From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Leaking Edison Cells and the supplier's explanation of the cause.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\7\ B001_X15 20 46 50 59-page258 | |
| Date | 11th February 1914 | |
| Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}/Mcr23/L11214. X.50 Re Edison Cells. X.50 Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} agreed 12-2-14 R.{Sir Henry Royce} 11-2-14. Mr Royce in his memo Rl/P6.2.14. states that one or two of the Edison Cells fitted to 2301 have gone wrong due to leaking. This is a fault that has been reported on previously several times in connection with these cells, and on 9/12/13 we returned some cells to Edison Accumulators Ltd to repair for this same trouble and the following is an extract from their reply. "The cell returned had the container destroyed through electrolysis caused by water or electrolyte having been allowed to stand in the bottom of the box. In this connection we beg to state that the damage done to the above cell is due to the fact that you have removed it from its original crate, in which we shipped the batteries to you, and put it in a box of your own design, which is not safe at all for the Edison battery. We notice this on one of the consignment of cells you returned to us for putting into proper order, and were surprised at the way you had fixed them up. You have put each cell in a separate compartment of a wooden box with springs to hold them in position; the cells resting in the bottom of the box. Any water or electrolyte may happen to be spilt in any compartment of the box, having no escape, is bound to close a circuit between the containers of the cells, and destroy same by electrolysis after more or less time. This is what has happened with the cell in question you have returned to us. As you have probably noticed we employ a special crate for assembling and insulating" (upside down text) R.R. Std 19 (1000 20.9.12) A.V.A (N & S) Ltd. M/c | ||