Separator Properties and Function

The beneficial effect of compression in extending the cycle-life of VRLA batteries was confirmed in a project carried out by the Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) [17]. The work also showed that the composition of the micro-fine glass separator has an important influence on cycle-life, namely, a higher 

To achieve a compression of 30% (i.e., a reduction in thickness of 30% compared with the original value at lOkPa) an appKed force in excess of 50kPa may be required. (Note, the percentage compression must be referenced to the dry state, because the original thickness is measured with the separator in this state.) 

If high plate-group pressure is required, special attention needs to be paid to the cell-assembly equipment to enable sufficient pressure to be applied to the plate group for it to be inserted into the cell container. Over-compression at this stage may actually damage the fibres. On the other hand, if a high compression cannot be 

---