Method for testing storage batteries for internal leakage using a chemically treated test strip

Abstract

Abstract A device for and method of testing the available potential energy or operational capability of an electric storage battery; and a method of making the testing device which comprises a strip of paper having sufficient length to extend between and firmly engage the positive and negative terminals of a battery. The strip is impregnated with an indicator substance such as phenolphthalein responsive to the presence of a basic solution to provide color indicia representative of the concentration thereof and it is further impregnated with an electrolytic solution effective when electrolyzed to produce the basic solution to which the indicator substance is responsive. The method of preparing the test strip includes the steps of impregnating the same with both the indicator substance and electrolyte; and the method of testing a battery to determine its available potential energy includes: first, the step of pressing the strip against the negative terminal of the battery; and second, the step of pressing the strip against each of the terminals of the battery to effect a current flow through the electrolytic solution carried by the strip. After each such step the strip is inspected to observe any color change about the area of the strip in engagement with the negative terminal. A color change after the first test step is an index of a defective battery occasioned by internal current leakage, and the aggregate intensity or concentration of any such color is an index of the magnitude of the leakage. A color change after the second test step establishes that the battery has available potential energy, and the intensity or concentration of the color change is an index of the magnitude of the potential energy then available.

Inventors

• 👤 W Weigand

Bibliographic Details