EternaCell BLSe 12-100, Operating, Installation, Maintenance Instructions

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Before starting the charge, check that electrolyte temperature does not exceed 95°F (35°C). If
necessary let the battery rest until this temperature is reached.
Take individual cell readings of voltage, specific gravity and temperature before starting initial
charge.
It is advisable to use a charger, with constant voltage adjustable from 2.23 to 2.6V/cell and with
an adjustable current from 0 to 0.10 C
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Amps available for the battery.
If the charger does not allow current adjustment, the maximum current should not exceed 0.10 C
8
Amps.
Charge the battery with a current rate of 0.10 C8 Amps for 20 hours.
Record voltage and specific gravity readings every 3 hours while charging. Voltage readings
should be taken on every cell. Specific gravity readings can be taken on 20% of the cells
designated as pilot cells.
Electrolyte temperature should also be monitored in 2 or 3 pilot cells.
Should the temperature exceed 113°F (45°C):

decrease the charging current to 50% of its original rate or discontinue the charge and let
the battery stand on open circuit until the temperature falls to 95°F (35°C)

Resume the charging process. The charge time should be extended proportionally.
At the end of the process, the Ah delivered to the battery must be 150 – 160% of the C
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rated
capacity.
After 20 hours, increase recording interval to every hour and continue charging until specific
gravity and voltage remain constant for two hours and each cell has reached a minimum of 2.6V.
If the charger does not allow the cells to reach 2.6V, the charge time shall be extended in order to
deliver the minimum number of Amp-hours into the battery. A minimum of 2.4V/cell should be
available for the initial charge process.
Following the charge, specific gravity should be recorded and must fall within the acceptable
limits as defined in section 5.0.
8.2 Filled and Charged Cells (Freshening / Commissioning Charge)
For batteries which have been supplied in a filled and charged condition, it is normal to lose
charge while in transit or during storage. For this reason, a charge should be given before putting
the battery into service. This is normally accomplished using the "equalize" voltage setting on the
charger (see section 8.3.2).
Note that the higher the voltage, the shorter the recharge time. Lower charge voltages (down to a
minimum of 2.30 V/cell) will extend the duration of the initial charge to as many as 100 hours,
depending on the available charge current.
The initial charge may be terminated when the specific gravity readings of all cells have remained
constant for at least 2 hours.
Following the charge, specific gravity should be recorded and must fall within the acceptable
limits as defined in section 5.0.
At the end of this initial charge, set the battery voltage to the Saft recommended float voltage (see
section 8.3.1).