The growth rates of storage battery plates with grids of lead‐calcium alloys ranging from 0.077% to 0.137% calcium were measured during a nine‐year period of floating service. These were compared with growth rates for grids of lead‐12% antimony. No growth was observed in any of the negative plates. Positive plate lead‐calcium grids containing less than 0.1% calcium had growth rates less than one‐half that of lead‐antimony. Positive grids with more than 0.1% calcium had higher growth rates, the rate being proportional to the excess calcium content. An alloy containing 0.065% to 0.090% calcium is recommended for storage battery grids. The life in floating service for cells using such grids is estimated to be at least double that of cells using the antimony alloy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Thomas et al. (1947) studied this question.