Important recommendations
■
Never allow an exposed flame or
spark near the batteries,
particularly while charging.
■
Never smoke while performing any
operation on the battery.
■
For protection, wear rubber gloves,
long sleeves, and appropriate
splash goggles or face shield.
■
The electrolyte is harmful to skin
and eyes. In the event of contact
with skin or eyes, wash immediately
with plenty of water. If eyes are
affected, flush with water, and
obtain immediate medical attention.
■
Remove all rings, watches and
other items with metal parts before
working on the battery.
■
Use insulated tools.
■
Avoid static electricity and take
measures for protection against
electric shocks.
■
Discharge any possible static
electricity from clothing
and/or tools by touching an
earth-connected part "ground"
before working on the battery.
1. Receiving the shipment
Unpack the battery immediately upon
arrival. Do not overturn the package.
Transport seals are located under the
cover of the vent plug.
The battery is normally shipped filled
and ready for installation.
Remove
the plastic transport seals. The battery
is then ready for installation.
The battery must never be used
electrically with the plastic transport
seal in place as this can cause
permanent damage.
2. Storage
Store the battery indoors in a dry,
clean, cool location (0°C to +30°C /
+32°F to +86°F).
■
Make sure that the transport seals
remain in place during storage.
■
Do not store in direct sunlight or
exposed to excessive heat.
■
A battery delivered discharged and
filled may be stored for many years
before it is installed.
■
A battery delivered charged (80%)
must not be stored more than
3 months (including transport).
3. Installation
Remove the transport seals and close
the vent plugs.
3.1.
Verify that cells are correctly
interconnected and that battery
SRX Ni-Cd batteries
Type plastic and steel containers
Installation and operating instructions
connection to the load is also correct.
3.2.
Check tightness of terminal
connecting nuts. Torque applied
should be:
• 10 ± 2 N.m for cells SRX 22 P/FR
to 80 P/FR, SRX 50 C,
• 15 ± 2 N.m for cells SRX 900 P to
2200 P, SRX 90 FR to 220 FR,
SRX 220 F3, SRX 175 LP/LFR,
SRX 720 to 3700, SRX 90 to 250
(SRX 100 excl.), SRX 2500 P-LC,
• 30 ± 3 N.m for cells SRX 100.
The connectors and terminal nuts
should be corrosion-protected by coating
with a thin layer of neutral vaseline or
anti-corrosion oil agreed by Saft.
3.3. Electrolyte
The electrolyte to be used is E13.
Cells delivered filled:
Check the level of electrolyte. The cells
must have a level of electrolyte above
the plates. If it is not the case, adjust
the level of electrolyte to 5 mm above
the plate tops with distilled or
deionized water.
4. Commissioning
4.1. Discharged cells placed into
service immediately after delivery or
after less than one year of storage:
■
Constant current charge:
• 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
Caution:
during charging, the battery
box must be open.
■
Constant potential charge:
• 1.55 V/cell for 20 h, with the
current limited to 0.2 C
5
A
Charge at constant current is
recommended. The battery is ready
for use.
4.2. Cells stored more than 1 year:
a) charge 10 h at 0.2 C
5
A
b) discharge at 0.2 C
5
A down to
1.0 V/cell
c) charge 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
The battery is ready for use.
4.3. Charged cells (80%) shipped
and/or stored at temperatures
> +30°C (>+86°F), and/or
≥
3 months
from date of charge:
a) charge 10 h at 0.2 C
5
A
b) discharge at 0.2 C
5
A down to
1.0 V/cell
c) charge 8 h at 0.2 C
5
A
The battery is ready for use.
5. Charging in service
5.1. Cycling application
The battery is cycled up to 20% DOD
(Depth Of Discharge) per day.
■
Single level charge:
1.45 - 1.55 V/cell, at +20°C (+68°F)
1.47 V/cell is recommended.
■
Two level charge:
• High level: 1.45 - 1.60 V/cell
at +20°C (+68°F)
• Float level: 1.38 - 1.40 V/cell
at +20°C (+68°F)
5.2. Stand-by application
Battery is on float and discharged only
in emergency situation.
■
Single level charge:
1.41 - 1.43 V/cell at +20°C (+68°F)
■
Two level charge:
• High level: 1.43 - 1.50 V/cell
at +20°C (+68°F)
• Float level: 1.38 - 1.40 V/cell
at +20°C (+68°F)
For use at temperature o10°C
to +30°C (+50°F to +86°F), the charge
voltage correcting factor is:
•
– 2 mV/°C/cell (–1.1 mV/°F/cell)
if charging voltage < 1.45 V/cell
at +20°C (+68°F)
•
– 3 mV/°C/cell (–1.7 mV/°C/cell)
if charging voltage between 1.45 and
1.55 V/cell at +20°C (+68°F)
For higher charging voltages,
consult Saft.
To minimise the water usage,
Saft recommends the use of low
charging voltages.
6. Topping-up
■
Batteries not equipped with water
filling system:
No electrolyte level measurement is
necessary if you use a Saft cell-topper,
which allows the correct level to be
obtained by a simple nozzle setting.
See nozzle lengths in Table A.
If a cell-topper is not available, the
electrolyte level must be measured.
Insert a transparent glass or plastic
tube (alkali resistant, 5 to 6 mm in
diameter) vertically into the cell vent
until it touches the top of the plates.
Close the top end of the tube by
putting a finger on it and remove it
from the cell. The height of the liquid in
the tube indicates the electrolyte level.
June 2004
