Dry cell battery electrolyte leakage

[CCY]

Have been having this problem of electrolyte leakage for umpteen times. Be it on wall clock , telephone set n remote control. Of course the end result would be a corroded unit fit for the dustbin. Believe that many of you all out there face this one time or another. Both energiser n duracell alkaline AA , AAA n PP9 that I used, exhibit this problem.
Worst is that sometimes those new pack on the shelf with still another 3 to 4 years before expiry is showing bad signs of corrosive leakage.

So what is happening to the quality of these battery now ? Does other brand or types of battery also having such problem ?
Anyone have some news to share ?

[bslee]

This phenomenon has been happening to most consumer batteries as far back as I can remember. One has only to be alert and not allow or place any dry cell battery regardless of remaining power not exceeding 1 year.
The battery is still cheaper than the gadget, so it doesn't make sense to allow it to damage your appliance.

I could suggest the following for prudent management, (those who have pda's, add this to your to-do list).

1. Label on the gadget/appliance on when the battery was installed.
2. Do not install ANY battery in devices that's seldom used or kept in storage for long period.
3. Make it a habit to check ALL battery operated devices periodically for deterioration.
(yes!, I know, may sound silly or unconventional, but you certainly treasure your devices do you?)
4. Buy good quality batteries, not cap ayam that's seeminly too cheap..(Mydin store, Kaki 5/pasar malam vendor??)
On this note, IKEA currently have IKEA branded batteries (AA size for 8 bucks/10pcs) made by Varta Germany. You can find them at placed near the check out cashier counters. Note: Varta Gmbh is perhaps top German manufacturer for batteries and OEM for car makes. Last seen, IKEA may have shifted to some OEM China brand.. If you see any labeled (small print) as Varta, GET THEM!, For value, they give over-rated Energizer or Duracell a run for the money!.
I've had fair experience in repairing faults resulting from alkaline/acid corrosion and most of the time beyond repair dictating a new spare part or if obsolete some Mcgyver workaround...all because of pure negligence.

3 sen here

[CCY]

The thing is that , it is not those pasarmalam ones that I'm having problem with. It is duracell n energiser witch comes with shelf expiry date to 2009 or beyond. So it does becomes a issue if these batteries do leak after a year of use or even not in use. It isn't cheap either for a pack of 4 or 8 pieces.

Don't tell me that I have to store then in the fridge if not using now...

[bslee]

Its just one of those things maybe the manufacturers haven't perfected in preventing. Acid/alkaline will eat through anything even the battery cell case which is metal.Only a matter of time. I don't think I've got further scientific or logic to prove otherwise.

I've come across all the premium brands (as you've experienced) exhibiting leakages over a period of time, besides these things like many other consumables have a shelf life.

Its perhaps if battery cells were made to perfection and everlasting, the manufacturers would close shop very soon. Batteries are selling like hot cakes!..whichever way one looks.

[PJS]

If you are using low-drain battery operated devices like remote controls, clocks n such, don't buy expensive alkaline cells, use the normal zinc-manganese batteries. They last just as long, and in my recent experience, some of these lasted 5 years and never leaked! (That's pushing the life span a bit but sometimes, well, we used it everyday but the batts never needed replacement!)

I find alkaline cells like Energizer and even the occassional Duracell tend to leak after 1-2 years.

I know sometimes u can find pretty good bargains on alkalines compared to normal batteries, just pay that little bit extra and u get alkalines. But after learning my lessons, I will stick to zinc-manganese for long life low-drain devices. Use alkalines only in high drain things like camera, flash lights, CD/MP3 players, boom boxes, etc.

[USJ27Resident]

And while we are talking about batteries... please do consider how you dispose of the leaking/used batteries....

All batteries can have harmful effects to enviroment and groundwater. If we simply dump them in our trash.... eventually they WILL pollute the enviroment and it would be our children or children's children that will pay for our ignorance and inconsideration.

Best way to dispose of batteries is to collect them and send them to shops (eg. Fotoshops, Sony Malaysia B'Utama) that collect it for proper disposals. I will try to get more addresses where we can dump used batteries for all... If you all have any addresses too, please share... thanks.

[expat1609]

And while we are talking about batteries... please do consider how you dispose of the leaking/used batteries....

All batteries can have harmful effects to enviroment and groundwater. If we simply dump them in our trash.... eventually they WILL pollute the enviroment and it would be our children or children's children that will pay for our ignorance and inconsideration.

Best way to dispose of batteries is to collect them and send them to shops (eg. Fotoshops, Sony Malaysia B'Utama) that collect it for proper disposals. I will try to get more addresses where we can dump used batteries for all... If you all have any addresses too, please share... thanks.

GREAT !!!!!
provide information and awareness...i do not think that peopel are careless, but many simply don't know and think of inconvenience first.
but if you know your petrol-kiosk wuold collect them batteries, you buy your newspaper there every day, here we go no more inconvenience.

ALL THUMBS UP FOR THIS EFFORT !!!

[USJ27Resident]

GREAT !!!!!
provide information and awareness...i do not think that peopel are careless, but many simply don't know and think of inconvenience first.
but if you know your petrol-kiosk wuold collect them batteries, you buy your newspaper there every day, here we go no more inconvenience.

ALL THUMBS UP FOR THIS EFFORT !!!

Hey - darn good idea... mebbe we can get our community leaders to implement this, or suggest this to the owners or operators of this petrol kiosks in our community... never know - we can start a trend (for disposing/ recycling batteries too!) here!

[expat1609]

Hey - darn good idea... mebbe we can get our community leaders to implement this, or suggest this to the owners or operators of this petrol kiosks in our community... never know - we can start a trend (for disposing/ recycling batteries too!) here!

thx resident, but honestly, not my idea...it's just that in austria every mini-mart has this boxes beside the cashier, so no harm done to collect your batteries and bring them along when you visit them every two or three days at least.
just as i do not need to throw my rubbish out of the car. getting every little thing in a plastic bag, my rubbish fits there. and as i visit office daily (5 day-week), can bring it there....got rubbish bin there

main point is to create awareness and easy possibiliy for everyone.
everywhere you can buy batteries you should be able to return your old ones...when is it easy to remember, if not when they are empty and you need to replace them.

found this gov page recently but no batteries mentioned there

http://www.kpkt.gov.my/kitarsemula/RecyclingCentre.asp

sorry for the diversion of the actual topic, but i think well related and important sidetrack.

[expat1609]

Location Collection Center
Lot 26957, USJ 9/3, Jalan Bakti, Subang Jaya
Lot LLI. No. 10, Sunway Pyramid, Shopping Mall
Pertubuhan Golden Key Nasional Honour Malaysia, UPM Selangor
,Petromart Trading, Lot 2785, Persiaran Kewajipan subang Jaya
2/1, Taman Subang Permai, USJ 1 Subang
Balai Masyarakat Kg. Tengah Puchong, Lot 28, Jalan Kempas,
BP SdnBhd Jln Kewajipan, Lot pt 14258 Jalan Kewajipan Subang Jaya
Carrefour
Central Sugar Refinery, Batu 13
Fal. Sains Komputer dan Teknologi Maklumat UPM,
Giant
Institusi Penyelidikan dan Kemajuan Pertanian Malaysia (MARDI), Selangor
Institut Pertanian Serdang, Jalan Pertanian, Peti surat 204, Pejabat Pos UPM, Serdang
Jalan Dulang off Jalan Balakong, Seri Kembangan
Jalan Perdana 3/1, Taman Puchong Perdana, Puchong
Jalan SS 14/1A, Subang Jaya
Kein Hing Ind, Seri Kembangan Sdn Bhd, Lot 1837 jalan Kolej seri Kembangan
Kg. Tengah, Kawasan A, Puchong
Kolej ke 13, UPM Serdang, Pensyarah Kolej ke 13, UPM Serdang
Kolej Metropolitan
Lot 48730 (Pt 569) Jln Usaha USJ 16, Subang Jaya
Metropolitan College Sdn. Bhd., Jalan Subang Utama, Subang Ajya
Pasar Borong Selangor
Pasaraya Bintang Puchong, 48-54 Jalan TK1/11C, Sek. 1, Taman Kinrara, Batu 71/2 Jalan Puchong
Pasaraya Grand Union, Seri Kembangan, No. 13,15&17 Jalan Perusahaan 1,
Pasaraya IOI Mall, Puchong Jaya, IOI Puchong Batu 9, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Puchong
Pasaraya Puchong Perdana, Kompleks Puchong Perdana
Pasaraya The Summit, USJ 1, Subang Jaya ,
Pengkalan Tentera Udara Subang
Persatuan Buddha SS 13
Pt. No 3638, No 2 Persiaran Kewajipan Subang Jaya
Pusat Membeli Belah Subang Parade, SS 16, No. 1, Jalan SS 16/1 Subang Jaya
Pusat Membeli Belah Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Pyramid Management,
Pusat Membeli Belah The Mines, Serdang Mines Shopping Fair,
Sek. Ren. J. K. (T), Serdang
Sekolah Keb. Seafield 3, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 8, Subang Jaya
Seri Kembangan Light Industrial Estate, Seri Kembangan
Stesen Minyak Caltex USJ 16 Subang Jaya WD Anugerah Enterprise,
Stesen Minyak SHELL SS 17, Sentral Kios Enterprise No. 3,
Stesen Minyak SHELL SS 18, Jalan Tujuan SS 18 Subang Jaya
Stesen Minyak SHELL USJ 1, Lot 12582 Jalan Permai,
Stesen Minyak SHELL USJ 4, Lot HS (D) 37289 Pt 3871, Jalan 4/2 Subang Jaya
Stesen Minyak SHELL USJ 9, MJKS Enterprise,
Stesen Minyak SHELL, Jalan Kewajipan
StesyenMinyak BP SS 13 Subang Jaya,
Steysen Minyak Shell USJ 18 Subang Jaya Sentral Avenue
Subang Perdana Sdn. Bhd. (Goodyear Court 9, USJ 15, Persiaran Mulia, Subang Jaya)
Taman Puchong Perdana, No. 31, Jalan Mawar, 1-A, Taman Puchong Perdana, Puchong
The Summit USJ, Persiaran Kewajipan Subang Jaya

Bangunan Ibupejabat Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya
Dewan Bandar Kinrara, seksyen 1
Dewan Bandar Puchong Jaya
Pasaraya Carrefour
Pasaraya Giant
Stadium Tertutup MPSJ Serdang

[PJS]

I support safe disposal of used batteries! It's as important as proper disposal of used oil, or plastic containers, or metal tins, or other hazardous industrial wastes, etc, etc.

But how can we be sure that the disposal centers listed will act RESPONSIBLY and take proper care to sort them batteries into the correct bins and send them to the right places?

I normally collect my recyclable stuff in a big sack and send to the recycling center at SS17 opposite the McD's once it's filled up. My daughter loves sorting those stuff and binning them into the correct bins. Glass in one bin, Palstics in another bin, Paper in another bin. She's learned to love our mother Earth at a young age.

But as far as I can tell, some of those recycling center staff aren't too keen on items with no scrap value... if u know what I mean...ermm...they're not the kind of environmetally-aware type of people....

How do we know that some of them didn't sell those old newspapers and whatnots we sent to recycling centers to the 'old newspaper' collector who 'happens' to come around at some convenient time for their own pocket money and then junk the rest into a common rubbish bin for Alam Flora lorries to take to the dump site?

Are recycling centers certified by any 'environmental' bodies? ISO 9000? SIRIM? EU?? IRB? ICA? FBI? Anybody? LOL

[CCY]

If you are using low-drain battery operated devices like remote controls, clocks n such, don't buy expensive alkaline cells, use the normal zinc-manganese batteries. They last just as long, and in my recent experience, some of these lasted 5 years and never leaked! ........

I find alkaline cells like Energizer and even the occassional Duracell tend to leak after 1-2 years.

...... But after learning my lessons, I will stick to zinc-manganese for long life low-drain devices. Use alkalines only in high drain things like camera, flash lights, CD/MP3 players, boom boxes, etc.

Erm....kind of good news that I need . I've been having this nagging feeling that I'm been ripoff by the so call higher capacity alkaline cells even for higher drain usage. It it quite unpredictable when that will happen. It may come after a few months of usage n worst of all it even leak before it is put to use , still with the expiry date beyond 2009 printed on.
Does other brand alkaline like panasonic , sony etc. also having high incidence of leakage ?

You do show that zinc batteries have a much less tendency of leakage which I tend to agree after noting the past history of usage.

[PJS]

CCY, I agreed with ya.

My worst experience was with a particular batch of Energizers few years ago, almost every piece leaked halfway into it's usable life. I suspect it cld be due to high humidity/hi temp storage conditions while on the shelf or during transit/shipping?

Anyway, switched to Duracell but after sometime also had some leakages, and then I got smart and went back to zinc batts, because I noticed those Toshiba or Sony or Panasonic batteries which came with remote controls for TV, Fans, hifi, & DVD remote controls lasted many years and nvr, ever leaked until its last volt!!!

I've used Panasonic alkaline and zinc batteries, nvr had any problems with them. I think they're very good. Don't hv as much experience with Sony batts tho.

btw, does anyone know which type of batt is more environment friendly? I can't remember if it was alkaline or zinc types

[USJ27Resident]

btw, does anyone know which type of batt is more environment friendly? I can't remember if it was alkaline or zinc types

Batteries may produce the following potential problems or hazards:

Pollute the lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned. Contribute to heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid waste landfills. Expose the environment and water to lead and acid.
Contain strong corrosive acids. May cause burns or danger to eyes and skin.
In landfills, heavy metals have the potential to leach slowly into soil, groundwater or surface water.
Dry cell batteries contribute about 88 percent of the total mercury and 50 percent of the cadmium in the municipal solid waste stream.

In the past, batteries accounted for nearly half of the mercury used, and account for over half of the mercury and cadmium found in the municipal solid waste stream. When burned, some heavy metals such as mercury may vaporize and escape into the air, and cadmium and lead may end up in the ash.

So think again...

[PJS]

Thanks for the info.

I should've asked "Which type of battery is RELATIVELY less destructive to environment, alkaline or normal zinc cells?"