Hydrocaps - Recombiner Battery Caps, Standard Bayonet

Fits most standard batteries with a twist lock cap.

A Hydrocap is a catalytic gas recombiner than converts hydrogen and oxygen gasses into pure water. A catalyst is a substance which encourages other substances into chemical change without actually participating in that change, sort of a chemical ambassador. The process occurring in the Hydrocap is similar to that occurring in an automotive catalytic converter.

The Hydrocap replaces the regular cell cap. When the cell is gassing, the hydrogen and oxygen gasses are vented into the Hydrocap. Inside the Hydrocap, a catalyst of platinum and other platinum group metals recombine the gasses into pure water. This water is then dripped back into the cell. The Hydrocap recycles the water that the cell gives off as hydrogen and oxygen gasses. This eliminates the danger posed by the hydrogen gas and vastly reduces watering the cells. When the cell is gassing, some of the recharging energy is not being stored in the cell, but is breaking down water into its constituent elements- hydrogen and oxygen. Some of the energy used in the conversion of water into hydrogen and oxygen is retrieved by the Hydrocap. When the Hydrocap is operating it gets warm. This heat energy is a by product of the catalytic recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen back into water. While this may seem just an interesting aside, we found the Hydrocap's warmth very useful as an indicator of the cell's state of charge.

Note: We only stock the bayonet-base Hydrocaps (these are the most common). We can order any other type or style at the same price (minimum order is 6) - about 3-6 week delivery.

Differences between Hydrocaps and Water Miser caps:

1. Hydrocaps should be removed when equalizing, or they can get extremely hot and may be ruined. Water Misers can stay in place all the time.
2. Hydrocaps re-combine the Oxygen and Hydrogen released by the battery while charging, reducing water loss up to 90%. Water Misers do not re-combine, but water loss is reduced by 50-80% by trapping fine water and acid particles. However, since Hydrocaps must be removed when the batteries are being heavily charged you do not get the full benefit of recombining.
3. Hydrocaps are more expensive - because they do more. Hydrocaps will not last forever, though - life will vary from 3 years to 8 years, depending on charge rates and how they are treated. If left on during battery equalization, they can be quickly used up and/or ruined.