Re: intro and suggestion on hydrogen venting

[Al Secor <wrkdiver@clarityconnect.com>]

Welcome to the group Vance!

One comment on internal batteries....I agree that Maintenance Free
batteries
don't really get around the hydrogen since they have no provisions for
recombining the hydrogen generated during charging.  Also, even though
they are supposedly sealed,
they still have a relief valve to vent gas.

What is your opinion about AGM or Gell batteries?  These batteries are
supposed to
recombine the hydrogen with the oxygen to form water that's cycled back
into the
electrolyte (either the gel or glass mat).  I intend to use these
batteries in my
sub (internally) but will also vent the interior during charging as an
added safety
factor.

Al Secor

VBra676539@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Evening all,
>         I'm a new guy to the group with a K-350 and some experience in
> commercial submersible operations (including a couple of dozen dives in one
> of Phil N's subs before he bought it).  I have a significant library on
> submersibles and operations, so if I can be of any help as a resource then
> feel free to ask--I'll try to answer.
>         Was talking {emailing) Jon Shawl who had responded to some questions
> of mine, which brought to mind internal batteries.  I have some experience
> with them, too, as well as first hand knowledge of what happens when someone
> makes an error in judgement.  Jon charges his batteries with the hatch open
> and a with a fan blowing.  I would like to remind one and all that AC fans
> make sparks, too, and if they make them at the wrong time .... well, you
> know.  Bang!  I would suggest using something like bilge blowers (12 volt and
> available from any marine supply catalogue) which can be piped in from
> outside through flex hose, supplying fresh air to the charging area and
> forcing enough circulation to get the Hydrogen out the stack (conning tower).
>  Hydro caps are pricey and can be poisoned if the battery is tipped far
> enough to wet the catalyst, but are absolutely essential for operational
> safety.  Maintenance free batts ain't what they are cracked up to be, and
> vent hydrogen anyway, so plan on the H-caps as part of the expense, bite the
> bullet, and stay in one piece awhile longer.
> Happy psubbing,
> Vance Bradley

-- 
Al Secor  ARS: WA3PWX  Scuba Instructor SSI DCSI 5528
http://people2.clarityconnect.com/webpages6/wrkdiver