What are electrolytes and why are they crucial for our health. How do electrolytes impact nervous system function and muscle contraction. What causes electrolyte imbalances and how can they be prevented.

What Are Electrolytes and Why Are They Important?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, and urine. These essential particles play a vital role in numerous bodily functions, making them crucial for overall health and well-being. The main electrolytes found in the human body include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.

Why are electrolytes so important? These charged particles are involved in:

• Conducting nervous impulses
• Facilitating muscle contractions
• Maintaining proper hydration
• Regulating the body’s pH levels

Given their significance, it’s essential to maintain an adequate balance of electrolytes through diet and proper hydration. Let’s delve deeper into the specific functions of these remarkable minerals.

The Role of Electrolytes in Nervous System Function

How do electrolytes contribute to the functioning of our nervous system? The answer lies in the intricate communication network within our bodies. Our brain sends electrical signals through nerve cells to communicate with cells throughout the body. These signals, known as nervous impulses, are generated by changes in the electrical charge of the nerve cell membrane.

Sodium, a key electrolyte, plays a crucial role in this process. As sodium ions move across the nerve cell membrane, they trigger a chain reaction, propagating the electrical signal along the length of the nerve cell axon. This mechanism allows for rapid and efficient communication throughout the nervous system, enabling us to react to stimuli, control our movements, and process information.

Electrolytes and Muscle Function: The Dynamic Duo of Calcium and Magnesium

How do our muscles contract and relax? The answer involves a delicate interplay between two essential electrolytes: calcium and magnesium. Calcium is vital for muscle contraction, allowing muscle fibers to slide together and shorten, resulting in the contraction of the muscle. But what about relaxation?

This is where magnesium comes into play. After contraction, magnesium facilitates the sliding of muscle fibers outward, enabling the muscle to relax. This balance between calcium and magnesium ensures smooth and controlled muscle function, from the beating of our hearts to the movement of our limbs.

The Importance of Electrolyte Balance in Athletic Performance

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, maintaining proper electrolyte balance is crucial. During intense physical activity, especially in hot conditions, the body loses electrolytes through sweat. This loss can lead to decreased performance, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, more serious health issues. To combat this, many athletes turn to sports drinks or electrolyte supplements to replenish what’s lost during exercise.

Hydration and Electrolytes: Maintaining the Delicate Balance

How do electrolytes contribute to proper hydration? The key lies in a process called osmosis. Sodium, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within and outside our cells. Osmosis is the movement of water through a cell membrane from a dilute solution (more water, fewer electrolytes) to a more concentrated solution (less water, more electrolytes).

This process prevents cells from either bursting due to excess fluid or shriveling up from dehydration. By maintaining this delicate balance, electrolytes ensure that our cells and organs function optimally, highlighting the intricate relationship between hydration and electrolyte balance.

Tips for Staying Hydrated and Maintaining Electrolyte Balance

To maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance:

1. Drink water regularly throughout the day
2. Consume electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and yogurt
3. Consider electrolyte supplements during intense exercise or hot weather
4. Monitor urine color – pale yellow indicates good hydration
5. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration

The Critical Role of Electrolytes in Regulating Internal pH

Why is maintaining a stable internal pH crucial for our health? Our bodies function optimally within a narrow pH range, particularly our blood, which must be maintained at a pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Electrolytes play a fundamental role in this delicate balancing act.

Electrolytes act as chemical buffers, helping to minimize changes in our internal environment. They work in conjunction with weak acids and bases to neutralize any shifts in pH that could potentially disrupt bodily functions. This buffering system ensures that our cells, enzymes, and organs can operate efficiently, safeguarding our overall health and well-being.

Understanding Electrolyte Imbalances: Causes and Symptoms

What happens when our electrolyte levels become imbalanced? Electrolyte imbalances occur when the levels of these essential minerals in our blood become too high or too low. These disturbances can have significant impacts on our health, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions in severe cases.

Common causes of electrolyte imbalances include:

• Dehydration due to excessive heat exposure, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Kidney disease
• Eating disorders
• Severe burns
• Certain medications

While mild imbalances may not produce noticeable symptoms, more severe cases can manifest as:

• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Numbness and tingling
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Headaches
• In extreme cases, convulsions

If you suspect an electrolyte imbalance, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Electrolytes and Exercise: Replenishing What’s Lost

How does exercise affect our electrolyte levels? When we sweat, we lose both water and electrolytes, particularly sodium and chloride. This loss can be significant during prolonged periods of exercise or activity, especially in hot conditions.

On average, sweat contains about 40-60 mmol of sodium per liter. However, the actual amount can vary widely between individuals and is influenced by factors such as fitness level, heat acclimatization, and genetics. This variability underscores the importance of personalized hydration and electrolyte replacement strategies for athletes and active individuals.

Strategies for Electrolyte Replacement During and After Exercise

To maintain optimal electrolyte balance during and after exercise:

1. Drink water regularly during exercise
2. Consider sports drinks for sessions lasting longer than an hour or in hot conditions
3. Consume electrolyte-rich foods post-exercise
4. Use electrolyte supplements if recommended by a healthcare professional
5. Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust intake accordingly

The Impact of Electrolyte Imbalances on Specific Body Systems

How do electrolyte imbalances affect different parts of our body? The impact can be wide-ranging and potentially severe. Let’s explore the effects on some key body systems:

Cardiovascular System

Electrolyte imbalances, particularly those involving potassium, sodium, and calcium, can significantly impact heart function. These imbalances can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), changes in blood pressure, and in severe cases, can even trigger heart attacks.

Nervous System

Proper nerve function relies heavily on the correct balance of electrolytes. Imbalances can result in symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and changes in mental status. In extreme cases, severe imbalances can lead to coma.

Muscular System

Electrolytes play a crucial role in muscle contraction and relaxation. Imbalances can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and in severe cases, paralysis. This is particularly evident in conditions like hypokalemia (low potassium levels) or hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).

Digestive System

Electrolyte imbalances can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel movements. Severe imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestines and stomach.

Natural Sources of Electrolytes: Boosting Your Intake Through Diet

What foods are rich in electrolytes? While supplements and sports drinks can be useful, obtaining electrolytes through a balanced diet is often the best approach for maintaining optimal levels. Here are some excellent natural sources of key electrolytes:

Sodium

• Table salt
• Cheese
• Olives
• Pickles

Potassium

• Bananas
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Avocados

Magnesium

• Nuts (especially almonds)
• Seeds
• Whole grains
• Dark chocolate

Calcium

• Dairy products
• Leafy greens
• Sardines
• Fortified plant-based milk

Chloride

• Table salt
• Seaweed
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce

By incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet, you can help ensure that your body maintains a healthy balance of electrolytes.

Electrolyte Supplementation: When Is It Necessary?

When should you consider electrolyte supplements? While a balanced diet is usually sufficient for maintaining proper electrolyte levels, there are situations where supplementation may be beneficial or necessary:

• During or after intense, prolonged exercise, especially in hot conditions
• When experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
• For individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease)
• In cases of severe dehydration
• As prescribed by a healthcare professional for specific imbalances

It’s important to note that over-supplementation can lead to electrolyte imbalances, so always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Types of Electrolyte Supplements

Electrolyte supplements come in various forms, including:

• Powders to be mixed with water
• Ready-to-drink solutions
• Tablets or capsules
• Effervescent tablets
• Gels (often used by endurance athletes)

The best type for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the recommendation of your healthcare provider.

The Future of Electrolyte Research: Emerging Trends and Potential Applications

What does the future hold for electrolyte research? As our understanding of these essential minerals deepens, several exciting areas of study are emerging:

Personalized Hydration Strategies

Researchers are exploring ways to develop personalized hydration and electrolyte replacement strategies based on individual sweat rates, electrolyte composition, and genetic factors. This could lead to more effective hydration protocols for athletes and improved management of conditions affected by electrolyte imbalances.

Electrolyte Monitoring Technology

Advancements in wearable technology may soon allow for real-time monitoring of electrolyte levels. This could be particularly beneficial for athletes, individuals with chronic conditions, and healthcare providers managing patients at risk of electrolyte imbalances.

Novel Electrolyte Formulations

Scientists are working on developing new electrolyte formulations that may be more easily absorbed by the body or have additional health benefits. These could include prebiotic-enhanced electrolyte solutions or formulations tailored to specific health conditions.

Electrolytes and Cognitive Function

Emerging research is exploring the relationship between electrolyte balance and cognitive function. This could lead to new approaches for managing conditions like dementia or improving cognitive performance in healthy individuals.

Electrolyte Therapy in Disease Management

Researchers are investigating the potential of targeted electrolyte therapy in managing various diseases, from heart conditions to neurological disorders. This could open up new avenues for treatment and improve patient outcomes.

As research in these areas progresses, our understanding of electrolytes and their impact on human health will continue to evolve, potentially leading to innovative approaches in healthcare, nutrition, and athletic performance.

Definition, Functions, Imbalance and Sources

Electrolytes are involved in many essential processes in your body.

They play a role in conducting nervous impulses, contracting muscles, keeping you hydrated and regulating your body’s pH levels (1, 2, 3, 4).

Therefore, you need to get an adequate amount of electrolytes from your diet to keep your body functioning as it should.

This article takes a detailed look at electrolytes, their functions, the risk of imbalance and possible sources.

“Electrolyte” is the umbrella term for particles that carry a positive or negative electric charge (5).

In nutrition, the term refers to essential minerals found in your blood, sweat and urine.

When these minerals dissolve in a fluid, they form electrolytes — positive or negative ions used in metabolic processes.

Electrolytes found in your body include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphate
• Bicarbonate

These electrolytes are required for various bodily processes, including proper nerve and muscle function, maintaining acid-base balance and keeping you hydrated.

Summary

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They’re found in your blood, urine and sweat and are vital to specific processes that keep your body functioning as it should.

Electrolytes are crucial to keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning and your internal environment balanced.

Nervous System Function

Your brain sends electrical signals through your nerve cells to communicate with the cells throughout your body.

These signals are called nervous impulses, and they’re generated by changes to the electrical charge of the nerve cell membrane (6).

The changes occur due to the movement of the electrolyte sodium across the nerve cell membrane.

When this happens, it sets off a chain reaction, moving more sodium ions (and the change in charge) along the length of the nerve cell axon.

Muscle Function

The electrolyte calcium is needed for muscle contraction (7).

It allows muscle fibers to slide together and move over each other as the muscle shortens and contracts.

Magnesium is also required in this process so that the muscle fibers can slide outward and muscles can relax after contraction.

Proper Hydration

Water must be kept in the right amounts both inside and outside each cell in your body (8).

Electrolytes, particularly sodium, help maintain fluid balance through osmosis.

Osmosis is a process where water moves through the wall of a cell membrane from a dilute solution (more water and fewer electrolytes) toward a more concentrated solution (less water and more electrolytes).

This prevents cells from bursting from being too full or shriveling up due to dehydration (9).

Internal pH Levels

To stay healthy, your body needs to regulate its internal pH (10).

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is. In your body, it’s regulated by chemical buffers, or weak acids and bases, which help minimize changes in your internal environment.

For example, your blood is regulated to stay at a pH of around 7. 35 to 7.45. If it deviates from this, your body can’t function properly, and you become unwell.

Having the right balance of electrolytes is fundamental to maintaining your blood pH level (10).

Summary

Electrolytes are essential for keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning. They also ensure that your body’s internal environment is optimal by keeping you hydrated and helping regulate your internal pH.

In some circumstances, electrolyte levels in your blood can become too high or low, causing an imbalance (11, 12, 13).

Disturbances in electrolytes can have a harmful effect on your health and can even be fatal in rare cases (14).

Electrolyte imbalances often occur due to dehydration caused by excess heat, vomiting or diarrhea. This is why you should be mindful of replacing any lost fluids when it’s hot or when you’re sick (15).

Some illnesses, including kidney disease, eating disorders and injuries like severe burns, can cause electrolyte imbalances as well (16, 17, 18, 19).

If you have a mild electrolyte disturbance, you probably won’t experience any symptoms.

However, more severe imbalances can cause symptoms like (20, 21):

• Fatigue
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Numbness and tingling
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness and cramping
• Headaches
• Convulsions

If you suspect you have an electrolyte imbalance, be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Summary

Electrolyte imbalances most commonly occur when people are severely dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating. Severe imbalances can interfere with the way your body functions.

When you sweat, you lose both water and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride.

As a result, long periods of exercise or activity, particularly in the heat, can cause significant electrolyte loss.

It’s estimated that sweat contains about 40–60 mmol of sodium per liter on average (22).

But the actual amount of electrolytes lost through sweat can vary from person to person (23, 24).

In the US, the maximum recommended intake for sodium is 2,300 mg per day — which is equivalent to 6 grams or 1 teaspoon of table salt (25).

Since around 90% of American adults consume way more than this, most people don’t need to replace sodium lost from sweat (26).

However, certain populations, such as endurance athletes who are exercising for more than two hours or those who exercise in extreme heat, may want to consider drinking electrolyte-enriched sports drinks to replace their losses (27).

For everyone else, getting the normal amount of sodium from foods and drinking water to remain hydrated is enough.

Summary

You lose water and electrolytes, particularly sodium, when you sweat. However, the sodium consumed through your diet is normally enough to cover any losses.

The best way to reach and maintain electrolyte balance is through a healthy diet.

The main food sources of electrolytes are fruits and vegetables. However, in the Western diet, a common source of sodium and chloride is table salt.

Below are some foods that provide electrolytes (28, 29, 30):

• Sodium: Pickled foods, cheese and table salt.
• Chloride: Table salt.
• Potassium: Fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocado and sweet potato.
• Magnesium: Seeds and nuts.
• Calcium: Dairy products, fortified dairy alternatives and green leafy vegetables.

Electrolytes like bicarbonate are naturally produced in your body, so you don’t need to worry about including them in your diet.

Summary

Electrolytes are found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds.

Some people drink electrolyte water or supplement with electrolytes like sodium and calcium to ensure they get enough.

However, a balanced diet that includes sources of electrolytes should suffice for most.

Your body can typically regulate electrolytes efficiently and keep them at the right levels.

But in some circumstances, such as during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea where electrolyte losses are excessive, supplementing with a rehydration solution that contains electrolytes could be useful (31).

The amount you’ll need to consume will depend on your losses. Always read the instructions on over-the-counter replacement solutions.

Also note that unless you have low levels of electrolytes due to excessive losses, then supplementing can cause abnormal levels and possibly illness (32).

It’s best to first consult your doctor or pharmacist before supplementing with electrolytes.

Summary

If you eat a balanced diet that contains good sources of electrolytes, supplementing is usually unnecessary.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water.

They’re vital for your nervous system, muscles and maintaining an optimal body environment.

Most people meet their electrolyte needs through a balanced diet, though imbalance may occur if you’re dehydrated due to illness or excess heat.

If you suspect you have an electrolyte imbalance, speak with your doctor.

Definition, Functions, Imbalance and Sources

Electrolytes are involved in many essential processes in your body.

They play a role in conducting nervous impulses, contracting muscles, keeping you hydrated and regulating your body’s pH levels (1, 2, 3, 4).

Therefore, you need to get an adequate amount of electrolytes from your diet to keep your body functioning as it should.

This article takes a detailed look at electrolytes, their functions, the risk of imbalance and possible sources.

“Electrolyte” is the umbrella term for particles that carry a positive or negative electric charge (5).

In nutrition, the term refers to essential minerals found in your blood, sweat and urine.

When these minerals dissolve in a fluid, they form electrolytes — positive or negative ions used in metabolic processes.

Electrolytes found in your body include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphate
• Bicarbonate

These electrolytes are required for various bodily processes, including proper nerve and muscle function, maintaining acid-base balance and keeping you hydrated.

Summary

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. They’re found in your blood, urine and sweat and are vital to specific processes that keep your body functioning as it should.

Electrolytes are crucial to keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning and your internal environment balanced.

Nervous System Function

Your brain sends electrical signals through your nerve cells to communicate with the cells throughout your body.

These signals are called nervous impulses, and they’re generated by changes to the electrical charge of the nerve cell membrane (6).

The changes occur due to the movement of the electrolyte sodium across the nerve cell membrane.

When this happens, it sets off a chain reaction, moving more sodium ions (and the change in charge) along the length of the nerve cell axon.

Muscle Function

The electrolyte calcium is needed for muscle contraction (7).

It allows muscle fibers to slide together and move over each other as the muscle shortens and contracts.

Magnesium is also required in this process so that the muscle fibers can slide outward and muscles can relax after contraction.

Proper Hydration

Water must be kept in the right amounts both inside and outside each cell in your body (8).

Electrolytes, particularly sodium, help maintain fluid balance through osmosis.

Osmosis is a process where water moves through the wall of a cell membrane from a dilute solution (more water and fewer electrolytes) toward a more concentrated solution (less water and more electrolytes).

This prevents cells from bursting from being too full or shriveling up due to dehydration (9).

Internal pH Levels

To stay healthy, your body needs to regulate its internal pH (10).

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is. In your body, it’s regulated by chemical buffers, or weak acids and bases, which help minimize changes in your internal environment.

For example, your blood is regulated to stay at a pH of around 7.35 to 7.45. If it deviates from this, your body can’t function properly, and you become unwell.

Having the right balance of electrolytes is fundamental to maintaining your blood pH level (10).

Summary

Electrolytes are essential for keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning. They also ensure that your body’s internal environment is optimal by keeping you hydrated and helping regulate your internal pH.

In some circumstances, electrolyte levels in your blood can become too high or low, causing an imbalance (11, 12, 13).

Disturbances in electrolytes can have a harmful effect on your health and can even be fatal in rare cases (14).

Electrolyte imbalances often occur due to dehydration caused by excess heat, vomiting or diarrhea. This is why you should be mindful of replacing any lost fluids when it’s hot or when you’re sick (15).

Some illnesses, including kidney disease, eating disorders and injuries like severe burns, can cause electrolyte imbalances as well (16, 17, 18, 19).

If you have a mild electrolyte disturbance, you probably won’t experience any symptoms.

However, more severe imbalances can cause symptoms like (20, 21):

• Fatigue
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Numbness and tingling
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness and cramping
• Headaches
• Convulsions

If you suspect you have an electrolyte imbalance, be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Summary

Electrolyte imbalances most commonly occur when people are severely dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating. Severe imbalances can interfere with the way your body functions.

When you sweat, you lose both water and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride.

As a result, long periods of exercise or activity, particularly in the heat, can cause significant electrolyte loss.

It’s estimated that sweat contains about 40–60 mmol of sodium per liter on average (22).

But the actual amount of electrolytes lost through sweat can vary from person to person (23, 24).

In the US, the maximum recommended intake for sodium is 2,300 mg per day — which is equivalent to 6 grams or 1 teaspoon of table salt (25).

Since around 90% of American adults consume way more than this, most people don’t need to replace sodium lost from sweat (26).

However, certain populations, such as endurance athletes who are exercising for more than two hours or those who exercise in extreme heat, may want to consider drinking electrolyte-enriched sports drinks to replace their losses (27).

For everyone else, getting the normal amount of sodium from foods and drinking water to remain hydrated is enough.

Summary

You lose water and electrolytes, particularly sodium, when you sweat. However, the sodium consumed through your diet is normally enough to cover any losses.

The best way to reach and maintain electrolyte balance is through a healthy diet.

The main food sources of electrolytes are fruits and vegetables. However, in the Western diet, a common source of sodium and chloride is table salt.

Below are some foods that provide electrolytes (28, 29, 30):

• Sodium: Pickled foods, cheese and table salt.
• Chloride: Table salt.
• Potassium: Fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocado and sweet potato.
• Magnesium: Seeds and nuts.
• Calcium: Dairy products, fortified dairy alternatives and green leafy vegetables.

Electrolytes like bicarbonate are naturally produced in your body, so you don’t need to worry about including them in your diet.

Summary

Electrolytes are found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds.

Some people drink electrolyte water or supplement with electrolytes like sodium and calcium to ensure they get enough.

However, a balanced diet that includes sources of electrolytes should suffice for most.

Your body can typically regulate electrolytes efficiently and keep them at the right levels.

But in some circumstances, such as during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea where electrolyte losses are excessive, supplementing with a rehydration solution that contains electrolytes could be useful (31).

The amount you’ll need to consume will depend on your losses. Always read the instructions on over-the-counter replacement solutions.

Also note that unless you have low levels of electrolytes due to excessive losses, then supplementing can cause abnormal levels and possibly illness (32).

It’s best to first consult your doctor or pharmacist before supplementing with electrolytes.

Summary

If you eat a balanced diet that contains good sources of electrolytes, supplementing is usually unnecessary.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water.

They’re vital for your nervous system, muscles and maintaining an optimal body environment.

Most people meet their electrolyte needs through a balanced diet, though imbalance may occur if you’re dehydrated due to illness or excess heat.

If you suspect you have an electrolyte imbalance, speak with your doctor.

Electrolyte for batteries: its purpose and types

Almost throughout the operation of automotive vehicles, drivers are faced with such a concept as the level and density of the electrolyte in the battery. Serviced batteries are still in most cases replacing their counterparts in some technical parameters, one of these parameters is the operating temperature range.

Contents

1. Battery electrolyte
2. Acid electrolyte
3. Battery acid
4. Distilled water
5. Basic ratios
6. Viscosity
7. Resistivity
8. Alkaline electrolyte
9. Electrolyte disposal

90 025

Battery electrolyte

Battery fluid is a special solution of active substances necessary for accumulation and holding the internal energy of the power supply. The composition of such an electrical conductor determines the normal operation of the battery, as well as the service life, which is measured by the number of charge-discharge cycles. Directly in the battery solution itself, a chemical reaction is converted into electricity during the charging process. Many modern power supplies run on liquid electrolytes.

Two main types of electrolyte are used to power automotive equipment:

• alkaline;
• acid.

The main disadvantage of such batteries is the need for systematic inspection and addition of distilled water to the jars. Only high-quality materials should be used, otherwise the power source may fail.

Important! The use of ordinary water in the battery causes the plates to fall off and the battery to fail.

Acid electrolyte

The most common solution used in automotive power sources is acidic. This special liquid consists of two elements:

• distilled water;
• acid.

For acid batteries, there is one feature, they must be constantly maintained, topped up with acid or water. Such measures should be carried out due to the evaporation of the electrolyte in the operating mode, or charge.

Interesting to know! The density and electrolyte level are the main indicators that must be constantly monitored.

Battery acid

A sulfur based solution (sulfuric acid) is used as the acid component. Such a substance is very dangerous and can lead to chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is highly soluble in water, and a significant amount of heat can be released. At normal temperature and without foreign impurities, it has a density of 1.830 g / cm ³ . However, impurities can still be contained in the composition of the solution, it may contain arsenic, manganese, chlorine and iron.

Distilled water

In the process of preparing the electrolyte, it is necessary to use purified water. It is strictly forbidden to use tap water and river water, this will lead to irreversible reactions in the power source. It is allowed to add condensate, which is formed in high-capacity boiler plants, to the solution.

Special electric distillers are used for industrial production of distilled water. A 4 kW unit has a capacity of up to five liters per hour.

Tip! Before using purified water, check the content of impurities in it.

The main ratios of the components

To prepare the electrolyte of the required concentration, you must be guided by the following recommendations when selecting the proportions of the substance:

0003

The preparation of a solution from acid with a density of 1. 83 g/cm ³ is recommended in the following proportions:

There is another necessary parameter that should be taken into account is the decrease in the amount of acid and water produced with decreasing temperature. To control this property, a table was created to reduce the amount of solution:

Viscosity

During the operation of the battery, chemical reactions occur in each bank. The rate of interaction directly depends on the viscosity of the electrolyte. This parameter characterizes the diffusion processes during battery discharge and charge. With an increase in viscosity, the reaction rates in the electrolyte decrease, and the internal capacity of the battery decreases. Low temperature adversely affects the readings of this parameter, so this condition should be taken into account when installing the power supply.

Resistivity

With useful conductivity properties, the electrolyte also has a resistance characteristic. It is calculated by the formula:

R= r*S/L,

where r is the internal resistivity of the power supply;

S is the cross section of the conductor;

L is the length of the conductor.

The resistivity value is inversely proportional to the ambient temperature reading.

To maintain a wide operating temperature range, increase the density of the electrolyte. The table shows the freezing temperature of the electrolyte in the battery:

Attention! Modern starter batteries are filled with a conductive solution with a density value of 1.3 g / cm ³ , this allows you to maintain useful properties in harsh operating conditions, as well as extend the shelf life.

Alkaline electrolyte

This electrolyte consists of an alkaline component and distilled water. Alkalis are compounds based on potassium (KOH) or lithium.

KOH is a white solid that dissolves completely in water and releases heat. There are three types of electrolyte for alkaline batteries:

• higher, with KOH content up to 96%;
• category A up to 92%;
• category B up to 88%.

Attention! Precautions must be taken during the production of alkaline electrolyte, as caustic potash is a hazardous substance.

The recommended density for the battery is indicated in the passport of the power source during manufacture. Manufacturers in normal operation fill in electrolyte with a value of 1.21 g / cm ³ , in winter, the concentration of alkali in it is added to a value of 1.27 g / cm ³ .

The density of the alkaline electrolyte is shown in the table:

Disposal of the electrolyte

If the power supply fails, it must be replaced with a new one. Then the question arises, where to put the old one. Currently, there are a large number of points for the collection and disposal of used batteries. Special electrolyte recycling stations neutralize harmful substances in it, while protecting the environment from the danger of pollution.

Making your own electrolyte is a laborious and dangerous process, so it would be better to buy it ready-made in a store. The factory liquid, prepared in compliance with all technologies, will significantly increase the battery life and protect against dangerous shedding of the plates inside the battery.

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Electrolyte: the basis of lead-acid car batteries

Home Useful information Electrolyte: the basis of lead-acid car batteries

Lead-acid batteries are used as starter batteries in vehicles. The functioning of the battery is ensured by a special solution of sulfuric acid – an electrolyte. About what a battery electrolyte is, what types it is, and how to use it – read the article.

What is an electrolyte?

Battery electrolyte is an aqueous sulfuric acid solution for use in lead-acid batteries (batteries). The electrolyte is prepared by dissolving concentrated sulfuric acid in distilled water, the acid molecules in this solution dissociate (decompose) into ions – this phenomenon endows the electrolyte with electrically conductive properties.

The battery electrolyte has the following uses:

• Manufacture of storage batteries;
• Commissioning of dry-charged batteries;
• Battery recovery in case of electrolyte contamination or leakage, short circuits between the plates and other malfunctions.

But before using an electrolyte for a particular purpose, it is necessary to understand its characteristics and application features.

• 
  

  Electrolyte 1.27g/cc 5L OIL RIGHT

  
  455 ₽
  

• 
  

  Electrolyte 1.

  34g/cc 4L OIL RIGHT

  
  470 ₽
  

• 
  

  Electrolyte 1.27g/cc 1L OIL RIGHT

  
  150 ₽
  

• 
  

  Electrolyte 1.34g/cc 1L OIL RIGHT

  
  205 ₽
  

Why do batteries need electrolyte?

Electrolyte, lead plates, and porous lead dioxide (PbO ₂ ) are the three main components of a lead-acid battery. It is in the presence of an acidic electrolyte that electrochemical reactions occur, making it possible for the battery to accumulate and release an electric charge.

During battery discharge, metallic lead and lead oxide react with sulfuric acid (more precisely, with its negative ions SO ₄ and positive H ions), forming lead sulfate (PbSO ₄ ) and water, while excess electrons are released on the anode plates. On the cathode plates, on the contrary, there is a lack of electrons, due to which, when the anode and cathode are closed, an electric current arises between them. During battery charging, reverse reactions take place – under the influence of current from a third-party source, pure lead, lead dioxide and acid are formed from lead sulfate.

During these reactions, the amount of sulfuric acid and water in the electrolyte changes, which leads to a change in its density and volume. When the battery is discharged, the acid concentration decreases, and the water concentration slightly increases, which leads to a decrease in density and to some increase in the electrolyte volume. In the process of charging, the density increases, and the volume decreases slightly.

Types and characteristics of electrolytes

The electrolyte is made by mixing concentrated sulfuric acid and distilled water in strictly defined proportions. For the manufacture of electrolyte, special battery sulfuric acid (according to GOST 667-73) and distilled water (according to GOST 6709-72) are used. This solution is used in all types of modern lead-acid batteries.

The main characteristic of the electrolyte is its density. For normal operation of the battery, the density of the electrolyte should be in the range of 1.23-1.4 g / cu. cm, since it is at this density that the solution has the maximum electrical conductivity. However, the density of concentrated sulfuric acid is 1.83 g/cu. cm, therefore, to achieve the required density, the acid is mixed with water.

The density of the electrolyte depends to a large extent on two parameters: temperature and the state of charge of the battery.

We said above about the dependence of the density of the electrolyte depending on the charge of the battery: when charging, the density increases, when discharging, it decreases. The dependence of electrolyte density on temperature is simple: as the temperature decreases, the density decreases, and as the temperature rises, it increases. Therefore, the normal density is determined at a temperature of + 25 ° C, and in order to correctly measure the density at any temperature, use the table of amendments to the hydrometer readings:

9 0304 -25 … -11

Electrolyte temperature, °C	Hydrometer Correction, g/cu. see
-55 … -41	-0.05
-40 … -26	-0.04
-0.03
-10 … +4	-0.02
+5 … +19	-0.01
+20 … +30	0
+31 … +45	+0.01
+46 … +60	+0.02

For example, if the electrolyte is at +25°C has a density of 1.28 g/ cube cm, then at a temperature of -15 ° C it has a density of 1. 25 g / cu. cm, and when heated to + 50 ° C (which often happens in the engine compartment of a car), the density rises to 1.3 g / cu. see

To compensate for the change in electrolyte density in the batteries of vehicles operated in different climatic zones, electrolytes of greater or lesser density are used:

• Summer and hot climates – density 1.23-1.24 g/cc;
• For temperate and cold climates – 1.27-1.28 g / cc;
• Winter and cold climates – 1.3-1.34 g/cc.

In addition, with an increase in the density of the electrolyte, its frost resistance increases – denser electrolytes are resistant to freezing, so they are better suited for operation in the cold season and in cold climatic zones.

Today you can buy an electrolyte of the required density, freeing yourself from the difficult procedure of preparing an electrolyte of the right characteristics from acid and water. The electrolyte is sold in containers with a capacity of 1 to 20 liters, so you can always purchase the volume you need for work.

Use of battery electrolyte

It should be noted right away that the electrolyte is not used for routine maintenance of the battery. Most often, the electrolyte level in the battery drops and its level drops, in this case maintenance is performed by adding water. The fact is that during the operation of the battery, water evaporates from the electrolyte, and the acid remains in place. Also, water loss can occur if the battery is overcharged – when a certain density is reached, the concentration of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte decreases and it is no longer enough for the normal course of the above electrolytic reactions. Under these conditions, the process of electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen begins – this is manifested by the “boiling” of the electrolyte, and the resulting gases evaporate. In both cases, during evaporation and decomposition of water, the density of the electrolyte increases, and water must be used to restore it.

The electrolyte is most often used to restore battery operation in the event of freezing of the electrolyte with subsequent loss of its characteristics. If the electrolyte in the battery is frozen, then, first of all, it is necessary to bring it into a warm room and wait for it to thaw. After that, the battery should be charged with a low current – a current of about 1 ampere is recommended and the charging time is up to 2 days. During charging, it is necessary to measure the density of the electrolyte, if it starts to rise, then it can be normally charged and operated.

If under no circumstances does the density increase, the electrolyte must be replaced. This is done as follows:

1. Drain the electrolyte from all battery cells;
2. Rinse jars with distilled water;
3. Add new electrolyte to specified level;
4. Leave the battery for 2-3 hours to soak the electrolyte plates;
5. Charge the battery with a low current of 0.5-1 amperes for 2 days.

Charging should be stopped when the electrolyte density and terminal voltage are stable for at least two hours.

But if the freezing of the battery caused deformation or destruction of the plates, then it is useless to change the electrolyte – you need to buy a new battery.

Other problems with the battery are eliminated in the same way – leakage or contamination of the electrolyte, repair of the battery after a short circuit, etc. But in these cases, first you need to check the battery for integrity and maintainability, if cracks and other physical damage are found, the battery cannot be repaired, it must be disposed of.

A special case is the commissioning of dry-charged batteries that are supplied without electrolyte. Usually, to prepare such a battery, you need to fill it with electrolyte and wait until the required density is reached – all these actions are necessarily prescribed in the instructions for the battery. There is no need to pre-charge a dry-charged battery!

In all cases it is necessary to correctly calculate the volume of electrolyte in order to make the correct purchase. The volume of electrolyte in a battery depends on its voltage and electrical capacity. The most common 12-volt batteries with a capacity of 55-60 Ah hold 2.