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Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA): Gelled Electrolyte (gel) and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

Introduction

Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) technology encompasses both gelled electrolyte and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. Both types are valve-regulated and have significant advantages over flooded leadacid products.

More than a decade ago, East Penn began building valve-regulated batteries using tried and true technology backed by more than 50 years experience. East Penn’s unique computer-aided manufacturing expertise and vertical integration have created a product that is recognized as the highest quality, longest lived VRLA battery available from any source.

East Penn’s gel and AGM batteries are manufactured to tough quality standards. East Penn manufactures high power gel and AGM batteries with excellent performance and life.

Applications

VRLA batteries can be substituted in virtually any flooded lead-acid battery application (in conjunction with well-regulated charging), as well as applications where traditional flooded batteries cannot be used. Because of their unique features and benefits, VRLA batteries are particularly well suited for:

Deep Cycle, Deep Discharge Applications

• Marine Trolling • Electronics • Sailboats • Electric Vehicles •  Wheelchairs • Golf Cars • Portable Power • Floor Scrubbers • Personnel Carriers • Marine & RV House Power • Commercial Deep Cycle Applications -

What is a gel battery?

Standby and Emergency Backup Applications • UPS (Uninterrupted Power Systems) • Cable TV • Emergency Lighting • Computer Backup • Solar Power • Telephone Switching • Village Power Unusual and Demanding Applications • Race Cars • Air-transported  quipment • Off-road Vehicles • Wet Environments • Marine & RV  tarting • Diesel & I.C.E. Starting

A gel battery is a lead-acid electric storage battery that: • is sealed using special pressure valves and should never be opened.• is completely maintenance-free.*• uses thixotropic gelled electrolyte.• uses a recombination reaction to prevent the escape of hydrogen and oxygen gases normally lost in a flooded lead-acid battery (particularly in deep cycle applications).• is non-spillable, and therefore can be operated in virtually any position. However, upside-down installation is not recommended.

* Connections must be retorqued and the batteries should be cleaned periodically.

What is an AGM battery?

An AGM battery is a lead-acid electric storage battery that: • is sealed using special pressure valves and should never be opened. • is completely maintenance-free.* • has all of its electrolyte absorbed in separators consisting of a sponge-like mass of matted glass fibers. • uses a recombination reaction to prevent the escape of hydrogen and oxygen gases normally lost in a flooded lead-acid battery (particularly in deep cycle applications). • is non-spillable, and therefore can be operated in virtually any position. However, upside-down installation is not recommended. * Connections must be retorqued and the batteries should be cleaned periodically.

How does a VRLA battery work?

A VRLA battery is a “recombinant” battery. This means that the oxygen normally produced on the positive plates of all lead-acid batteries is absorbed by the negative plate. This suppresses the production of hydrogen at the negative plate. Water (H2O) is produced instead, retaining the moisture within the battery. It never needs watering, and should never be opened as this would “poison” the battery with additional oxygen from the air. Opening the battery will void the warranty.

What are the differences between gel batteries and absorbed glass mat(AGM) batteries?

Both are recombinant batteries. Both are sealed valve-regulated (SVR) – also called valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). AGM batteries and gel batteries are both considered “acid-starved”. In a gel battery, the electrolyte does not flow like a normal liquid.

The electrolyte has the consistency and appearance of petroleum jelly. Like gelled electrolyte batteries, absorbed electrolyte batteries are also considered non-spillable – all of the liquid electrolyte is trapped in the sponge-like matted glass fiber separator material.

The “acid-starved” condition of gel and AGM batteries protects the plates during heavy deep-discharges. The gel battery is more starved, giving more protection to the plate; therefore, it is better suited for super-deep discharge applications.

Due to the physical properties of the gelled electrolyte, gel battery power declines faster than an AGM battery’s as the temperature drops below 32ºF. AGM batteries excel for high current, high power applications and in extremely cold environments.

What is the difference between VRLA batteries and traditional wet batteries?

Wet batteries do not have special pressurized sealing vents, as they do not work on the recombination principle. They contain liquid electrolyte that can spill and cause corrosion if tipped or punctured.

Therefore, they are not air transportable without special containers.

They cannot be shipped via UPS or Parcel Post or used near sensitive electronic equipment. They can only be installed “upright.” Wet batteries lose capacity and become permanently damaged if:

• left in a discharged condition for any length of time (due to sulfation). This is especially true of antimony and hybrid types.

• continually over-discharged, due to active material shedding. This is especially true of automotive starting types. Our gel cells have triple the deep cycle life of wet cell antimony alloy deep cycle batteries, due to our unique design. The shelf life of a VRLA battery is seven times higher than the shelf life of a deep cycle antimony battery.

How do VRLA batteries recharge? Are there any special precautions?

While our VRLA batteries accept a charge extremely well due to their low internal resistance, Overcharging is especially harmful to any VRLA battery because of the sealed design. Overcharging dries out the electrolyte by driving the oxygen and hydrogen out of the battery through the pressure relief valves. Performance and life are reduced. If a battery is continually undercharged, a power-robbing layer of sulfate will build up on the positive plate, which acts as a barrier to recharging. Premature plate shedding can also occur. Performance is reduced and life is shortened.  Therefore, it is critical that a charger be used that limits voltage. The charger must be temperature-compensated to prevent underor overcharging due to ambient temperature changes

Important Charging Instructions The warranty is void if improperly charged. Use a good constant potential, temperature-compensated, voltage-regulated charger. Constant current chargers should never be used on VRLA batteries.Although most of the normal gasses (oxygen and hydrogen) produced in a VRLA battery will be recombined as described above, and not escape, oxygen and hydrogen will escape from the battery in an overcharge condition (as is typical of any type battery).must be allowed to vent to the atmosphere and must never be trapped in a sealed battery box or tightly enclosed space!after 15 cycles and conform to BCI specifications.Same as above, tested at 32°F (0°C).The reserve capacity is the time in minutes that a new, fully charged battery can be continuously discharged at 25 amperes and maintain at least 1.75 volts per cell (10.5 volts for a 12-volt battery).Minutes discharged is the time in minutes that a new, fully charged battery will deliver at various currents and maintain at least 1.75 volts per cell. These are nominal or average ratings.Ampere hour capacity is a unit of measure that is calculated by multiplying the current in amperes by the time in hours of discharge to 1.75 volts per cell. These are nominal or average ratings. 

Most system designs will specify a battery that will deliver a minimum of twice the capacity required.

Can VRLA batteries be installed in sealed battery boxes?

NO! Never install any type of battery in a completely sealed container.

For safety’s sake, these potentially explosive gasses

Can our VRLA batteries be used as starting batteries as well?

Our VRLA batteries will work in SLI (Starting, Lighting and Ignition) applications as long as the charging voltage is regulated to the appropriate values from the tables on page 11. Many vehicle regulators are set too high for gel batteries; therefore, the charging system may require adjustment to properly recharge a gel battery for best performance and life. AGM batteries excel in low temperature, high current applications such as cold weather starting.

What do the ratings and specifications signify for this line?

All ratings are 

CCA = Cold Cranking Amperes at 0°F (–17.8°C)

Cold cranking amperes equal the number of amperes a new, fully charged battery will deliver at 0°F (–17.8°C) for thirty seconds of discharge and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery).

CA = Cranking Amperes at 32°F (0°C)

RC = Reserve Capacity at 80°F (27°C)

This means the battery will discharge to 50% of its capacity. Using a 50% depth of discharge (versus 80% or 100%) will dramatically extend the life of any battery. Therefore, when helping to specify a battery for a system, choose a battery with at least twice the capacity required for best performance. If 50 Ah is required, specify at least a 100 Ah battery.

Minutes discharged at 50, 25, 15, 8 and 5 Amperes

Ampere Hour Capacity at 20, 6, 3 and 1 Hour Rates

EXAMPLE

10 amperes for 20 hours (10 x 20) = 200 Ah @ the 20-hour rate

8 amperes for 3 hours (8 x 3) = 24 Ah @ the 3-hour rate

30 amperes for 1 hour (30 x 1) = 30 Ah @ the 1-hour rate

Therefore, if you have an application that requires a draw of 17 amperes for 3 hours, you would need a 51 Ah battery (@ the 3 hour rate)…(17 x 3 = 51). However, this is 100% of the capacity of this 51 Ah battery.

East Penn Expertise

East Penn builds VRLA batteries to the highest standards. Our manufacturing process features improved controls using state-of-the art computers and the latest manufacturing technology and equipment. Therefore, the VRLA batteries produced by East Penn consistently meet the highest quality performance and life standards.

A critical feature of any VRLA battery, gelled or absorbed, is the quality of the sealing valve. Not only must the valve keep the cell pressurized and safely release excessive pressure and gas due to overcharging, but it must also keep the cell from being contaminated by the atmosphere. Oxygen contamination will discharge a VRLA battery and eventually ruin the battery. Our valves are UL recognized and 100% tested after manufacturing. The benefit is

Spillproof and Leakproof 

A major advantage of VRLA batteries is their spillproof and leakproof feature. However, all VRLA batteries are not created equal in their degree of non-spillability. Some manufacturer’s AGM batteries are unevenly filled. Over-saturation of the separators leaves liquid electrolyte that could spill. Under-saturation could lead to premature failure.dramatically longer cycle life than leading gel competitors and 3 times longer cycle life than traditional wet cells.Computer control delivers superior consistency for gel battery performance that is unequaled.No other battery manufacturer has comparable equipment. complete gel-toplate interface. Our computerized process also weighs every battery before and after filling as a check for proper gel levels. The benefit is more power-per-pound of battery.

Tank Formed Plates

East Penn is the

Ultrapremium, Gel Glass Mat, Double Insulating Separatorsultrapremium grade separator in our gel batteries. We believe that this expense (which is 5 to 6 times higher than other types) is worth the benefits of extended life and performance:resistance is low and battery performance is high.more power-per-pound.

Another critical component is the separator, which isolates the positive from the negative plate. The separator must allow maximum charge flow between the plates for maximum performance. Separator failure is a leading cause of warranty claims and customer dissatisfaction. East Penn uses an

• The fiberglass mats embed themselves into the surface of the plates, acting like reinforcing rods in concrete. This extra reinforcement locks the active material onto the plate for longer life and extended performance.

• The ultra-clean separators have no oil contamination or other impurities. Therefore,

• Excellent porosity allows maximum charge flow, which means

• Superior resistance to oxidation dramatically reduces separator failure, which extends life.

• Our separators are Ultrapremium AGM glass mat separators Glass mat separator properties can vary considerably. East Penn uses glass mat engineered to have an ideal balance of properties— i.e. absorbency, compressibility, puncture resistance and electrical resistance. This attention to detail results in high performance and long life.exclusive weld seal or gasket. This feature dramatically reduces self-discharge to less than 3% per month: the lowest self-discharge rate of any battery manufacturer and seven times lower than many conventional batteries! 

Exclusive Thru-Partition Weld Seals

One of the causes of self-discharge in batteries is the minute electrical currents that flow between each cell through the partition at the weld area. These currents accelerate the discharge of batteries not in use. We block these currents by using an

Exclusive Patented Calcium/Copper Lead Alloy Grids

This exclusive alloy provides Heavy-Duty Motive Power Style Grid Designmore powerper- pound of battery for your equipment and longer battery life.to assure the highest quality strap with no loose or dropped plates. Our lugs are then fluxed and tinned automatically for an additional assurance of quality.exclusive lead/tin alloy in a unique multi-stage caston-strap operation. The result is heavier straps with outstanding lug-to-strap knit. This eliminates dropped and loose plates, thereby improving performance and life.special polyester fiber sheet that is wrapped around the edge of each element, similar to the wrap in an industrial battery. The result is longer service life.we use forged terminal posts and bushings, which are completely solid with absolutely no porosity. The benefit is longer life, better performance and no leakage of corrosive gas…especially important when installed in or near sensitive electronic equipment.no high-voltage equalizing charge is necessary. Simply recharge at the standard 13.8 to 14.1 voltage setting. This means longer life and consistent performance in stationary and standby applications. Electrolyte in an AGM battery is strongly held by the capillary forces between the glass mat fibers, but not completely immobilized. Stratification is possible in extremely tall cells, but cannot occur in batteries of the size covered in this document. 

This feature makes carrying, installation and removal easier, more convenient and less time consuming.

Dozens of Terminal Options Available

Our batteries are delivered with the most popular type of terminal; however, on a special order basis

Proprietary Case, Cover, and Pressure Ventultimate control of our high performance designs, quality and delivery to our manufacturing plant, assuring you the highest quality battery and most reliable service.protect our co-workers and the environment…special safeguards that are exclusive to East Penn. One benefit is assurance of a consistent source for batteries without fear of governmental interference or delays.

We design and mold our own rugged polypropylene cases, vents and covers in our on-site, state-of the-art plastics molding facility. This provides Environment and Worker Protection

It’s nice to know that every possible safeguard was designed into our process to Over 250 Quality Assurance Checks 

• Extended Shelf Stand Test. Before shipment, every battery is required to stand for a designated period of time. Beginning and ending voltages are compared. This extra quality assurance step verifies that the critical pressure control valves are functioning properly.Filling Weight Control. During this computerized process, batteries are weighed before and after filling. This assures that the exact amount of electrolyte is in each battery.

• Multi-Staged Filling and Vacuuming Process. Every battery is filled and vacuumed several times during this computerized process. Multi-staged vacuuming assures complete electrolyte-to-plate interface, with no power-robbing air pockets.Computerized Polarity Check. Every battery is checked by computer for proper polarity.High Rate Discharge Test. Every battery is discharged at approximately twice the rated capacity. A sensitive computer monitors the voltage drop during this discharge to assure that every battery performs as designed.Formed Element Inspection. Elements are assembled and charged outside the battery container in a computerized forming and drying process. This allows visual inspection of every grid, plate, separator, and formed element before being sealed inside the battery, assuring perfect cell elements with longest life and highest performance.Tank Formed Plates. Voltage matched plates are critical in standby applications. Forming each plate outside the battery assures the highest quality, best matched plates in the industry, and also allows a visual check before and during assembly.state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that are unmatched by any other battery manufacturer. This major addition allows us to build the most modern and reliable VRLA batteries in the industry.

State-of-the-Art Technology

The designs of East Penn's VRLA batteries are always improving. The preceding sections accurately describe East Penn's VRLA products as of the date of publication. East Penn reserves the right to change their processes to improve quality, value or utilize advances in manufacturing technology. Ratings and capacities may change without notice. Simply review the advantages, features and benefits, performance, and impressive life cycle results. Based upon this and the lowest cost-per-month or duty cycle you and/or your customer should have no trouble choosing VRLA batteries. However, please remember that these batteries are not for everyone or every application. Always be aware of the charging considerations.

How do we justify the premium price of VRLA batteries to those unfamiliar with this type of battery?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of battery designs?• Totally maintenance-free • Air transportable • Spillproof/leakproof • No corrosion • Superior deep cycle life • Installs upright or on side (side installation may lose about 10% capacity) • Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged) • Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment • Superior shelf life • Superior rechargeability (from 0% to 90% in 31⁄2 hours) • No recharge current limitation @ 13.8 volts • Rugged and vibration-resistant • Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge (due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing) • Versatile: Starting, Deep Cycle, Stationary • Operates in wet environments…even under 30 feet of water • Will not freeze to –20°F/–30°C (if fully charged) • Lowest cost-per-month (cost ÷ months of life) • Lowest cost-per-cycle (cost ÷ life cycles)

Gelled Electrolyte Advantages:

Gelled Electrolyte Disadvantages: • Higher initial cost • Heavier weight • Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged • Automatic temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers must be used • Charge voltage must be limited to extend life (13.8 to 14.1 volts maximum at 68°F)• Totally maintenance-free • Air transportable • Spillproof/leakproof • No corrosion • Installs upright or on side • Lower cost than gel cell batteries • Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment • Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged) • Excellent for starting and stationary applications • Superior for shorter duration/higher rate discharges • Superior under extreme cold conditions when fully charged • Superior shelf life • Superior rechargeability (from 0% to 90% in 31⁄2 hours) • Rugged and vibration-resistant • Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge (due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing) • Operates in wet environments…even under 30 feet of water

Absorbed Electrolyte Advantages:

Absorbed Electrolyte Disadvantages: • Shorter cycle life than gel in very deep cycle applications • Automatic temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers must be used • Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged • Charge voltage must be limited (14.4 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68°F)  10VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries, sometimes called SLA (Sealed Lead-Acid) batteries or SVR (Se aled Valve-Regulated) batteries work on a recombination principle. Oxygen gas is produced at the positive plates during charge. The charged negative plates react first with this oxygen and subsequently with the electrolyte. Water is produced and the negative plates are very slightly discharged. Additional charging recharges the negative plates instead of producing hydrogen gas. Since very little hydrogen and oxygen is lost and the water (H2O) is retained, we say that the gasses have recombined. To work properly, the oxygen produced must be retained in the battery until the reaction is completed. Positive pressure allows the gas to be retained. If any VRLA (gelled or absorbed electrolyte) battery is overcharged, gas will be vented from the valves. Hydrogen as well as oxygen will be released. If continued, the electrolyte will eventually dry out and the battery will fail prematurely. This is why charging limits are so critical. In a sealed battery a balance is maintained between the hydrogen, oxygen and charge. If a VRLA battery is opened, or leaks, the negative plates are exposed to extra oxygen from the atmosphere. This excess oxygen upsets the balance. The negative plates become discharged. The positive plates may be subsequently severely overcharged. The battery will fail prematurely, and the warranty will be voided.Flooded calcium alloy makes a very efficient, low resistance battery. Therefore, when deeply discharged, the plates release all their available power, eventually causing plate shedding and active material fall-out. In contrast, with flooded antimony batteries, the antimony helps lock the active material onto the grid. Therefore, the plate does not shed as easily, which extends the deep cycle life of the battery when compared to flooded calcium. Our VRLA calcium alloy battery (East Penn’s exclusive patented alloy) is also very efficient with low resistance. However, when deeply discharged, the electrolyte is used up before the plates are totally discharged because the battery is “acid-starved.”delivers superior performance due to the purity of the lead. Copper is added as a “grain refiner.” This means that the microscopic grains in our lead grids are odd-shaped, so they retard corrosion and extend the life of our grid. • Our thicker grids have more corrosion resistance than thinner grids. • Our VRLA batteries are protected against deep discharge because they are “acid-starved.” This means that the battery uses the power in the acid before it uses the power in the plates. Therefore, the plates are never subjected to destructive ultra-deep discharges. • With proper temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated charging (refer to table on page 11) the VRLA battery never runs out of water. • Our gel batteries contain ultra-premium, glass-mat, dual-insulating separators which will not break down in service. The glass mat embeds itself into the plate, which retards life-shortening shedding. • Our gel batteries contain polyester element wrap which retards “mossing” or active material growth that causes short circuits. • Our AGM batteries contain separators at the ideal compression and ideal saturation to achieve the best balance between capacity utilization and recombination efficiency. • Over 250 quality control checks assure superior performance and long battery life.ultra-pure. Impurities in the lead alloy, separators and electrolyte cause tiny currents inside a cell which eventually discharge the battery and shorten its shelf life. The purer the components, the longer the shelf life. No one can match East Penn’s purity! Our exclusive “weld seal gasket” blocks the minute cell-to-cell currents that cause self-discharge. The better the weld seal, the longer the shelf life. Weld seals are exclusive to East Penn VRLA batteries.Yes! The harder any battery has to work, the sooner it will fail.

Flooded Electrolyte Advantages:

• Lowest initial cost • Higher cranking amps • Water can be added (if accessible) • Excellent for starting  applications • Tolerant of improper recharge voltage • Certain designs are good for deep cycle applications • Replacements readily available • Good under extreme cold conditions when fully charged•

Flooded Electrolyte Disadvantages:

Spillable • Operates upright only • Shorter shelf life • Fewer shipping options • Cannot be installed near sensitive electronic equipment • Watering may be required (if accessible)

Does depth of discharge affect cycle life?

Why can’t VRLA batteries be opened?

Some say calcium grids don’t do well in flooded deep cycle  applications. Why does East Penn use calcium grids in VRLA batteries for deep cycle applications?

This feature: • limits the discharge the plates can deliver. • protects the plates from shedding due to deep discharge.• extends the life of the battery.

Why do EPM VRLA batteries have longer cycle life than others?

Some of the major features that contribute to our long cycle life are:• Our patented calcium/copper grid alloy

Why do EPM VRLA batteries have longer shelf life?

While other manufacturers cut costs by using automotive style grids, we use a high-performance deep cycle grid. This heavy-duty grid design is similar to the grid in a motive power battery.

The hefty “power rods” designed into our grids not only lock the active material onto the grid, but also act as “bus bars” to collect and direct the energy to the terminals. The benefit is

Multiple Plate Lug Milling

Shiny, well milled plate lugs are critical to our superior cast-on-strap quality. Each of our plate lugs is automatically milled

Heavier Plate Straps

We use an

Polyester Element Wrap

Another cause of deep-cycle battery failure is “mossing.” This phenomenon occurs late in a battery’s life, as the positive active material actually grows around the edge of the separator and eventually “shorts” against the negative plate. This ends the battery’s service life. Our AGM separators wrap around the bottom of the plate and are wider than the plates. This makes mossing failures unlikely. To prevent life-shortening mossing in our gel batteries, we use a 

Exclusive Forged Posts and Bushings

“Black” posts and oxygen-contaminated batteries are often due to porous lead terminal posts. A battery can lose its critical pressure through tiny pores and fissures in the battery terminals. Pressure loss is harmful to the battery and is evident by black posts, which are caused by sulfuric acid fumes escaping from the battery through and around the lead posts and bushings. These fumes can cause corrosion and can damage sensitive electronic equipment. These pores and fissures are caused by the industry’s method of casting posts and bushings. This method produces tiny air pockets and paths which allow corrosive gas to escape, causing life shortening depressurization, cell dry-out and corrosion damage. To eliminate this problem,

Acid Stratification Prevention

Acid stratification can occur in conventional wet cells. During charge, acid is released at the plate surfaces. During discharge, acid is consumed at the plate surfaces. Since the concentration is not uniform, diffusion (spontaneous mixing by random molecular motions) begins. If this mixing occurred rapidly, stratification would not occur, but it is relatively slow, allowing lighter parts of electrolyte to “float” toward the surface and heavier parts to “sink” toward the bottom. The top portion of the plates do not perform as well in contact with lower concentration electrolyte. The bottom portion of the plates do not perform as well with the higher concentration, and will corrode prematurely. High voltage “equalization” charging is sometimes used in wet batteries to make gas bubbles that re-mix the electrolyte. Because the immobilized gel will not “float” or “sink” within itself when a non-uniform concentration exists, it cannot stratify. Therefore,

Convenient Carrying Handles

Carrying handles are included on the (gel) 8GU1H, 8G24, 8G27, 8G30H, 8G31DT, 8G31, 8G4D and 8G8D models. Handles are also available on (AGM) 8AU1H, 8A24, 8A27, 8A31DT, 8A4D and 8A8D.

only battery manufacturer that uses tank formation to activate the battery plates. This process guarantees a fully formed and voltage matched plate. The extra handling of the plates provides an additional inspection step in the process to verify plate quality. 

Some gels do not set properly; they remain liquid and can leak or spill. Our exclusive gel electrolyte is formulated, mixed and controlled to assure proper “set” in every battery. East Penn’s computer-controlled gel mixing and filling equipment ensures homogenization of the mix.

This assures a gel battery that will not spill or leak. This feature allows our gel cell to be operated in virtually any position. However, we do not recommend an upside-down orientation. The AGM filling process assures that each cell is saturated with the maximum amount of electrolyte that can be held by the separators, without leaving excess electrolyte that could spill or leak.

Exclusive Gel Formula

The gelled electrolyte is another critical element in this type of battery. Our gelled electrolyte contains sulfuric acid, fumed silica, pure demineralized, deionized water, and a phosphoric acid additive. The phosphoric acid is a key reason that our batteries deliver

Exclusive AGM Electrolyte

Our AGM electrolyte contains high purity sulfuric acid and absolutely pure totally demineralized, deionized water to increase battery performance. Since the designs are “acid-starved” to protect the plates from deep discharge, the acid concentration can drop to nearly zero during an extremely deep discharge. Substances that will not dissolve in acid may become soluble when the concentration drops this low. Upon recharge, these dissolved substances crystallize out of the electrolyte, potentially destroying the battery. Our electrolyte prevents these events.

Exclusive Computerized Gel Mixing

Proper gel mixing is critical to life and performance. Consistency in mixing means consistent reliability. We have designed and built the newest, state-of-the-art gel battery manufacturing facility in the world. An example is our proprietary computerized gel mixing operation. Our exclusive formula is mixed using computer control in every stage of the process.

Our temperature-controlled process and specially designed equipment assure a homogenous gel. It is important to note that our equipment was designed by our engineers specifically for gel mixing…even down to the contour of the tank bottoms and feed pipe locations.

Multi-Staged Filling/Vacuuming Operation

Most other manufacturers fill their gel cells in a one step process, vibrating the battery with hopes of releasing most of the air pockets.This system is less than perfect and leaves voids or air pockets at the critical gel-to-plate interface. These voids are non-reactive and reduce overall battery performance. Our process fills and vacuums each cell several times. This multi-step process assures complete evacuation of air and

Our AGM topping process assures that the maximum retainable electrolyte quantity is held within the battery separators, without leaving any unabsorbed liquid to spill or leak.

Ultrapremium Sealing Valvereliable performance and long life.
 
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