Sage-Tips

Why valves are regulated in lead acid batteries?

To avoid these problems, valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries prevent the movement of the electrolyte inside the container, trapping the hydrogen near the plates, making them readily available for re-combination as the battery is recharged.

What type of battery is valve regulated?

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Valve Regulated Sealed Lead Acid Batteries VRLA batteries are considered “maintenance free” and require no addition of electrolyte or water. Styles of sealed VRLA batteries include front-access telecom cells as well as high-rate UPS replacement batteries for Liebert, MGE and Powerware among others.

What is the difference between VRLA and SLA?

SLA and VRLA are different acronyms for the same battery, Sealed Lead Acid or Valve Regulated Lead Acid. AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat refers to a specific type of SLA/VRLA where the electrolyte is absorbed into separators between the plates consisting of sponge like fine glass fiber mats.

What is the difference between AGM and VRLA batteries?

Sealed Lead Acid or Valve Regulated Lead Acid are commonly known as SLA OR VRLA respectively. Whereas, AGM, also known as Absorbed Glass Mat is a specific type of SLA/VRLA wherein the electrolyte is being absorbed into separators between the plates which consists of sponge-like fine glass fiber mats.

How does a valve regulated battery work?

A VRLA battery utilizes a one-way, pressure-relief valve system to achieve a “recombinant” technology. This means that the oxygen normally produced on the positive plate is absorbed by the negative plate. This suppresses the production of hydrogen at the negative plate.

What is sealed battery?

Sealed batteries are, as their description implies, sealed against spilling or loss of electrolyte, when operated within specification. The construction will allow operation in any position. Generation of gas within the battery is controlled to allow recombination of over 99\% of the gas generated during normal use.

What is in a sealed lead acid battery?

A sealed lead acid battery or gel cell is a lead acid battery that has the sulfuric acid electrolyte coagulated (thickened) so it cannot spill out. They are more expensive than normal lead acid batteries, but they are also safer. They use different chemicals than dry cells, so they are rechargeable.

Is Sealed lead acid battery the same as AGM?

SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) and VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) are different acronyms for the same battery. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) refers to a specific type of SLA/VRLA where the electrolyte is absorbed into separators between the plates consisting of sponge like fine glass fiber mats.

Why do sealed batteries fail?

Electrolyte Loss High temperatures, high charging rates, and over charging can cause a loss of electrolyte in non sealed batteries. In sealed batteries, the same factors will cause an increase in temperature and pressure which can eventually result in the release of gas (and possibly electrolyte) from valves.

How long will a sealed lead acid battery last?

Sealed lead acid batteries can have a design life of anywhere from 3 – 5 years all the way up to 12+ years depending on the manufacturing process of the battery. There are many factors that affect the service life of the battery including temperature, for more information please view our technical manual.

What is a valve regulated battery?

Valve Regulated Sealed Lead Acid Batteries. The VRLA battery is the most popular reserve power design because the electrolyte is captive, preventing it from spilling even when the case is punctured. VRLA batteries are considered “maintenance free” and require no addition of electrolyte or water.

Do VRLA batteries require ventilation?

Both flooded and VRLA designs require suitable ventilation around the batteries; both to prevent hydrogen concentrations from building up (hydrogen gas is highly flammable), and to ensure that the batteries receive adequate cooling.

What is VRLA battery type?

A VRLA battery stands for (valve-regulated lead-acid battery), commonly referred to as a sealed lead-acid (SLA), gel cell, or maintenance free battery, is a type of lead-acid rechargeable battery. Due to their construction, the Gel and AGM types of VRLA can be mounted in any orientation, and do not require constant maintenance.

What is a sealed lead acid battery?

A sealed lead acid battery or gel cell is a lead acid battery that has the sulfuric acid electrolyte coagulated (thickened) so it cannot spill out. They are partially sealed, but have vents in case gases are accidentally released for example by overcharging.