Difference between revisions of "Batteries and Accumulators"

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{{Infobox_ Machinery
 
{{Infobox_ Machinery
 
| image                              = batteriesandaccumulators.jpg
 
| image                              = batteriesandaccumulators.jpg
| origin                              = -
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| origin                              = Various
 
| stowage factor                      = -
 
| stowage factor                      = -
 
| humidity and moisture              = -
 
| humidity and moisture              = -
 
| ventilation                        = -
 
| ventilation                        = -
| risk factors                        = -
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| risk factors                        = See text
 
}}
 
}}
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
Usually shipped in boxes and crates.
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Batteries or accumulators are products that can generate and store electricity. They are used as an energy source for a variety of products for example torches, weighing scales, watches, radio’s and mobile phones. Batteries can also be used for industrial purposes such as starter batteries for combustible engines ( boats and vehicle engines).<br><br>
<br><br>
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In principle a battery consist of two parts of different metal composition. These parts are called electrodes and are either positive or negative. The electrodes are submerged in a chemical solution ( electrolyte). Under the influence of a chemical reaction the electrodes gain positive or negative loads.<br><br>
When shipped filled with acid or alkali, reference is made to the relevant IMO regulations on hazardous cargo. Where cell lids of unfilled batteries become cracked or broken during transit, serious damage may result if they have been shipped with plates in a partially charged condition. Special care is needed in packing to ensure that maximum protection is afforded against shocks and handling that may be met during transit. <br><br>
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Batteries come in varying types and sizes. There are batteries than can be used multiple times and whereby the chemical process is reversible ( so called re-chargeable batteries); on the other hand there are also non rechargeable batteries that do not have this advantage.<br><br>
If the casing only is cracked it may be possible to dispose of the batteries to local garages or to public or private transport companies, who can refit the units into used but sound containers. <br><br>
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==Shipment / Storage==
Alternatively, new cases may be available locally, as many makers have arrangements in various countries for these to be supplied as spares. Leaden elements of accumulators easily corrode, but what may at first sight appear to be serious salt-water damage may possibly be due to contact with fresh water. If in doubt, the surveyor should seek expert advice. Treated wooden separators are packed wet in lead foil to retain their moisture, and if allowed to become dry may develop cracks affecting conductivity. Rubber or ebonite separators are unaffected by contact with water.  
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The carriage of batteries is subject to the provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. Before shipping batteries, the appropriate sections of the IMDG code should be consulted. <br><br>
<br><br>
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In addition to the international (IMDG code) regulations, country specific regulations may be applicable Those country specific regulations should be consulted prior to shipment.<br><br>
<b>Dry Batteries</b><br> Dry batteries stored beyond the normal shelf life period – which varies from two to twelve months or more according to the size and type of cell – are liable to suffer from corrosion of the [[zinc]] containers due to the action thereon of the salammoniac and other chemicals used. This corrosion will come through the outer [[cardboard]] covering of a radio or torch battery and damage anything with which it comes into contact. Alternatively, and also with age, the paste electrolyte may dry out almost completely. Either corrosion of the zincs or drying of the paste electrolyte renders dry batteries useless. <br><br>
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Batteries are primarily shipped in packed form, whereby the batteries are packed in a suitable surrounding package containing either a single battery or multiple batteries of the same size and type per package. <br><br>
The principal enemies of dry batteries in storage are excessive heat or damp. A cool, dry store is essential. The discharge of a dry battery at a very high rate, such as would occur in accidental shorting, is liable to cause the paste electrolyte to liquefy. In large type cells, the lectrolyte might, under these conditions, ooze out from the packaging and cause damage again by corrosion to anything with which it came into contact.  
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Transport mode often involves palletized units, which can be stowed in closed sea freight containers.<br><br>
<br><br>
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==Cargo securing==
<b>Lead Acid Batteries</b><br> Usually shipped dry, without electrolyte in the cells, or components may be shipped loose. Damage suffered by cells shipped unassembled will either be mechanical or through entry of excessive moisture, fresh water or sea water, into the cells. Mechanical damage can be remedied by dismantling the battery and replacement of affected parts. Damage through entry of water will ruin the plates and separators if the amounts of moisture are considerable. In slight cases the effects of moisture can be minimized by the following treatment:
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The basics to stow and secure packed goods is to provide a tight and rigid stow.<br><br>
<br><br>
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Packages should be strong enough to withstand the forces acting on them during transport. Packages should not deform and measures such as reinforced corners, bottom and top members of packages should be facilitated within individual packages or pallet loads.<br><br>
<i>Fresh-water contamination</i><br> Batteries should be put into service normally, but the length of the first charge may have to be extended from the normal number of hours. At the end of the charge, chemical tests of the electrolyte should be carried out and a change of electrolyte may be necessary if impurities are present.
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Any void spaces within a stow of packaged goods should be filled ( blocked off) by suitable material such as timber beams or air bags. In case of an isolated stow of packed goods, lashing and securing by means of web lashings or straps should be provided.<br><br>
<br><br>
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==Risk factors==
<i>Sea-water contamination</i><br>  Batteries should be put into service normally, but the length of the first charge may have to be extended from the normal number of hours. At the end of the charge the electrolyte should be changed and a further charge given. Chemical tests should be carried out and changes of electrolyte continued until impurity limits are satisfactory. The changing of electrolyte is most important. In the case of dry charged, partially dry charged, or short first charged batteries, entry of moisture would destroy the charge characteristics and it would be necessary to treat the batteries as standard long first charge types as above. <br><br>
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* Physical damage
Breakage of seals or restrictive devices fitted to dry charged batteries may result in loss of dry charged characteristics although not necessarily in permanent damage to the cells if they are given an adequate first charge.  Battery plates shipped loose may be damaged permanently if allowed to come into contact with moist packaging material. Such damage may not become evident until after the cells have been in service for some time. If moisture is suspected, the plates should be swilled in pure water and put into service at once. This treatment may only be partially effective. <br><br>
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* Moisture damage / corrosion
Microporous plastic, or similar, separators may be rendered useless if accidently wetted. Wet treated wood separators will be damaged if the packing material is disturbed. Neither type of separator can be restored and should be destroyed.  During transit, the temperature should be kept moderate and batteries or crates in which they are packed should be shielded from direct rays of the sun. Manufacturers should be consulted at once, if the amount of damage is to be kept to a minimum.
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* Chemical reaction resulting in:
<br><br>
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** heating
<b>Lithium batteries</b><br> Electrical batteries containing lithium or lithium alloy encased in a rigid metallic body. Lithium batteries may also be shipped in equipment. Each battery may comprise one or more cells, with each cell not containing more than 12 grammes of lithium. Each battery should contain not more than 500 grammes of lithium. Cells and batteries should be equipped with an effective means of preventing external short circuits and should incorporate a safety venting device or be designed in such a manner that will preclude a violent rupture under normal conditions of transport. The design of cells and batteries not equipped with a safety venting device should be approved by the competent authority. <br><br>
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** explosion
Batteries containing cells, or series of cells connected in parallel, should be equipped with diodes to prevent a reverse current flow. Electrical lithium batteries may cause fire due to an explosive rupture of the body caused by improper construction or reaction with contaminants.  
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** violent corrosion ( even to metals)
<br><br>
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** health and environmental hazards
<b>Packing</b><br> Cells or batteries should be packaged with not more than 500 grammes of lithium in each package. They should be packaged in such a manner so as to effectively prevent short circuits and be securely cushioned so as to prevent movement which could lead to short circuits. Equipment containing lithium batteries should be secured against movement within any outer packaging and be packaged so as to prevent accidental operation during transport. The quantity of lithium metal contained in any battery in a piece of equipment should not exceed 12 grammes per cell and 500 grames per battery. Not more than ten lithium batteries should be contained in any piece of equipment.  
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<br><br>
 
<b>Nickel Alkaline Batteries</b><br>  The main damage to which accumulators of the alkaline type are liable is corrosion.
 
<br><br>
 
<b>Nickel Cadmium Batteries</b><br>  Rechargeable type for domestic/commercial appliance use. Usually shipped in cardboard cartons in stand up trays. Susceptible to damage by contact with water as rust can develop on the base of the individual batteries where contact to the cardboard separation layers is placed. Water contact to the positive top section can cause pitting. Usually rust contamination to the negative or indeed positive extremes can render the individual batteries unusable.
 
<br><br>
 
Reference is made to the relevant IMO regulations on hazardous cargo.
 
<br><br>
 
<b>Full information on this product is in the process of completion.</b>
 
 
[[Category:Machinery]]
 
[[Category:Machinery]]
 
[[Category:Products]]
 
[[Category:Products]]

Latest revision as of 09:27, 5 April 2017

Infobox on Batteries and Accumulators
Example of Batteries and Accumulators
Batteriesandaccumulators.jpg
Facts
Origin Various
Stowage factor (in m3/t) -
Humidity / moisture -
Ventilation -
Risk factors See text

Batteries and Accumulators

Description

Batteries or accumulators are products that can generate and store electricity. They are used as an energy source for a variety of products for example torches, weighing scales, watches, radio’s and mobile phones. Batteries can also be used for industrial purposes such as starter batteries for combustible engines ( boats and vehicle engines).

In principle a battery consist of two parts of different metal composition. These parts are called electrodes and are either positive or negative. The electrodes are submerged in a chemical solution ( electrolyte). Under the influence of a chemical reaction the electrodes gain positive or negative loads.

Batteries come in varying types and sizes. There are batteries than can be used multiple times and whereby the chemical process is reversible ( so called re-chargeable batteries); on the other hand there are also non rechargeable batteries that do not have this advantage.

Shipment / Storage

The carriage of batteries is subject to the provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. Before shipping batteries, the appropriate sections of the IMDG code should be consulted.

In addition to the international (IMDG code) regulations, country specific regulations may be applicable Those country specific regulations should be consulted prior to shipment.

Batteries are primarily shipped in packed form, whereby the batteries are packed in a suitable surrounding package containing either a single battery or multiple batteries of the same size and type per package.

Transport mode often involves palletized units, which can be stowed in closed sea freight containers.

Cargo securing

The basics to stow and secure packed goods is to provide a tight and rigid stow.

Packages should be strong enough to withstand the forces acting on them during transport. Packages should not deform and measures such as reinforced corners, bottom and top members of packages should be facilitated within individual packages or pallet loads.

Any void spaces within a stow of packaged goods should be filled ( blocked off) by suitable material such as timber beams or air bags. In case of an isolated stow of packed goods, lashing and securing by means of web lashings or straps should be provided.

Risk factors

  • Physical damage
  • Moisture damage / corrosion
  • Chemical reaction resulting in:
    • heating
    • explosion
    • violent corrosion ( even to metals)
    • health and environmental hazards