Before battery watering systems
In the past maintaining the water in a large forklift battery was neither easy nor particularly safe. The battery had to be removed from the vehicle, then someone had to put on protective clothing and eye gear and actually peer into the vent to see where the water level was and then the battery needed to be filled, taking 20 minutes to a half hour per vehicle.
Of course this had to be done in a well ventilated area so that the poisonous fumes would not cause an explosion or overcome the person watering the battery and there was always a chance of acid burns should the electrolyte overflow or the battery be corroded. While many companies still water batteries the old fashioned way, others have found a faster and safer way to water their batteries by using automated battery watering systems.
Benefits of using battery watering systems – BFS (Battery Filling system)
Using a battery watering system such as BFS has several benefits. These include:
- No user contact with the batteries. This means that your employees are safer as they don't risk burns or other injuries since they don't have to touch the batteries in any way.
- No need to purchase additional safety equipment. With automated battery watering systems like BFS you won't have to buy additional safety equipment such as protective clothing.
- No need to remove the battery from the vehicle to water. By not having to remove the battery from the vehicle to water it there is less of a chance of an accident that could damage the battery or cause the electrolyte to leak. This also saves time as you aren't spending time removing and then reinstalling the battery in order to water it.
- You eliminate acid overflow, overfilling and corrosion. The automated battery watering system BFS use floats that tell the watering machine when to shut off thus preventing the accidental overfilling of the battery.
- In most cases, automated watering systems give you the maximum number of cycles that your battery is designed for and sometimes more. This means that your battery lasts longer, saving you money.
- In systems with a low water warning light installed such as a Blinky you know exactly when to water your battery removing all guess work and making less paperwork as you won't have to keep watering charts.
How automated battery watering systems work
Automated battery watering systems use a series of hoses that connect to the battery cells with float valves to keep the battery from overfilling. When the water reaches the correct height, the watering device shuts off. Nothing could be cheaper or easier.
It is also possible to buy a battery managing package whereby the battery supply company will water your battery for you. Most packages include regularly scheduled visits and watering of your batteries to meet your schedule all for a monthly fee.
Those who invest in battery watering systems, find that the investment is well worth it in terms of battery life and the safety and productivity of their workers.
Find out more about Powercell’s battery watering systems.