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).
Letter quoting a report from Chloride Electrical Storage Co. Ltd. on the cause of failure in Exide batteries.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\5\ Scan344 | |
| Date | 5th November 1923 | |
| EF. from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to EFC. c. to EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} X.4288 Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}7/NJ5.11.23. Exide Batteries. Referring to EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}/CEP3/H5.10.23, we are in receipt of a letter from the Chloride Electrical Storage Co.Ltd., Clifton Junction, Nr.Manchester, dated 1st inst. as follows:- "We have duly received the seven 12 volt Exide "batteries which were shewn to the undersigned on his "last visit to your Works. "We would specially remind you that he was informed "that these batteries had been in service in the Test "Dept. for about 6 months, and Mr.Clark naturally "expressed some concern at the fact that the negatives "in some of the cells of the later design had shed "active material. For this reason the undersigned under- "took to have the batteries thoroughly examined on their "return to these Works, and an explanation given for the "loss of paste. "The batteries have been examined, and the date of "manufacture established by the method of code reference "stamped on all the group bars. This code stamping was "started in May 1922. We are, therefore, able to say "definitely that the negative plates in question were "manufactured during the period July 1921-May 1922, and "we are confident from the condition of the cells that "they have been in service very much longer than the "time estimated by your Works staff. "The reason for the loss of negative paste was that "the cells had evidently been used for some time after "the positive plates had entirely collapsed. The elements "were completely short circuited, and under such conditions "the negative active material would change its nature, and "be reduced to a puffed up non-adherent mass. "We are glad to be able to give you this report, as it "should go to remove any apprehension as to the quality of "the plates installed in Rolls-Royce batteries." I shall be pleased to learn whether you agree that the age of the batteries is greater than you appear to have reported to Mr.McKinnon, and whether you agree with the reason given for the loss of negative paste. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} | ||