Fluid handling – Processes – Involving pressure control
Patent
1999-09-08
2000-12-26
Chambers, A. Michael
Fluid handling
Processes
Involving pressure control
137260, 137261, 13724739, 137340, F16K 4900
Patent
active
061643092
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices that are used to fill one or more electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery with water and, more particularly, to a liquid filling device adapted to fill one or more electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery with water without the use of moving parts, and without the need for circulating battery electrolyte from the cells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Batteries that comprise liquid electrolyte, such as lead acid batteries or the like used in deep cycle or other applications, require for optimum performance that the liquid electrolyte contained within each electrolytic cell be maintained at a specific electrolyte level. The desired electrolyte level generally corresponds to the volume of electrolyte that is needed to completely submerge the battery electrode plates contained within the electrolytic cell. Completely submerging the electrode plates of the battery with electrolyte promotes optimal battery operation, as it provides a maximum degree of electrolyte to electrode plate contact, and thereby promotes a maximum degree of electricity generating electrochemical reaction within each electrolytic cell of the battery.
To maintain an optimal level of battery performance, and to maximize battery service life, the battery electrolyte level must be checked regularly and replenished in the event that it is below a desired level. The electrolyte level in the electrolytic cells of a battery is not static, but is dynamic due to the effects of evaporation, leakage or spillage, and due to outgassing that occurs during overcharge in the charging process. To obtain maximum results during battery charging it is desired that the battery electrolyte level be checked and adjusted during and after the charging operation, to thereby ensure a maximum degree of electrolyte to electrode interface during the charging process.
An electrolyte battery typically comprises a number of electrolytic cells. For example, a conventional 12 volt electrolyte battery comprises six two-volt electrolytic cells. Different battery applications call for different overall battery voltages and, therefore, different battery configurations. Such battery applications typically require that the battery be stored onboard the battery-powered device or vehicle at a location that does not always permit easy access to each electrolytic cell, making electrolyte level inspection and electrolyte replenishment difficult and time consuming.
Devices have been constructed in an attempt to address such difficulties associated with electrolyte level checking and electrolyte replenishing in such applications. To reduce or eliminate the risk of environmental hazard or health danger during the electrolyte replenishment operation, it is desired that only water be used or circulated to fill the electrolytic cells.
Devices known in the art that have been developed to facilitate electrolyte leveling and replenishment include so called "pass-through" devices that are adapted for installation into each electrolytic cell of the battery. Such pass-through devices typically include an inlet port and an outlet port that are positioned within the cell to permit flow-through passage of electrolyte from the cell when a determined electrolyte level in that cell is achieved. The pass-through devices are installed into each electrolytic cell of the battery and are hydraulically connected together to permit the serial circulation of electrolyte through each electrolytic cell, filling each cell to a determined electrolyte level, and finally out of the battery for collection.
Electrolyte replenishment or filling is accomplished using such a pass-through device by routing water from a water source to a first device, that is disposed in a first electrolytic cell, until the electrolyte level reaches a determined level. While water addition to the first filled cell is continued, water mixed with electrolyte from the filled cell is routed through its respective device to another device that is installed in a different cell. Th
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Chambers A. Michael
Trojan Battery Company
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