Vacuum Energy Inc.
Batteries generate hydrogen. Hydrogen can explode.
Batteries Generate Hydrogen
Batteries, even in normal operation, generate hydrogen as part of the electrochemical reaction. When mistreated this hydrogen evolution can be very rapid, leading to hydrogen concentrations exceeding the safe limit of 4,000 ppmv in air. Please note that this limit can vary depending on many factors and the reader is referred to the literature to further their understanding of the issues at hand. In addition to the literature, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory keeps a database of reported hydrogen related incidents at h2incidents.org.
The explosive nature of hydrogen has long been understood. However in recent years with the proliferation of battery driven devices at the consumer level the number of incidents have risen dramatically. While this increase is commonly noted in sealed devices like water proof flashlights or children’s bathtub toys, it is also ever more common in unsealed units like computer mice.
Batteries themselves are designed to rupture in a hydrogen excursion incident. For unsealed devices like a computer mouse that is often enough to prevent serious injury to the user, albeit the damage to the device is often terminal. The risk increases significantly when a consumer device is sealed to make it waterproof. The hydrogen no longer can escape through leakage or rupture of the battery and is contained within the device. Hydrogen concentrations can rapidly exceed 4,000 ppmv, creating an explosive atmosphere. All it takes for a potentially serious explosion to occur is a small spark or arc. For a discussion on the topic in regards to flashlights please see this NIOSH report:
EXPLODING FLASHLIGHTS:
ARE THEY A SERIOUS THREAT TO WORKER SAFETY?
PolyGetter™ BR
PolyGetter™ BR pellets are designed to solve hydrogen build up problems in sealed consumer devices like flashlights or toys. PolyGetter™ BR works by a recombination reaction where the hydrogen is reacted with oxygen in the air present in the device to produce water vapor. The end result is that the concentration of hydrogen is reduced and the relative humidity inside the device is slightly increased.
PolyGetter™ BR is supplied in the form of pellets:
Dimensions: 0.170" diameter x 0.130" height
Weight: ~0.060 grams
1 pellet is recommended per 100 cc free air volume inside the device.
Pellet Hydrogen Removal Rate: Reduction from 10% H2 to <4% H2 in 3 hours
PolyGetter™ BR is RoHS compliant.
PolyGetter™ BR getters are optimized for use in battery compartments operating in normal ambients. If your operating case is at extremely low or high temperatures please contact us.
PolyGetter™ For Industrial Applications
PolyGetter™ BR technology is not just for consumer devices. It is applicable to industrial needs as well. Many different physical formats are available to me your needs. Please contact us with your requirements.
For Further Information on PolyGetter™ BR Please Contact Us
Cleveland, OH
216-991-7000
Colorado Springs, CO
719-966-4296
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