I was flying my slow stick for the 3rd time after 2 VERY succesful FIRST EVER solo flights (what a great plane to learn on)

Anyway, I didnt have my etech 1020mah 2C pack on tight enough & on a sharp bank, it came loose, swung out, & the prop hit it. The cell is dented pretty deep but NOT punctured, with NO swelling, & the pack still powers the motor fine.

Am I okay/safe to charge? Any diagnostics I can do? I'm using a GP Triton charger WITH temperature probe.

While I'm at it, any suggestions for good fire-proof containers in which to charge? (just in case)

Thanks all

Lee

Ouch. If the cell is punctured you will smell a very distinct sweet smell. The problem with that deep dent is that it can cause the plates to short and cause problems later. I would say be very careful with that pack. If you want to try and charge it, do so in a non flammable environment (center of garage for example) and in a flower pot, pyrex container etc. The best method is to fill a ziplock bag with sand and place it over the battery while you charge it. If the battery goes up, the bag is melted, sand is released and smothers out any flames and heat. My advise is to soak that pack overnight in saltwater and write it off.


-Mike

Thanks AtlantaF, much appreciated, I agree, off to LiPo heaven she goes. Never heard of the saltwater treatment before, does it neutralize the cells, that is, does it make the cells less likely to be explosive?

Lee

Yes...soaking the lipos in saltwater makes them safe to dispose of. You should FIRST put them under the saltwater THEN punch a hole in them. Let them soak overnight. Don't ever poke a hole in them in the open air!

The Salt makes the water more conductive. You will see tiny nitrogen bubbles coming out of the connector as the cell energy is released. Soak it overnight (if there is a good amount of voltage left in the cells soak it for 24 hours) then discard in the trash.

As Rcadmin stated.. Dont ever poke a hole in them....ever!

Will do guys, thanks.

Oh, is the water toxic after that? Okay to dump in a sink? Or better outdoors?

Lee

I believe it is neutral. I wouldnt drink it ....but either method of disposal will suffice.


Happy soaking.
-Mike

If you drink it, you'll be thirsty from the salt, and your depression about the battery being damaged will disappear because of the lithium content

Just kidding. They use lithium as an antidepressant, right?

LOL.

Disclaimer.**
Dont try this at home....

actually, they use lithium as a treatment for manic depressive disorder and schizophrenia i believe

I have a question, just bought a lipo battery and it arrived swell up , i call the store and they will replace it, My question is.. Is it save to have it at home while i return it, Will the air pressure in an airplane can make it explode. Thanks in advance

take it outside and store it in a safe place. if you can, get your hands on a military ammunition canister. they will take the blast, that's what i use.

Just saltwatered a $70 LiPo pack. Those are hydrogen and oxygen bubbles, BTW. It's a process called electrolysis, I believe. If you catch the bubbles in a tube and hold a lighter under it, it will explode with a large pop as the energy is release to form water once again.

Where you get nitrogen man?

For future reference, DO NOT EVER ship a ballooned LiPoly. Take a picture of it, then soak it in salt water to neutralize it. If that cell were to burn, it could start a secondary fire in the belly of whatever vehicle it's being shipped in. By the time the fire is noticed, it may be too late.