Adam Jenkins wrote:
Once the batteries start to corrode and leak, the area needs to be cleaned
AND neutralized with something acidic in order to prevent problems later
on. I have seen a number of cases where the battery leaked and the area was
cleaned up without neutralizing. Looks fine until a couple of years later
when things start getting flaky and finally die. A close look will usually
show the area where there USED to be traces! I usually use Muriatic Acid
as it does a good job of neutralizing without damaging the circuitry or the
solder joints. BTW, I only use a few drops straight muriatic acid (= 33%
HCl) and after all the foaming stops, rinse it well with water trying to
only get water on the affected area (makes drying easier). I use tap water
but DI or distilled water is best since it won't leave a residue when it
evaporates. A thorough drying follows.
This might be a stupid question, but would Baking Soda work for this? I
used to work as an Electrician, and had to deal with an UPS that used lead
acid batteries, we always used Baking Soda to neutralize the acid. Maybe
I'm totally off center on this one, wouldn't surprise me.
In any case where can one find Muriatic Acid? It's not one of the Acid's
I've heard of.
Zane
| Zane H. Healy | UNIX Systems Adminstrator |
| healyzh(a)ix.netcom.com (primary) | Linux Enthusiast |
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