[NSRCA-discussion] Li-Po Question -- SAFETY!!!!

Sun Aug 30 15:08:07 AKDT 2009

Speaking of NiCads....  I have read that this is the last year they will be sold or used in Europe...  They have been

outlawed there.  I'm wondering how long before the rest of the world follows suit?....  Even if they will still be available

in the US, how much supply will be available and at what price?  I'm sure the price will rise sharply.

Rex

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:14:00 -0400
To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
From: chuenkan at comcast.net
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Li-Po Question -- SAFETY!!!!

OK, I accept what you say about Lipos.  Bit I know NiCds are not to be tossed, nor cells with lead in them.  I still don't believe that lithium gong into the ecosystem is safe, however...I'll do mine my way.

At 11:22 AM 8/30/2009, you wrote:

The research I did says the chemical properties of a lipo break down on full discharge to a state where they are not environmentally harmful.  However, if you don't agree, physically disposing of the discharge lipos in a environmentally 'safe' certainly will be the safest way to get rid of them.  

Don

In a message dated 8/30/2009 8:00:17 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, chuenkan at comcast.net writes:

You do NOT "just throw rechargeable batteries into the trash". 

 Cadmium and lithium are heavy metals that cause harm to biological systems when ingested improperly -- i.e. from seeping into the water table from landfills.  Lithium is used in SMALL QUANTITIES to treat some kinds of mental disorders, but that is under rigid manufacturing and dosing conditions.  Lead is also a heavy metal, that is why there is an extra charge when one buys a car battery without a "trade-in".  

I was in RadShack the other day, and we happened to start talking about recycling these batteries -- they will take ANY rechargeable battery except auto batteries, including our R/C NicCads and Lipos, with no charge, and send them to a proper recycling center.  You can also usually take them to local govt. recycling centers for no charge.  Here in Oak Ridge, TN, every Wed and one Saturday per month the center is open for all kinds of hazardous items -- old PCs and TVs, paint, florescent bulbs, and on, and on.

PLEASE recycle - not because of tree-hugging, but for human and animal safety...

At 10:16 AM 8/30/2009, you wrote:

There are many ways to drain the battery down to safe levels.  I have heard the lipos are 'safe' anywhere below 2V per cell, however, I figure as long as I have something draining them, I just leave them on the load until they are basically 'dead'.

For anything up to 3 cells, I use an automobile tail light bulb.  Just solder 2 leads onto the bulb at the 2 contact points and clip the other ends onto the battery leads.  For a 5 cell pack, I would use 2 bulbs in series.  Put them in a safe area, clip the bulbs on and leave them for a couple days.  Check the voltage from time to time and when it gets down to about zero, just throw the battery in the trash.

I tried the salt water bath approach and it didn't do anything for me.  After a couple days, the voltage had declined very little so I took the light bulb approach.  Actually anything that puts a load on the batteries will work.  A large resistor, light bulb, old brushed motor, etc.

Don

In a message dated 8/30/2009 6:10:08 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Snaproll4 at aol.com writes: 

I have a Li-Po pack(5000) that needs to be thrown away.  It does not appear to be physically damaged, but I need to know about the voltage.  How low should I discharge it and I how do I do that?  My TP charger would take it down to 3.3 volts/cell.

TIA.

Steve

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_______________________________________________
NSRCA-discussion mailing list
NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
--> There are only two types of aircraft -- fighters and targets.

Phil Spelt, Webmaster & Past President, Knox County Radio Control Society, Inc.
       URL: http://www.kcrctn.com
AMA--1294,  Scientific Leader Member, SPA--177
      My URL: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/~chuenkan/
      (865) 435-1476 v  (865) 604-0541 c 
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