Acid Density, Measuring
Non Maintenance Free Battery, without a Visual Indicator
Lead acid batteries that are non maintenance free are filled with electrolyte fluid (wet battery). They have sealing plugs.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury from direct exposure to battery acid!
• Observe the warning notes and safety precautions. Refer to => [ There is a risk of injury from the battery acid. ] Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions.
Risk of explosion due to the explosive gas that forms during battery charging.
• Observe the warning notes and safety precautions. Refer to => [ Risk of explosion due to the explosive gas that forms during battery charging. ] Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions.
Acid Density, Measuring
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Refractometer (T10007) or
• Commercially available Hydrometer
Procedure
In conjunction with the battery testing using the battery tester (VAS 6161), refer to => [ Battery Testing, using VAS 6161 ] Battery, Charging or the battery tester with printer (VAS 5097A), refer to => [ Battery Testing, using VAS 5097A ] Battery, Charging, the acid density test provides information about the condition of the battery.
• The temperature of the battery acid must be at least 10° C (50° F).
CAUTION!
Risk of injury from direct exposure to battery acid.
• Follow accident prevention regulations when working with battery acid. Refer to => [ There is a risk of injury from the
battery acid. ] Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions.
• Wear protective eyewear and clothing. Refer to => [ Protect against injury by using protective eyewear and clothing. ] Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions.
• Specific density of the electrolyte can be checked immediately after charging battery.
- Remove all sealing plugs from the battery cells.
- Insert the hydrometer into the battery cell and siphon off enough electrolyte until the float floats freely in electrolyte.
• The higher the specific weight of the siphoned battery acid, the higher the float will float.
• The acid density of the electrolyte can be read off in kg/dm3 on the hydrometer scale (specific density of the battery acid).
- Compare the hydrometer reading to the values given in the tables.
Specific acid density must be at least 1.24 kg/dm3 in moderate climate zones. If the acid density in all battery cells is too low:
- Charge the battery and repeat the acid density test.
- If the specified values are not reached, replace the battery.
• The measured values for the specific density of the individual battery cells must not deviate by more than 0.03 kg/dm3, otherwise the battery should be replaced.
CAUTION!
Risk due to leaking battery acid.
• To ensure that the various battery connection systems are free of leaks, the battery's original sealing plugs must be installed in the battery openings. Only replace missing or damaged sealing plugs with the same type of original plugs.
• The sealing plugs must be equipped with an O-ring.
- If the specified values are reached, reinstall the sealing plugs for the battery cells.
• If the battery must be replaced, follow the disposal regulations. Refer to => [ Pollution risk. ] Lead Acid Battery Warnings and Safety Precautions.