A Hydrocap is a catalytic gas recombiner than converts hydrogen and
oxygen gasses into pure water. A catalyst is a substance which
encourages other substances into chemical change without actually
participating in that change, sort of a chemical ambassador. The
process occurring in the Hydrocap is similar to that occurring in an
automotive catalytic converter.
The Hydrocap replaces the regular cell cap. When the cell is gassing,
the hydrogen and oxygen gasses are vented into the Hydrocap. Inside the
Hydrocap, a catalyst of platinum and other platinum group metals
recombine the gasses into pure water. This water is then dripped back
into the cell. The Hydrocap recycles the water that the cell gives off
as hydrogen and oxygen gasses. This eliminates the danger posed by the
hydrogen gas and vastly reduces watering the cells. When the cell is
gassing, some of the recharging energy is not being stored in the cell,
but is breaking down water into its constituent elements- hydrogen and
oxygen. Some of the energy used in the conversion of water into
hydrogen and oxygen is retrieved by the Hydrocap. When the Hydrocap is
operating it gets warm. This heat energy is a by product of the
catalytic recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen back into water.
While this may seem just an interesting aside, we found the Hydrocap's
warmth very useful as an indicator of the cell's state of charge.
Differences between Hydrocaps and
Water Miser caps:
1. Hydrocaps should be removed when equalizing, or they can get
extremely hot and may be ruined. Water Misers can stay in place all the
time.
2. Hydrocaps re-combine the Oxygen and Hydrogen released by the battery
while charging, reducing water loss up to 90%. Water Misers do not
re-combine, but water loss is reduced by 50-80% by trapping fine water
and acid particles. However, since Hydrocaps must be removed when the
batteries are being heavily charged you do not get the full benefit of
recombining.
3. Hydrocaps are more expensive - because they do more. Hydrocaps will
not last forever, though - life will vary from 3 years to 8 years,
depending on charge rates and how they are treated. If left on during
battery equalization, they can be quickly used up and/or ruined.
Height
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Width
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2 1/4
" tall
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2 1/4 " round
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