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Increasing Notebook Battery Power

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Depending upon the model, a notebook battery usually lasts from 1 to 8 hours. However, with efficient battery usage, an hour or two of battery power can significantly be increased. You can save battery power by using the built-in battery saving modes and by following good notebook battery-saving practices.
Built-in battery-saving modes are Stand By and Hibernate. In the Stand By mode, open applications are stored in the RAM, the hard disks power down, the monitor switches off, but the processor goes on running. When you again perform some activity of the mouse or the keyboard, then the hard disk powers up, the monitor switches on, and the data from the RAM is activated, restoring your notebook exactly the way you left it.
The Hibernation mode is used when the notebook is left unattended for a long time. The open applications are stored on the hard disk, which subsequently powers down, the monitor turns off, and the processor turns off going in for hibernation. On soft rebooting like a restart or wake up on LAN, the processor turns on, the laptop wakes up, and the same exact settings are restored. Both these modes should be used to conserve battery power. You can preset your preferences in the settings of your notebook, so that in case you doze off, or leave the device for a coffee or a snack, the notebook automatically goes into any one of these power saving modes.
Following battery-saving practices can also save notebook battery power. You should always adjust the monitor controls to suit the room lighting conditions. Dimming the contrast and brightness saves battery power besides providing relief to your eyes. Auto-save and auto-update features of applications start in the background without your knowledge and these should be disabled. External devices consume a lot of battery power, hence the usage of external mice, monitors, keyboards, optical drives, videocam, digital cameras, or any other device connected to the PC Card slot, VGA/ FireWire/ USB port should be avoided.
Increase the RAM memory, if an extra slot is available, as this puts fewer burdens on the hard disk, which consumes a lot of battery power. Avoid multimedia games while you are running your notebook on battery power. Similarly, avoid music or movies. Copy the CD/DVD on the hard disk and play it from there, instead of the optical drive. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth. Built-in wireless cards should also be disabled. Decrease or set to mute the notebook speaker volume. Turn off all preprogrammed scheduled tasks. All unused open applications should be closed. The general guideline is that when your notebook is on battery power, you should perform only such operations, which are the need of the hour. Rest of the applications can be performed, when your notebook is connected to the mains.
Keeping good care of the battery also prolongs its life. To maximize performance of nickel-metal hydride batteries, they have to be completely drained off before they are recharged. However, lithium-ion batteries do not need cycling/ conditioning, and they do not suffer from memory effects. Hence, they need not be fully drained off before recharging. When the notebook is not in use for an extended period, the battery pack should be removed to avoid battery leakage. Before removing the battery pack, you should charge it fully and then remove it, as all kinds of batteries should always be stored in a fully charged state. Do not store your battery pack along with metal parts, as this will short-circuit your battery.
Utilizing the built-in battery saving options and other means, you can significantly add one to three hours more in the total capacity of your notebook battery. Sometimes, in critical situations, like an important meeting, this extra hour of notebook battery power can help you clinch your desired deal.

Depending upon the model, a notebook battery usually lasts from 1 to 8 hours. However, with efficient battery usage, an hour or two of battery power can significantly be increased. You can save battery power by using the built-in battery saving modes and by following good notebook battery-saving practices.
Built-in battery-saving modes are Stand By and Hibernate. In the Stand By mode, open applications are stored in the RAM, the hard disks power down, the monitor switches off, but the processor goes on running. When you again perform some activity of the mouse or the keyboard, then the hard disk powers up, the monitor switches on, and the data from the RAM is activated, restoring your notebook exactly the way you left it.
The Hibernation mode is used when the notebook is left unattended for a long time. The open applications are stored on the hard disk, which subsequently powers down, the monitor turns off, and the processor turns off going in for hibernation. On soft rebooting like a restart or wake up on LAN, the processor turns on, the laptop wakes up, and the same exact settings are restored. Both these modes should be used to conserve battery power. You can preset your preferences in the settings of your notebook, so that in case you doze off, or leave the device for a coffee or a snack, the notebook automatically goes into any one of these power saving modes.
Following battery-saving practices can also save notebook battery power. You should always adjust the monitor controls to suit the room lighting conditions. Dimming the contrast and brightness saves battery power besides providing relief to your eyes. Auto-save and auto-update features of applications start in the background without your knowledge and these should be disabled. External devices consume a lot of battery power, hence the usage of external mice, monitors, keyboards, optical drives, videocam, digital cameras, or any other device connected to the PC Card slot, VGA/ FireWire/ USB port should be avoided.
Increase the RAM memory, if an extra slot is available, as this puts fewer burdens on the hard disk, which consumes a lot of battery power. Avoid multimedia games while you are running your notebook on battery power. Similarly, avoid music or movies. Copy the CD/DVD on the hard disk and play it from there, instead of the optical drive. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth. Built-in wireless cards should also be disabled. Decrease or set to mute the notebook speaker volume. Turn off all preprogrammed scheduled tasks. All unused open applications should be closed. The general guideline is that when your notebook is on battery power, you should perform only such operations, which are the need of the hour. Rest of the applications can be performed, when your notebook is connected to the mains.
Keeping good care of the battery also prolongs its life. To maximize performance of nickel-metal hydride batteries, they have to be completely drained off before they are recharged. However, lithium-ion batteries do not need cycling/ conditioning, and they do not suffer from memory effects. Hence, they need not be fully drained off before recharging. When the notebook is not in use for an extended period, the battery pack should be removed to avoid battery leakage. Before removing the battery pack, you should charge it fully and then remove it, as all kinds of batteries should always be stored in a fully charged state. Do not store your battery pack along with metal parts, as this will short-circuit your battery.
Utilizing the built-in battery saving options and other means, you can significantly add one to three hours more in the total capacity of your notebook battery. Sometimes, in critical situations, like an important meeting, this extra hour of notebook battery power can help you clinch your desired deal.

Filed Under: Battery Information

Car Battery Cleaning Made Easy

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Did you ever go to jumpstart your car, and notice that you can barely see your battery underneath all the gunk?  This ‘gunk’ is actually battery corrosion, which is formed by acid condensation.  Since this is formed by acid, a basic chemical solution will do the cleaning trick.  Battery acid is actually very easy to clean away with a common household item- baking soda!  But still, precautions must be followed.  This article will inform you step by step how to clean the battery while keeping safe.
First, you will need to gather supplies for this project.  Most of these items you may already have in your home.
Safety glasses or goggles
Box of baking soda
Adjustable pliers with insulated handles
Screwdrivers with insulated handles
A small, stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work just fine!)
Assorted small open-end and box wrenches
Small metal or plastic scraper
Special battery tools, including a cable puller and cable terminal cleaning brushes
A turkey baster or small funnel
All-purpose household cleaner in a spray bottle
Sponges or clean cloths
A source of ample clean water such as a garden hose or a large bucket and sponge
Rubber gloves for protecting your hands
There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when getting ready to clean the battery. First of all, you safety glasses and gloves must be worn to protect your eyes and skin from sulfuric acid that can linger in the corrosion deposits.  Also, this material can eat away at your car’s paint, so keep it away from that as well.
Because the amount of dirt and corrosion on batteries may differ from one another, battery cleaning will vary, so some of the steps below may or may not need to be performed.  Sometimes, to thoroughly remove severe corrosion and dirt, you may even need to remove the battery from the vehicle.
First, scrape off any white or greenish corrosion deposits with the stiff-bristled brush or small metal or plastic scraper. Next, use the solution of baking soda mixed with water, approximately one heaping tablespoon to each pint of water.  Carefully apply it to the outside of the battery and its cable connections with the turkey baster or small funnel. Then, you can use your brush to work the baking soda solution into the heavily corroded areas.  If you find that the cable clamps or terminals are badly corroded at the battery, you can disconnect them for easier cleaning. For this, you may need to use pliers, assorted wrenches and a small battery cable puller to disconnect them.  You should disconnect the negative first, followed by the positive.
Then, use your battery cable scrapers or brush to remove the corrosion from the terminals, battery posts and hold down clamps and brackets. Flush these parts with your baking soda solution to rid them of any trace of corrosion.  After this, wash the outside of the battery, the cable ends and the hold down parts with a liquid cleaner in a spray bottle.  After that, use a sponge or rag to get off any remaining dirt or grease.  After everything is clean, dry off the battery and all its parts with a dry rag or cloth.
The final step is just reinstalling any part that was removed and tightening everything so it is secure.  Reconnect the battery, positive cable first.  You’re done!  You’re battery is now safe and clean.

Did you ever go to jumpstart your car, and notice that you can barely see your battery underneath all the gunk?  This ‘gunk’ is actually battery corrosion, which is formed by acid condensation.  Since this is formed by acid, a basic chemical solution will do the cleaning trick.  Battery acid is actually very easy to clean away with a common household item- baking soda!  But still, precautions must be followed.  This article will inform you step by step how to clean the battery while keeping safe.
First, you will need to gather supplies for this project.  Most of these items you may already have in your home.Safety glasses or gogglesBox of baking soda Adjustable pliers with insulated handles Screwdrivers with insulated handles A small, stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work just fine!) Assorted small open-end and box wrenchesSmall metal or plastic scraper Special battery tools, including a cable puller and cable terminal cleaning brushes A turkey baster or small funnel All-purpose household cleaner in a spray bottle Sponges or clean cloths A source of ample clean water such as a garden hose or a large bucket and sponge Rubber gloves for protecting your hands
There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when getting ready to clean the battery. First of all, you safety glasses and gloves must be worn to protect your eyes and skin from sulfuric acid that can linger in the corrosion deposits.  Also, this material can eat away at your car’s paint, so keep it away from that as well.
Because the amount of dirt and corrosion on batteries may differ from one another, battery cleaning will vary, so some of the steps below may or may not need to be performed.  Sometimes, to thoroughly remove severe corrosion and dirt, you may even need to remove the battery from the vehicle.
First, scrape off any white or greenish corrosion deposits with the stiff-bristled brush or small metal or plastic scraper. Next, use the solution of baking soda mixed with water, approximately one heaping tablespoon to each pint of water.  Carefully apply it to the outside of the battery and its cable connections with the turkey baster or small funnel. Then, you can use your brush to work the baking soda solution into the heavily corroded areas.  If you find that the cable clamps or terminals are badly corroded at the battery, you can disconnect them for easier cleaning. For this, you may need to use pliers, assorted wrenches and a small battery cable puller to disconnect them.  You should disconnect the negative first, followed by the positive.
Then, use your battery cable scrapers or brush to remove the corrosion from the terminals, battery posts and hold down clamps and brackets. Flush these parts with your baking soda solution to rid them of any trace of corrosion.  After this, wash the outside of the battery, the cable ends and the hold down parts with a liquid cleaner in a spray bottle.  After that, use a sponge or rag to get off any remaining dirt or grease.  After everything is clean, dry off the battery and all its parts with a dry rag or cloth.
The final step is just reinstalling any part that was removed and tightening everything so it is secure.  Reconnect the battery, positive cable first.  You’re done!  You’re battery is now safe and clean.

Filed Under: Battery Information

Batteryless Flashlights, Or Sometimes Known As Forever Flashlights

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As the name suggests a Batteryless Flashlight works without any requirement of batteries. One can also call it as the forever flashlight. These types of flashlights need to be shaken back and forth for few seconds and they will give light for many minutes, sometimes even hours. The main features of these Batteryless Flashlights are  1) Never needs any batteries or bulbs 2) Now with magnet and tether strap 3) Compact and water resistant.  Perhaps the biggest feature is that these flashlights are rechargeable at any time.  · Magnetic Batteryless Flashlights  The product Magnetic Batteryless Flashlight is the newest technology among the batteryless flashlights. One just has to shake the flashlights for 60 seconds and you will get up to 2 hours of light from this magnetic batteryless flashlight. These flashlights have three super bright LEDs which emit bluish white light that helps us in viewing clearly in the dark.  There is a high field strength magnet inside these flashlights, that slides back and forth inside a coil of copper wire, as we shake it to generate electric power. This power then gets stored in a small capacitor. The stored energy in the capacitor then powers the high brightness white-light LEDs.  It is prudent to turn the switch off at the time of shaking the flashlights for charging. If the switch is not turned off then pulse with the power spikes coming from the coil can be seen in the LEDs. The operating switch of these batteryless flashlights is durable and intrinsically safe. These flashlights lights are very light in weight and are completely designed to be waterproof. They are also fully portable.  · Dynamo type Batteryless Flashlights  Another type of batteryless flashlights is of dynamo type. These were the oldest technology among the batteryless flashlights. These types of flashlights have little fold-out cranks and we need to wind on for a while so that we can use the light again. In Dynamo type flashlights, by winding the cranks for a few minutes, a sector gear starts to move causing a tiny pinion gear to spin which drives a PM dynamo. The dynamo generates electrical energy which is used to light the LEDs in the batteryless flashlights. For years there have been dynamo types flashlights around that the world those work by squeezing a lever handle. Dynamo type battery free flashlights are quite reliable than the ordinary battery lights.  · Batteryless Flashlights review  The Batteryless flashlights are mainly used for emergency purpose. These flashlights sometimes come with built in FM radio. The main advantage of this Batteryless flashlight is that they are absolutely maintenance free. These flashlights can be stored for long periods of time without the worry of leaking batteries. In case of battery powered flashlights they often have their battery contacts loose & dbecome dysfunctional, but the batteryless flashlights don’t go dead as you are miles away from home late at night.  The main disadvantage about these batteryless flashlights is that they are not as bright as most other battery powered flashlights, but that’s a small price to pay as they are infinitely brighter than any other battery powered flashlights who’s batteries are drained of energy or their bulbs are broken or burned out.

Filed Under: Battery Information

Battery Sizes And Types

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In both science and in technology, a battery is used as a type of device that is used to store energy, making it available for use in an electrical form. They consist of electrochemical devices, including one or even more galvanic cells.
Baghdad Batteries are thought to be the first known in history, dating back from sometime between the years of 250 BCE and 640 BCE. The modern battery began with the Voltaic pile, which was developed by Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist, in 1800. As of a 2005 estimate, the battery industry generates, no pun intended, around 48 billion dollars in annual sales.
Batteries can be divided into two main categories, rechargeable batteries and non-rechargeable, or disposable, batteries.
Disposable batteries are also known as primary cells. They are intended for a one time use only, to be used until the chemical changes used to induce its electrical current supply have been finished. Their common usages include smaller, more portable devices that have either a low current drain or are used away from any alternative power source.
Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary cells, have a longer usage life since they can be recharged after their power has been drained. You can do so by applying an externally supplied electrical current. This causes a reversal in the chemical changes that occur during the battery’s use. These devices used to do this are commonly known as rechargers or chargers.
The ‘wet cell,’ or lead-acid, battery is the oldest form of the rechargeable battery that is still in today’s use. This battery contains a liquid found in an unsealed container that requires the battery to be kept in an upright position. The area in which it is used must be well-ventilated so as not to cause the ventilated, hydrogen gas to display its explosive qualities.
The lead-acid battery is quite heavy, although its cost to manufacture is low and the high surge content levels allow it to be a commonly used battery in places where its weight and handling ease are not of any concern.
The most common form of a lead-acid battery is the car battery.
A gel battery is known to be an expensive lead-acid battery type, containing a semi-solid electrolyte that is used to prevent spillage.
The portable types are considered to be ‘dry cells.’ They are sealed units that are useful in appliances such as cell phones and laptop computers. These types of cells also include, nickel-cadmium or NiCd, nickel metal hydride or NiMH, and lithium-ion or Li-Ion, listed in the order of their increasing power density and also their cost.
Both disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries come in various standard sizes. This is so they can easily be used in a wider amount of appliances. The most commonly known types of batteries are the A-series, including A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. Also known are B, C, D, F, G, J, and N. Other variants include 3R12, 4R25, PP3, PP9, and the 996 and PC926 that are used in lanterns. There are many, many more less common battery types, and their usages vary greatly.

In both science and in technology, a battery is used as a type of device that is used to store energy, making it available for use in an electrical form. They consist of electrochemical devices, including one or even more galvanic cells.
Baghdad Batteries are thought to be the first known in history, dating back from sometime between the years of 250 BCE and 640 BCE. The modern battery began with the Voltaic pile, which was developed by Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist, in 1800. As of a 2005 estimate, the battery industry generates, no pun intended, around 48 billion dollars in annual sales.
Batteries can be divided into two main categories, rechargeable batteries and non-rechargeable, or disposable, batteries.
Disposable batteries are also known as primary cells. They are intended for a one time use only, to be used until the chemical changes used to induce its electrical current supply have been finished. Their common usages include smaller, more portable devices that have either a low current drain or are used away from any alternative power source.
Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary cells, have a longer usage life since they can be recharged after their power has been drained. You can do so by applying an externally supplied electrical current. This causes a reversal in the chemical changes that occur during the battery’s use. These devices used to do this are commonly known as rechargers or chargers.
The ‘wet cell,’ or lead-acid, battery is the oldest form of the rechargeable battery that is still in today’s use. This battery contains a liquid found in an unsealed container that requires the battery to be kept in an upright position. The area in which it is used must be well-ventilated so as not to cause the ventilated, hydrogen gas to display its explosive qualities.
The lead-acid battery is quite heavy, although its cost to manufacture is low and the high surge content levels allow it to be a commonly used battery in places where its weight and handling ease are not of any concern.
The most common form of a lead-acid battery is the car battery.
A gel battery is known to be an expensive lead-acid battery type, containing a semi-solid electrolyte that is used to prevent spillage.
The portable types are considered to be ‘dry cells.’ They are sealed units that are useful in appliances such as cell phones and laptop computers. These types of cells also include, nickel-cadmium or NiCd, nickel metal hydride or NiMH, and lithium-ion or Li-Ion, listed in the order of their increasing power density and also their cost.
Both disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries come in various standard sizes. This is so they can easily be used in a wider amount of appliances. The most commonly known types of batteries are the A-series, including A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. Also known are B, C, D, F, G, J, and N. Other variants include 3R12, 4R25, PP3, PP9, and the 996 and PC926 that are used in lanterns. There are many, many more less common battery types, and their usages vary greatly.

Filed Under: Battery Information

Battery Recycling: Help Your Environment

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Batteries may contain harmful metals and chemicals such as nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid, which can contaminate the environment if not disposed properly. For example, when batteries containing cadmium is used in landfills, they will eventually dissolve and release the toxic substance that can seep into water supplies, posing serious health hazards for the population. This is why recycling batteries has become so important because it helps prevent pollution, and also saves resources.
The Recycling Process:
First of all, the batteries to be recycled are sorted according to chemistries such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, lithium, alkaline etc. The combustible material, such as plastics and insulation, is then removed with a gas fired thermal oxidizer, which is the first step in the recycling process. Most recycling plants have scrubbers where the gases from the thermal oxidizer are neutralized to remove pollutants, producing clean, naked cells that contain precious metal content.
The metal in the batteries are then heated to liquefy, after they have been hacked into little pieces. Black slag left by burned out non-metallic substances are scraped off with a slag arm, and the different alloys that settle according to weight are skimmed off. Some plants pour the liquid metals directly into (65 pounds) or ‘hogs’ (2000 pounds) without separating on site, which are then shipped to metal recovery plants to produce nickel, chromium and iron re-melt alloy for the manufacturing of other metal products.
State and Federal Regulations in the United States:
The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act was passed in 1996 by the U.S. Congress which requires regulated batteries such as Ni-CD batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries to:
1. be easily removable from consumer products to make it easier to recover them for recycling
2. include in the label the battery chemistry, the “three chasing arrows” symbol, and a phrase that instructs users to properly recycle or dispose the battery
3. provide national uniformity in collection, storage, and transport
4. phase out the use of certain mercury-containing batteries
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC):
(www.rbrc.org)
The United States Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) was set up in 1994 as a non-profit, public service organization to help and promote the recycling of portable rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead. It also educates rechargeable power users about the benefits and accessibility of rechargeable battery recycling. However, RBRC only recycles batteries that has RBRC Battery Recycling Seal. Manufacturers, marketers and collectors or rechargeable batteries or products that use them can contact RBRC at “licensee@rbrc.com” for better solutions. Other Contact Info:
RBRC
1000 Parkwood Circle
Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 30339
Ph: 678-419-9990
Fax: 678-419-9986
Recent Developments:
The mercury reduction in batteries, which had already started in 1984, is still continued today. For example, batteries such as those containing alkaline have had about a 97 percent mercury reduction, and newer models may contain about one-tenth the amount of mercury previously contained in the typical alkaline battery, or may be zero-added mercury. A number of mercury-free, heavy-duty, carbon-zinc batteries are now available as alternatives. Technology such as silver-oxide and zinc-air button batteries contain less mercury so they are starting to replace mercuric-oxide batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be reprocessed to reclaim the nickel, and cadmium free nickel and nickel-hydride system are also being researched. At present, most nickel-cadmium batteries are permanently sealed in appliances but changes are being made in regulations which will result in a more convenient retrieval and recycling of nickel-cadmium batteries.

Batteries may contain harmful metals and chemicals such as nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid, which can contaminate the environment if not disposed properly. For example, when batteries containing cadmium is used in landfills, they will eventually dissolve and release the toxic substance that can seep into water supplies, posing serious health hazards for the population. This is why recycling batteries has become so important because it helps prevent pollution, and also saves resources.
The Recycling Process:
First of all, the batteries to be recycled are sorted according to chemistries such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, lithium, alkaline etc. The combustible material, such as plastics and insulation, is then removed with a gas fired thermal oxidizer, which is the first step in the recycling process. Most recycling plants have scrubbers where the gases from the thermal oxidizer are neutralized to remove pollutants, producing clean, naked cells that contain precious metal content.
The metal in the batteries are then heated to liquefy, after they have been hacked into little pieces. Black slag left by burned out non-metallic substances are scraped off with a slag arm, and the different alloys that settle according to weight are skimmed off. Some plants pour the liquid metals directly into (65 pounds) or ‘hogs’ (2000 pounds) without separating on site, which are then shipped to metal recovery plants to produce nickel, chromium and iron re-melt alloy for the manufacturing of other metal products.
State and Federal Regulations in the United States:
The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act was passed in 1996 by the U.S. Congress which requires regulated batteries such as Ni-CD batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries to:
1. be easily removable from consumer products to make it easier to recover them for recycling2. include in the label the battery chemistry, the “three chasing arrows” symbol, and a phrase that instructs users to properly recycle or dispose the battery 3. provide national uniformity in collection, storage, and transport 4. phase out the use of certain mercury-containing batteries
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC):(www.rbrc.org)
The United States Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) was set up in 1994 as a non-profit, public service organization to help and promote the recycling of portable rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), and Small Sealed Lead. It also educates rechargeable power users about the benefits and accessibility of rechargeable battery recycling. However, RBRC only recycles batteries that has RBRC Battery Recycling Seal. Manufacturers, marketers and collectors or rechargeable batteries or products that use them can contact RBRC at “licensee@rbrc.com” for better solutions. Other Contact Info:
RBRC1000 Parkwood CircleSuite 450Atlanta, GA 30339Ph: 678-419-9990Fax: 678-419-9986
Recent Developments:
The mercury reduction in batteries, which had already started in 1984, is still continued today. For example, batteries such as those containing alkaline have had about a 97 percent mercury reduction, and newer models may contain about one-tenth the amount of mercury previously contained in the typical alkaline battery, or may be zero-added mercury. A number of mercury-free, heavy-duty, carbon-zinc batteries are now available as alternatives. Technology such as silver-oxide and zinc-air button batteries contain less mercury so they are starting to replace mercuric-oxide batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries can be reprocessed to reclaim the nickel, and cadmium free nickel and nickel-hydride system are also being researched. At present, most nickel-cadmium batteries are permanently sealed in appliances but changes are being made in regulations which will result in a more convenient retrieval and recycling of nickel-cadmium batteries.

Filed Under: Battery Information