TM 11-6140-203-14-4&P
minutes of the initial charge to determine if all cells are
leakage current less than 0.1 milliamperes per Ah of
uniform within 0.1 volts of the average of the entire
battery rated capacity. (For example, the sum of the
battery. Electrolyte level should also be checked to
positive and negative leakage current for a 30 Ah BB-
determine if electrolyte is visible in all cells. Charge at
693AIU must be less than 3mA.) In general, however,
the C/2 rate for 3 hours (for 30Ah,
BB600A/A cells
the normal measured leakage current value should be
charge at 15A). Then lower the charging current to the
zero.
f. Final Charge If the battery has passed both the
C/5 rate (for 30 Ah, BB600A/A cells charge at 6.0A),
continue charge until battery voltage remains constant
capacity and leakage tests, then it can be given its final
for 2 consecutive hourly readings and/or all cells are
charge in accordance with the normal procedure for the
above .1.5 volts. Do not exceed 8 hours of charging
specific charger-analyzer used. However, if the battery
time at the C5 rate.
temperature exceeds 120 F (for Permion or Celgard
(2) Pulse charging method with the AN/USM-
Separated Batteries) or
104 F (for cellophane
432 Set charger in Manual Charge Mode at a CHARGE-
separated ones) on the AN/USM-432 or the RF80GT,
allow sufficient time for the battery to cool before starting
AMPERE-HOUR setting two-thirds (2/3) of normal. For
the final charge. After completing the final charge,
example, with a BB693A/U battery which would normally
check all cell voltages, adjust the electrolyte level (para
be set at 30-35 use a setting of 22. After one hour of
charge, turn timer clockwise to provide a second hour.
Determine when charger goes into topping mode. With
charge in topping mode, increase CHARGE-AMPERE
5-12. Vent Cap Valve Test
HOUR setting to the normal value and continuing in the
a. Fabricate the vent cap valve tester as shown in
topping mode for a minimum of 4 hours, turning the
charge dock back to the start position as required. Cell
has been flushed clean and is empty of electrolyte.)
voltages and electrolyte levels should be checked for
Details of the connection to the side of the cell have not
uniformity periodically, as previously described. For
been provided because of the wide variety of equipment
indications of dry cells
and/or high resistance
presently available in the field.
connections, the voltage change (from cell to cell) must
b. Before testing, wash the flllercap thoroughly in
be compared between the pulse ON and OFF periods
detergent and water.
(3) Reflex charging method with the RF80GT.
CAUTION
Set the charger to a current equal to the rated capacity
When using an air hose for cleaning,
of the battery (for a BB-693AIU set current to 30
the compressed air source must limit
amperes), switch to Reflex mode and charge for 2
the nozzle pressure to no more than 29
hours. To complete initial formation charge, reduce the
pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).
current to the C/2 rate (15 am peres for the 30 Ah BB-
Goggles must be worn at all times while
693A/U) and charge for an additional 4 hours in the
cleaning with compressed air.
Reflex mode. Notice the Ammeter-Zeroing which is
c After washing, rinse the fillercap with clean
used to indicate full charge on the RF80GT may not
water and dry with an air blower.
occur because of the lower than normal current setting.
d. Place the fillercap to be tested on the test cell.
Full charge may be checked by switching to the constant
e. Connect the air regulator to a compressed air
current mode for 5 minutes and checking to see that all
outlet and adjust the air pressure until it builds up in the
cell voltages are above 1.5 volts. Cell voltages and
test cell. The fillercap vent valve should open between 2
electrolyte levels should be checked for uniformity
psi and 10 psi.
periodically as previously described. For indications of
f. If the fillercap vent valve does not open between
dry cells and/or high resistance connections, the voltage
2 psi and 10 psi, discard the fillercap. If the fillercap
change (from cell to cell) must be compared between
vent valve does open between 2 psi and 10 psi, remove
the positive and negative pulse periods.
the O-ring from the fillercap, replace with a new O-ring,
e. Performance Test. Performance testing shall be
and return the fillercap to stock for reissue.
in accordance with paragraph 5-5g. The electrical
leakage test shall be performed following the discharge
test in paragraph 4-10 with the criteria for acceptance a
5-18
