Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Gasses from batteries

[Subscuba@aol.com]

David,

For what it's worth:

During overcharge the electrolyte composed of a dilute solution of sulfuric 
acid decomposes this electrolyte and gives off Oxygen at one plate and 
Hydrogen at the other plate. The escaping gases also carry off small traces 
of the sulfuric acid which is mostly what you smell.

The bad thing for a sub is that these gases Hydrogen and Oxygen form an 
explosive mixture which when ignited go boom or in the case of the Shuttle 
give propulsion. Cases where lead acid batteries go boom is when the 
batteries are being overcharged and then a surge is drawn from the battery 
which can cause sparks with bad connections or degraded battery current 
conductors. This can and does happen when automotive batteries go bang.

Good luck,

Ken Martindale