Gauges - Batteries
Lithium Ion batteries are used for all subsurface and surface gauges
• High density energy source
• Used in a wide range of applications such as oceanographic
oil exploration and many others
Battery Theory
• The capacity of the battery is measured in Amp-hours
• Electric current flow is defined as the rate of which a
“coulomb” of electric charge is transferred in a second
• If the capacity of the battery in amp-hours is known and the
consumption of each interval of sample is calculated, the life
of the battery can be known
Gauges - Batteries
Battery Construction
Gauges – Batteries
Battery Basics
• Batteries use a 7 pin connector to connect to the gauges
• Batteries come in different sizes depending on application
Gauges – Batteries
Battery Storage and Handling
• Care should be taken to ensure that the batteries are not exposed to a
flammable environment
• Because batteries can release toxic material if crushed or broken apart, large
quantities should be stored in a remote area
• Batteries should be stored in a secure, cool, well ventilated dry environment
• Temperatures should be kept below 77 degrees F
• Storage areas should be clearly identified as a Lithium Battery storage
area. The storage area should have access to a Class D fire extinguisher or other
extinguisher designed for metallic fires
For a complete review of Battery Handling, refer to Electrochem document “Safety
Handling Guidelines for Electrochem Lithium Batteries”
Gauges – Batteries
Battery Storage and Handling
• Dealing with a hot battery:
• The lithium batteries have an excellent safety record and high energy
density rate. However, if the energy is released uncontrollably this can cause
injury
• If the battery is treated roughly it can result in a “hot cell”
• As soon as a hot cell is detected, all personnel should be evacuated from
the area. The battery has a potential to explode
Gauges – Batteries
Dealing with a vented battery
• Leaking or vented cells should be isolated from personnel and equipment
• If possible, the area should be vented to the outside
• If the cells are at ambient temperature, they should be handled with rubber
gloves or non-conductive pliers or tongs and placed in plastic bags
containing sodium carbonate
• Spilled electrolyte should be absorbed with sodium carbonate and placed in
plastic bags
• All bags should be placed in a sealed and labeled drum with Vermiculite or
other non-flammable cushioning material such as sand or sodium carbonate
to cushion the cells.
Gauges - Batteries
Battery Passivation
• A chemical reaction that occurs when batteries
are left inactive
• A layer of Lithium Chloride builds up on the anode,
preventing it from discharging when a load is applied
• A sudden demand for current will create a drop in the
voltage for a period of time, affecting the current draw
• This effect is more pronounced on high temperature
packs such as the 392F pack
• All lithium batteries suffer from this effect
• In order to reduce the passivation layer the battery
must undergo a depassivation process
Gauges - Batteries
Battery Depassivation
• A large load must be applied to the battery in order to reduce the passivation
layer
• This load essentially overloads the battery by drawing a large current
• This demand for current burns off the passivation layer and allows the battery
to function normally
Depassivation Process
• To depassify a battery, a depassivation box is used - *NOTE: This box is
necessary only for the 392F batteries, all other batteries can be depassified using
the SparGauge software and interface box
• Plug the battery into the box, and hold the “Load” button until the voltage
stabilizes (~5-10 seconds)
• Battery is depassified and ready for use
• This process will depassify the battery
for 3 hours
Gauges - Batteries
Lithium Ion batteries are used for all subsurface and surface gauges
• Battery Do’s and Don’ts;
• Do
• Use care when handling
• Inspect the cells for physical damage
• Don’ts
• Place batteries in water.
• Expose the battery to excessive shock or vibration
• Attempt to recharge the battery
• Heat or incinerate the battery
• Attempt to disassemble the battery