Red lead: understanding red lead in lead-acid batteries

The use of red lead in battery plates is not very well known to a large segment of the lead-acid battery industry. Historically, it was used in pasted and tubular positive plates in order to improve their formation time and enhance deep-cycle performance. Although the use of red lead has diminished over the last few decades, many companies are again considering the use of red lead in their plates. This article aims to give manufacturers a solid knowledge of the properties of red lead, including production and handling methods. Further, it presents an understanding of the influence in battery production, battery performance, and the cost-saving potential of red lead usage. The first part of the article is intended to explain the chemical and physical properties and fields of usage of red lead. The most widely used red lead product specifications for the battery industry are presented and explained. In the second part, the typical equipment for the production of red lead is reviewed. Raw material requirements, material handling equipment, a red lead furnace and milling are presented and discussed. The reader is taken through the production of a typical batch of red lead. Operating charts, process control data and system photos will help to understand the production process. The final part outlines an overall view of process requirements and identifies stages in lead-acid battery production that will be influenced by the use of red lead. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.