[RE-wrenches] Battery electrolyte question

[Scott McCalmont]

This little poem from Chemistry 101 would apply:

Do as you oughter,
Add acid to water!

When mixing chemicals that react exothermically, there is a risk that the solution will overheat and splash out violently. By adding the acid to the water, the acid is the limiting part of the reaction, which helps keep things in control. The Wikipedia entry for sulfuric acid suggests adding the acid to ice, which not only fulfills the directive of the poem but also helps by starting everything at a lower temperature. Nice idea.

I agree with those who posted taking the jug to a hazardous waste facility or battery store. Either should be equipped to handle the electrolyte in the best way. The leaking jug can be contained by putting it in a 5-gallon bucket or something similar, and then you could clean up the stuff that leaked out with baking soda.

Scott

On Jan 10, 2011, at 4:09 PM, Peter Parrish wrote:

> Sodium bicarbonate is a pretty mild base. I use a solution of 1 Tbl to a quart of water to neutralize minor acid spills and to clean up the top of vented batteries. But for a ½ gallon, it would take several (ten?) pounds of Baking Soda.
>  
> I would try to use lime (calcium oxide) or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), or even agricultural lime (calcium carbonate). All this stuff is cheaper than Baking Soda per pound. Be careful! When you add calcium oxide to water it can heat up, so do it slowly. Anyway, add diluted battery acid to a dilute solution of lime (also take care because this reaction is also exothermic) to until the pH is neutral (pH 6-7) and then you can dispose of it pretty much anyway you want.
>  
> Use rubber gloves, a plastic apron and a facemask.
>  
> - Peter
>  
> 
> <image003.gif>Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
> California Solar Engineering, Inc.
> 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
> CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
> peter.parrish at calsolareng.com  
> Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885                                                                                                   
>  
> 
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Glenn Burt
> Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 2:10 PM
> To: Allan at positiveenergysolar.com; 'RE-wrenches'
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery electrolyte question
>  
> Big box of Baking Soda?
>  
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar
> Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 4:36 PM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery electrolyte question
>  
> Wrenches,
> By chance I found a half-full gallon jug full of lead-acid battery electrolyte. It has begun to leak. With no knowledge of its history, age, origin, etc. I'm not sure how to dispose of it safely. 
> 
> I don't think I've ever seen this addressed on this list before. Can anyone help with some simple solutions?
> 
> Thanks, Allan
> --
> 
> Allan Sindelar
> Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Positive Energy, Inc.
> 3201 Calle Marie
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> 505 424-1112
> www.positiveenergysolar.com
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