower.

occur because of the lower than normal current setting.

d. Place the fillercap to be tested on the test cell.

Full charge may be checked by switching to the constant

e. Connect the air regulator to a compressed air

current mode for 5 minutes and checking to see that all

outlet and adjust the air pressure until it builds up in the

cell voltages are above 1.5 volts. Cell voltages and

test cell. The fillercap vent valve should open between 2

electrolyte levels should be checked for uniformity

psi and 10 psi.

periodically as previously described. For indications of

f. If the fillercap vent valve does not open between

dry cells and/or high resistance connections, the voltage

2 psi and 10 psi, discard the fillercap. If the fillercap

change (from cell to cell) must be compared between

vent valve does open between 2 psi and 10 psi, remove

the positive and negative pulse periods.

the O-ring from the fillercap, replace with a new O-ring,

e. Performance Test. Performance testing shall be

and return the fillercap to stock for reissue.

in accordance with paragraph 5-5g. The electrical

leakage test shall be performed following the discharge

test in paragraph 4-10 with the criteria for acceptance a

5-18