FAQ
1. What are the symptoms of sulphated batteries?
A lack of capacity (deliverable power).
A strong increase in temperature while charging and discharging.
A strong gas clearance, acid vapours while charging and discharging.
An excessive use of water, turning the battery weak and dried up.
A high rise in voltage in the battery while charging (stops the charger).
2. What is battery desulphation?
Battery desulfation is a process that dissolves the accumulated sulphates and returns a sulphated battery to its original and normal condition.
3. What is a pulse desulfator?
A pulse desulfator is a small electronics package that attaches permanently to a lead acid battery and uses cutting edge technology to send a specially controlled pulsing DC current into the battery to convert sulphate crystals to sulfuric acid in the battery electrolyte. This keeps the battery in top condition and often markedly extends its lifespan.
4. On what types of batteries can pulse desuphators be used?
A unit can be used on wet, gel cell or other configuration of lead acid battery, sealed or open.
5. Does this charge my battery?
No this device has no charge function. It uses a batteries own power to generate the pulses that dissolve the sulphates.
6. I have an old battery. How do I decide if it is worth treating?
Essentially a battery needs to be in sound mechanical condition. No dead cells and an even voltage across the cells, preferably 2.1+ volts per cell (each cell needs to be measured individually). If the voltages are not even, rapid charge for 15-30 minutes and recheck the cell voltages. Also using a hydrometer check if the gravity indicator for all cells is similar. If the hydrometer readings are relatively even (regardless of the color - red, orange, green) and the cell voltage is relatively even, the battery is suitable for rejuvenation. For full information consult our Battery Refurbishment Guide.
7. Can the pulse damage my battery?
No.
8. When should I treat a battery?
The earlier you can treat a battery the better the results and the longer its life will be. The newer the battery the more likely you can double, triple or quadruple its life. Note: it must be a functional battery. The kit will not revive physically damaged batteries or batteries with dead cells. See our Battery Refurbishment Guide.
9. What is the minimum voltage required by a pulse unit to produce an improvement in the battery?
A pulse requires 12V - 48V to be able to function so should you have a low voltage battery, fit the pulse to the battery and connect this to an appropriate charger and charge the battery. Charger voltage will activate the pulse desulfator during charge. Note: once a battery drops below 12V (or 24/36/48V depending on configuration) the pulse switches off to avoid deep discharging a battery which is unused for an extended period.
10. I have a battery with a very low voltage. If I add additive and connect a pulse, will there be any improvement?
It depends on a number of factors. Often a low voltage indicates one of the cells has failed (conductivity failure) but this low voltage may simply be due to excessive discharge. To see if a very low voltage is a result of excessive discharge and all cells are connected and functional, first charge the battery for 20-30 minutes and then check if the voltage has recovered to over 12V. Note that the pulse requires 12.6V to function so attach it during charging to begin the process. See our Battery Refurbishment Guide for further details.
11. Does the battery have to be on a charger or installed in a vehicle for the pulse to function?
Several options are possible. If it is a functioning battery (and the voltage is above 12.6V) simply attach the pulse and continue to use the battery in its usual function. If it is a battery that has been removed from use, follow the step-by-step process as per our refurbishment guide to decide if the battery is recoverable.
12. What benefits will the unit provide for batteries that sit for an extended period, for example on a boat that sits unused for 6 months?
For batteries that have stood unused for an extended time it is likely that, without having been treated, the battery will take up to 24hrs to charge and likely will suffer harmful heat-up in the process. Most of the time the battery will fail and end up in the junk. If treated, batteries will be kept free of sulphation and likely still maintain charge for an extended period. Note: whatever the situation a battery should be kept on a maintenance charger OR re-charged every 8 to 10 weeks.
13. I have a sealed battery. Will the pulse work?
The pulse unit assists in breakdown of sulphation and prevention of sulphation returning in any correctly hydrated lead acid battery. Care is needed with older sealed batteries as they often have dried out and need rehydrating. With carefully drilled holes you can add distilled water to a sealed battery and then reseal the battery.
14. Is there any benefit to having the pulse attached the battery during the charging cycle?
Any charging made with a pulse attached will provide a high-frequency desulphating pulse charging.
15. Are there any advantages to be had from using a particular type of battery charger or will any charger work fine in conjunction with a pulse?
The pulse is for desulfation and re-activation and will work with any standard conventional charger. However, we do have available custom charger-desulphators with proprietary charge algorithms that enhance the desulphation process.
16. Should I remove the pulse after a time?
It is recommended you do not remove the pulse from the battery. Keeping the pulse on the battery permanently will prevent sulfation from developing inside the battery. The longer you have a pulse connected (whatever the situation) the greater the improvement. A battery permanently charged and treated with a pulse will be at the top of its capacity for years. If you remove the device, sulphates will again begin to accumulate and so reduce battery capacity.
17. Is there anything I need to set on the pulse?
No. Other than initially configuring the pulse for the appropriate voltage and battery type, a pulse is fully automatic The pulse has a single LED that shows the pulse is functioning
18. Should I have the pulse attached when the battery is removed from a vehicle and is under charge?
Yes, keep the pulse attached. Follow usual precautions when charging, ensure no sparks and no spillage of corrosive electrolyte.
19. Are there any temperature limitations when using a pulse?
If the electrolyte is permanently at 100% specific gravity and not less than 1270, a pulse should function between –20C and +40C without any detectable problems. Note: heavily sulfated batteries usually freeze at –20C.
20. I have a truck with two batteries. Is one unit enough for the two batteries?
Each pulse is designed for one 12V/24/36/48V battery. Some believe desulphation process occurs faster with more units on a battery set, i.e. multiple 12v units on 24/36/48v configuration. However, as there are numerous variables such as battery age, condition, mechanical health, service or abuse history it is hard to define if there is significant differences between single or multiple units. As with many scenarios, more may be better. If I have to dig a hole and have two men rather than one, it will get dug quicker.
21. After I treat my battery how do I know if there is any improvement?
Usually untreated batteries get worse with use. Once treated with a kit, batteries get better. Regular daily use is sufficient for the process to operate. It’s a bit like body building. After treatment exercise improves a battery. You will generally “feel” improvements very quickly such as improved starting and battery reliability, better spark/ignition, reduced alternator load, brighter headlights, faster charging, longer discharge. If you have access to battery conductance testing equipment we suggest you do the following to verify actual improvement of the battery performance. First, test the battery and record results. Then traet the battery, wait 30 minutes and retest. There will already be an improvement of the CCA. Retest the battery weekly over a period of three weeks. Generally the test will improve every time. The more use or cycling of the battery, the faster it will improve.
22. Will there be any other changes to the operation of the battery?
Other than performance improvement there will be no noticeable change to the battery and it can be used as normal. While charging, however, a battery usually produces hydrogen. After treatment, during charging, almost no hydrogen is released and the battery does not heat up during the charging process.
23. Will my battery take longer to charge?
No. In fact the opposite will occur. Due to the improvement in conductivity (reduced resistance), your battery will accept charge much easier. It is likely that charging time will reduced by 50% or more.
24. What is the right level of electrolyte?
The plates must be covered before and after charging (usually about 10 mm or 0.4” on top of the plates).
25. Do I have to add acid?
No. Under normal conditions, you must never add acid. Only distilled water should be used to top up the cells. DO NOT use tap water. Tap water contains rust, minerals and other contaminants that could raise the current in the battery and destroy it.
26. Does the battery have to be discharged entirely before being charged again?
No! Excessive discharge can damage a battery & reverse the polarity. For deep cycle or commercial traction batteries, never discharge a battery below the 80% discharge capacity. Reversed polarity can occur and historically a battery had to be dumped if this occurred (we can often recover this situation with our treatment process). If you want to be kept up to date continuously about your battery’s state of charge, you will need a limit indicator to inform you when discharge hits 80%. Your nearest services consultant could give you helpful advice regarding the problems that your forklift battery, traction or any other deep cycle battery is going through. The adaptation is simple, quick and will save you money.
27. Can I store a discharged battery?
No, storing discharged batteries gives rise to the formation of sulphurs at the bottom of the plates. These sulphur crystals harden progressively on the plates and considerably reduce the performance of the battery and may even damage it entirely and permanently.
28. Can my battery freeze?
Yes, if your battery is discharged or almost discharged, it could freeze. The higher the charge, the greater the SG, and the more resistant to freezing. At 60% discharged level, the freezing point is about –16C. (3.5C). A completely discharged battery (density=1100) has a freezing point at –7C (19C). If storing your battery, it is recommended it be charged (with a pulse attached) every 2-3 months.
29. Can I interrupt in the charging cycles?
Yes, BUT it is not recommended. Interrupting the charge cycle can cause increased sulphate accumulation.
30. Can I reduce the water consumption of my batteries by reducing the peak voltage level of my charger?
Reducing the charging tension level may reduce the fluid consumption but it also gives rise to a phenomenon known as stratification and reduction of battery life due to under charging.
31. What are some common mistakes that I can avoid?
Undercharging. Generally, this occurs while interrupting a charging cycle, or when a charger is weak as well as not charging for the correct duration.
Overcharging. By overcharging, you damage the positive plate and this will increase water consumption and could damage the battery permanently.
Lack of fluid. Never charge a battery before checking that the plates are covered completely with liquid (at least 10 mm or 0.4” and above). Permanent damage can be caused if the fluid levels are incorrect. Always verify the fluid levels: before and after charging.
Contaminated water. Only distilled water should be used to fill up the levels. DO NOT USE TAP WATER. Tap water contains iron, rust, minerals and other contaminants that will have an adverse effect on battery life and performance.
Overfilling. Overfilling with water may cause spilling of the corrosive electrolyte and causing corrosion of the battery. Additionally, overfilling will dilute the acid decreasing the batteries power capacity.
32. Can a pulse be used in parallel with solar/wind chargers?
Yes, it can be used on any lead acid battery, in any application.
33. Does a Pulser interfere a 12VDC to 240VAC inverter?
No. The unit is to be connected directly to the battery and it is irrelevant what the battery is connected to. There will be no interference with an inverter, TV, computer, etc.
34. What is the largest 12V battery bank in Ah (ampere-hours) it can work upon?
A unit will work on any size battery, however, we recommend limiting it to 500Ah. A single unit can only do so much. If you have large battery bank it may be generating more sulfates than a single device can effectively remove.
