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In the modern industrial logistics field, forklifts, as indispensable handling equipment, the quality of their power core, lead-acid batteries, not only directly affects the working efficiency and endurance of forklifts, but is also closely related to the operating costs and safe production of enterprises. However, there are numerous brands of lead-acid batteries for forklifts on the market, with varying qualities. How to accurately identify their quality has become a focus of concern for many enterprises and users. This article will systematically and deeply introduce to you the quality identification methods of forklift lead-acid batteries from multiple dimensions, helping you purchase high-quality and reliable products.

Ⅰ. Appearance details: The first step in quality identification

1. Shell material and craftsmanship

High-quality lead-acid battery casings for forklifts are usually made of high-strength and corrosion-resistant ABS or PP materials. When making an identification, we can make a preliminary judgment by observing the glossiness and flatness of the shell surface. A high-quality shell surface should be smooth, free of obvious scratches, bubbles and deformations, and have a uniform color. When you tap the shell gently with your hand, it will produce a clear and firm sound, which indicates that the shell material is compact and has high strength. If the sound is dull, there may be problems such as loose material or internal defects. In addition, attention should be paid to the joints of the casing. For exquisitely crafted batteries, the joints of the casing should be tight without cracks or glue overflow to prevent electrolyte leakage from causing corrosion to the forklift equipment.

2. Pole inspection

The terminal post is a key part where the battery connects to the forklift circuit, and its quality is of vital importance. First, observe the material of the terminal post. High-quality terminal posts are generally made of pure lead or lead alloy, and their surfaces should be smooth, free of oxide layers and cracks. If the surface of the pole post turns black, dark, or even has white powder-like substances, it indicates that the pole post has undergone oxidation or sulfidation. This not only affects the electrical conductivity but may also lead to poor contact, causing difficulties in starting the forklift or insufficient power. Secondly, check whether the size and shape of the terminal post are standard and uniform to ensure that the connection lines with the forklift can fit tightly, avoiding excessive resistance due to insufficient contact area, which may cause heating or even fire and other safety hazards.

3. Signs and labels

Forklift lead-acid batteries produced by regular manufacturers will have important information such as product model, rated voltage, capacity, production date and manufacturer clearly marked on the casing. Carefully check this information to confirm whether it is consistent with the product manual and the materials provided by the seller. At the same time, check if there are any relevant quality certification marks, such as China Quality Certification Center certification, ISO quality management system certification, etc. These certifications are important proofs that the product quality complies with relevant standards. If the labels are unclear, the information is missing or contradictory, the quality and source of the product are questionable.

Ⅱ. Parameter Interpretation: Unveiling the Core Code of Quality

1. Rated voltage and capacity

Rated voltage refers to the output voltage of a battery under normal working conditions. Common rated voltages for forklift lead-acid batteries include 24V, 48V, etc. They must be matched with the motor and circuit system of the forklift; otherwise, they cannot work normally. Capacity is an important indicator for measuring the amount of electricity stored in a battery, usually expressed in ampere-hours, such as 100Ah, 200Ah, etc. The larger the capacity, the longer the theoretical driving range of the forklift should be. When identifying, pay attention to whether the actual capacity is consistent with the label. It can be tested through a professional battery capacity tester or by checking the capacity test report provided by the manufacturer.

2. Internal resistance

Internal resistance is one of the key parameters affecting the performance of a storage battery. It reflects the electrical conductivity and chemical activity within the battery. Generally speaking, the smaller the internal resistance, the higher the charging and discharging efficiency of the battery, the stronger the high-current discharge capacity, and the better the power performance of the forklift when starting and driving under heavy load. An internal resistance tester can be used to measure the battery. By comparing the standard values of internal resistance of high-quality batteries of the same type and capacity, if the internal resistance of the measured battery is significantly larger, it indicates that there are quality problems with its internal components such as plates and electrolyte, such as plate sulfation and uneven electrolyte density, which will lead to a decline in battery performance and a shortened service life.

3. Cycle life

Cycle life refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles that a storage battery can achieve a certain capacity retention rate under specified charge and discharge conditions. The longer the cycle life, the better the durability of the battery, which can save the cost of battery replacement for enterprises. In addition, attention can also be paid to the technologies and processes adopted by the battery, such as the use of advanced plate manufacturing processes and high-performance separator materials, which can often effectively extend the cycle life.

Ⅲ. Performance Testing: A Practical Test to verify quality

1.Charge and discharge test

Charge and discharge testing is one of the most direct and effective methods for quality identification. During the charging process, observe the battery's charging acceptance capacity and temperature rise. High-quality storage batteries can accept the charging current quickly and stably, with a relatively low temperature rise during the charging process. If there is severe heat during charging, the charging time is too long, or the battery cannot be fully charged, there may be problems such as internal short circuit or insufficient active material on the plates. During the discharge test, professional discharge equipment is used to discharge the battery at a constant current, and the discharge time and voltage change curve are recorded. Calculate the actual capacity based on the discharge time and current, and compare it with the marked capacity. At the same time, observe whether the voltage drop is smooth. If the voltage suddenly drops during the discharge process, it indicates that the battery has faults such as single cell lag and is of poor quality.

2. High current discharge test

When a forklift starts up and operates under heavy loads, it requires a battery to provide a large current. The instantaneous discharge capacity of the battery can be tested by simulating a high-current discharge scenario. Use a high-current discharge fork or a dedicated high-current discharge tester to perform a short period of high-current discharge on the battery and observe the voltage drop. Under the specified high-current discharge conditions, the terminal voltage drop of high-quality storage batteries is relatively small and can recover quickly. Poor-quality batteries, however, will experience a sharp drop in voltage and may even fail to return to normal. This indicates that the active material on their plates is prone to fall off under the impact of large currents, failing to meet the actual working requirements of forklifts.

3. Sealing test

Due to the complex working environment of forklifts, with frequent jolts and vibrations, the sealing performance of the battery is of vital importance. The sealing performance of the battery can be inspected through pressure testing. Put the battery into a sealed container, fill the container with gas at a certain pressure, and observe the pressure changes inside the container. If the pressure remains stable within the specified time, it indicates that the battery has good sealing performance and can effectively prevent the leakage of the electrolyte and the entry of external impurities. If the pressure drops rapidly, it indicates that there is a problem of poor sealing. Long-term use may lead to the drying up of the electrolyte, a decline in battery performance, and even cause safety accidents.

In conclusion, the quality identification of forklift lead-acid batteries requires a comprehensive consideration from multiple aspects such as appearance details, parameter interpretation, performance testing, and brand after-sales service. Through meticulous observation, professional testing and in-depth understanding, we can accurately determine the quality of the battery, select high-quality products suitable for forklifts, and provide a solid guarantee for the efficient production and safe operation of the enterprise. In the actual purchasing process, do not be lured by the temporary low price and neglect the quality and after-sales service, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble and economic losses for subsequent use.