What's new in the world of batteries?

During the past several years, lift truck batteries have been improved through changes in their internal construction and in their manufacturing processes.

Less Maintenance
Gelled-electrolyte and absorbed glass-mat separator designs have made some lift truck batteries virtually maintenance-free. They never need watering. The industry describes these batteries as sealed, valve-regulated, lead-acid or SVRLA. No lift truck battery is truly maintenance-free. Even SVRLAs require periodic visual and voltage checks to assure longer life. Their chargers also need regular inspection and calibration for maximum efficiency.

These reduced-maintenance batteries enjoy several advantages over traditional flooded models. Flooded batteries need periodic watering to maintain the proper electrolyte levels in each battery cell.

SVRLA batteries when they're properly recharged, never need watering because they are completely sealed. In these batteries, the gases created during use are trapped within the cell, where they recombine, essentially forming water inside the battery. This process keeps the electrolyte level stable through the battery's life. Gassing is controlled by special vents, or valves. They regulate the pressure and, in turn, the amount of gas that escapes from the battery - hence the term "valve-regulated.

Another advantage of SVRLA batteries is that they can be opportunity charged (partially charged when time permits) without negatively affecting battery life or performance.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to using a SVRLA battery. Industry experts report some overall life and performance sacrifices when compared to a standard flooded design. Other drawbacks are special chargers and an initial higher investment. But for the money they can save in maintenance costs, downtime and special (watering) training. Many users find SVRLA batteries worth the extra cost.

Lift truck battery chargers have also undergone a metamorphosis over the past several years. Today's designs have more sophisticated controls that enable battery performance data to be archived and retrieved for application monitoring purposes. In addition, some new chargers have multiple programmable recharge modes, so the same charger can handle either maintenance-free or flooded-design batteries.

As technology changes, products adapt so new battery types will try to find their niches in every market. But for material handling applications, the lead-acid battery is here to stay.

A lift truck battery serves two important purposes. First it supplies power for operation. Secondly, it acts as a counterweight for vehicle stability. No other battery type provides the weight necessary for safe lift truck operation.

There are other advantages to lead-acid batteries. One is their recyclability.

To date, lead-acid designs are the only fully recyclable battery type, however. The battery industry as a whole faces the challenge of expanding its recycling capabilities to include other battery types as well.

Robert P. Flicker is chairman of the technical committee for the Battery Council International (BCI), an organization formed in 1924 to promote the safe use of lead-acid batteries. Members include battery manufacturers, recyclers, marketers, retailers, suppliers and consultants.

BCI determines technical standards, compiles statistical data, holds annual conferences and educational sessions, publishes a yearly battery replacement data book, and promotes workable health and safety standards for the industry. The group also has developed a model battery recycling registration. For more information on BCI, call (312) 644-6610.