Models Affected: BWC-2 and BWC-3 The BWC control box, depending on model and options, can contain up to three timer relays. All three are set from the factory but can be adjusted, if necessary, by simply turning the dial to the desired setting. Description: The door delay timer, available on the BWC-2 only, delays both the door opening and the start of blow-off cycle once the wash cycle has completed. This allows the battery to drain inside the cabinet before being transferred to the rack, minimizing the amount of excess water draining from the battery onto the floor, extractor, and battery stands. The door delay is set at 2 minutes from the factory. The neutralization cycle timer, available on units… Continue Reading
Wash Equipment
TT-970: BWC Photo Eye Operation and Maintenance
Models Affected: BWC-2 and BWC-3 Models The Battery Wash Cabinet (BWC) wash cycle starts by inserting a battery into the cabinet. As it reaches the back of the cabinet, a photo eye is activated, the door closes and the wash cycle begins. If the photo eye does not activate properly, or activates prematurely, damage to the battery or cabinet could occur. Description: The photo eye has three indicator lights to identify its operational status. Current models have an amber light indicating power to the photo eye, a red light indicating proper alignment with the reflector, and a green light indicating output. On some older units the light layout may differ. The BWC utilizes the photo eye in “light-on” mode, meaning… Continue Reading
TT-928: Float Switch and Sump Pump Kits
Models Affected: All Wash Equipment Improvements to BHS wash equipment components provides increased durability, reliability, and serviceability. Description: The Recirculation/Neutralization System (RNS)* units now come standard with a new and improved float switch which reduces blockages and lasts longer. With an enclosed float and sealed electromagnetic switch, the new float switch offers greater reliability and durability. The new float switch is available in various kits to replace the previous switch and can be used in standard wash stations such as the Hardwood Wash Station (HWS)/Rollwer Wash Station (RWS) or Battery Wash Cabinet (BWC) applications. In addition to the upgraded float switch, an externally mounted sump pump is now standard equipment on BWC units. The new pump is more durable, and… Continue Reading
TT-954: Wash Water Filtration
Models Affected: All RNS models The BHS Recirculation and Neutralization Systems (RNS) create a closed loop system for battey wash water. Based on the condition of the batteries to be washed, the initial cleaning of a battery fleet may require multiple filter replacements. Recommendation: BHS recommends that an existing battery fleet be professionally cleaned prior to initiating the use of the RNS system. Doing so will minimize high acid and particle levels which would require frequent filter replacement and water neutralization to avoid damage to the RNS. Repair: The standard canister filter used with the RNS system is a five micron filter, part # PB0002. BHS now also offers a twenty micron filter as an option, part # PB0002-20. The… Continue Reading
TT-947: The Importance of Cleaning Wash Equipment
Models Affected: All RNS, HWS, RWS and BWC Along with regular maintenance (pH monitoring, filter changes, etc.), keeping wash equipment clean is the best way to ensure peak performance for years to come. Description: Corrosive residue and highly acidic wash water are the most common causes of wash equipment failures. Clogged water or air nozzles can result in sub-par performance in wash cabinets. Debris and sediment build-up in wash pans can lead to poor sump pump operation or can get into the pump and cause complete failure. With minimal effort and regular maintenance, all of these issues can be avoided, keeping wash equipment operating like new. Recommendation: Previous Tech Tips (TT-906 & TT-931) highlight the importance of several maintenance items… Continue Reading
TT-933: Compressed Air Requirements
Models Affected: BWC-2 & BWC-3 Air pressure and volume requirements for BWC-2 and BWC-3 units Description: Insufficient air volume will cause air pressure drop during wash cabinet operation. If the air pressure drops to less than 90 psi, performance of the BWC cabinet during unload and blow-off may be affected. Low air volume will result in incomplete battery blow-off. Acidic wash water remaining on the battery then runs from the battery onto the extractor, stands, and floor, leading to corrosion and damage. Insufficient air volume during the blow-off cycle may cause enough drop in air pressure that the wash cabinet door may close prematurely. This can result in damage to the battery or wash cabinet door. Recommendation: The blow-off cycle… Continue Reading
TT-931: Wash Equipment Maintenance
Models Affected: All Wash Equipment Proper Maintenance of Battery Wash Equipment Description: As with all machinery, the best way to ensure longevity of your BHS Wash Equipment is to properly maintain the equipment. This Tech Tip will briefly discuss a few necessary maintenance items and why they are important. Water Condition – The most important maintenance item when caring for wash equipment is the water condition. The pH of the water must be maintained to prevent damage from high acid levels. If the wash equipment is not used regularly, the pH must be checked and adjusted (if required) prior to the equipment being shut off for an extended period of time. Doing so will prevent highly acidic water or residue… Continue Reading
TT-920: In-line pH Probe Care and Meter Calibration
Models Affected: RNS-4-SS Proper care of RNS-4-SS pH monitoring components. Description: Consistent monitoring of pH levels and proper care of pH monitoring components are very important steps when assuring smooth operation, preventing part failures, and extending the overall life of your Recirculation/Neutralization System (RNS) system. Improper pH levels in the RNS holding tank account for approximately nine out of ten component failures. The pH level should never drop below 5.0 or rise above 9.0. Allowing the pH level to fall outside of these parameters may result in premature failure of the sump pump and float switch located in the Battery Wash Cabinet. Left unchecked, further damage to the relief valve and system pump are likely. Also, highly acidic water may… Continue Reading
TT-907: Priming the Neutralizing Conditioner Pump
Models Affected: All BWC units with NC option Priming of the Neutralizing Conditioner Pump Description: The neutralizing conditioner pump used for the NC option on BWC units is not self priming. The pump must be primed during installation and when the neutralizer in the container falls below the minimum level. In order for the neutralizer pump to function properly, the line from the container to the pump must remain filled. Air pockets in the line can cause the solution to not be introduced into the wash cycle causing a rapid drop in the pH level of the wash water. Left uncorrected, pH levels outside the recommended levels will lead to eventual component failure in the Wash Cabinet as well as… Continue Reading
TT-906: pH Meter Care and Monitoring
Models Affected: All RNS Systems The Importance of pH Monitoring in RNS Systems Description: Consistent monitoring of pH levels and proper care of pH meters are very important steps in assuring smooth operation, preventing part failures, and extending the overall life of your RNS system. Improper pH levels in the RNS holding tank account for approximately nine out of ten component failures. The pH level should never drop below 5.0 or rise above 9.0. Allowing the pH level to fall outside of these parameters may result in premature failure of the sump pump and float switch located in the battery wash cabinet. If left unchecked, further damage to the relief valve and system pump are likely. Also, highly acidic water… Continue Reading