at the nominal temperatures listed in the above
publication.
Although manufacturers package batteries in
special packing, batteries are fragile and must be
handled with care, regardless of the temperature at
which they are stowed or shipped. Batteries frozen to
30F are brittle and handling should be minimum.
Batteries should be stowed separately by type and
lot and, where possible, arranged so that the older
batteries can be removed without disturbing the newer
lot. Where space permits, stacks should be kept small
to allow easy handling. Generally, it is preferable to
leave an air space along the walls and at the top and
bottom of the chamber with several aisles through the
central area. The size of the space is dependent on the
location and capacity of the circulating fan. Stacking in
front of the entrance to a vestibule can aid in
temperature maintenance within the refrigerator,
particularly during receipt and issue.
BATTERY THAWING
Depending on operational requirements, batteries
may be thawed by using any one of three methods:
normal thaw, standard rapid thaw, or alternate rapid
thaw.
1. Normal thaw procedure: Time permitting, the
normal thaw procedure is preferable and should
Figure 1-28.--Disposable spray-painting hood.
be used because handling is kept to a minimum
chemicals in different combinations. These dry-cell
and the batteries do not accumulate moisture
batteries have a fixed shelf life when stowed within a
since they are not removed from their
specified temperature range.
containers. It requires from 24 to 48 hours to
reach a point where the battery temperature is
For Leclanche, alkaline, and mercury cells, the speci-
high enough to permit testing.
fied range is 56F to 80F. For cadmium-mercury
2. Standard rapid thaw procedure: The batteries
cells, the specified range is 21F to 95F. At these
are removed from their containers and
ranges, batteries deteriorate at a normal rate. At
polyethylene bags, freeing the batteries from all
temperatures above these ranges, batteries deteriorate
packaging. This procedure is commonly
at a rate faster than normal. Conversely, they
referred to as preferred rapid thaw procedure.
deteriorate at a rate slower than normal at temperatures
below these ranges.
3. Alternate rapid thaw procedure: The batteries
are removed from their outer containers, but not
An exception to these temperature requirements is
from their polyethylene bags. This method
the Mk 131 battery which, until activated, is stowed in
allows the batteries to remain relatively dry
ordinary ambient temperatures. Once the Mk 131
since the water condensation forms outside the
battery is activated, it must be placed in refrigerated
polyethylene bag and not on the battery.
stowage with temperate ranges for mercury cells.
Immediately after thawing the batteries, they may
Batteries should be stowed at the lowest possible
be tested without damage. However, batteries could
temperature, but not below the minimum limits listed
fail class-B testing at this time solely because their
in NAVSEA SW550-AA-MMI-010 or the batteries
internal temperature is too low. Batteries failing this
could be damaged. For optimum service, stow batteries
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