As the lead acid batteries will create small amounts of hydrogen as a by-product of its charging cycle; it is key to monitor the area using a hydrogen gas detector. Hydrogen is explosive at 4% by volume in air and typically battery storage facilities are enclosed areas.
It is well established that hydrogen frequently occurs as a by-product when charging lead-acid batteries. This article will explain why battery stores must have a hydrogen gas detector present and provide examples of International Gas Detectors hydrogen gas detector solutions. Image Credit: International Gas Detectors Ltd
Vented Lead Acid Batteries (VRLA) batteries are 95-99% recombinant normally, and only periodically vent small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen under normal operating conditions. However, both types of batteries will vent more hydrogen during equalize charging or abnormal charge conditions.
H2scan Corporation (USA) announce that its UK-based representative, Quantitech, Ltd., has delivered 14 of its HY-ALERTA™ 600 Fixed Area Monitors to detect for possible hydrogen leaks in battery rooms.
This is where the use of a hydrogen gas detector is required. You can learn more about our range of hydrogen gas detection solutions on our application page. As the lead acid batteries will create small amounts of hydrogen as a by-product of its charging cycle; it is key to monitor the area using a hydrogen gas detector.
Typically, the battery backup facility would utilise lead acid batteries which are continuously charged in a storeroom. They are a good solution to keep critical systems running without the need for costly generators. However, a major issue with lead acid batteries is they produce hydrogen gas which is explosive at 4% by volume in air.