What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

As many cart owners know, lead acid batteries generate hydrogen gas as a by product of the charging process.

And hydrogen gas was used as the lift gas in the Hindenburg ... that airship that exploded in 1937.

Here is an interesting video on "What Happened to the Hindenburg?" that may help some BGW members to understand why proper venting is required when we charge our lead acid batteries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJy17qZmhjE

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

I found a piece of the blimp when I was there for hand built glider competition

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

I've been the the hangers at Lakehurst ....they are now offices, machine shops and storage. The machine shop rebuilds aircraft carrier arresting gear along with other "stuff" ...

Great video.

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

It blew up.

Oh....wait....you knew that already....you were trying....oh, never mind.

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

It wasn't the hydrogen that burned the airship. It was the type of doping compound used to paint it or something that lit up like a roman candle. Hydrogen doesn't produce bright orange/yellow flames when it burns.

Static electricity/spark from the mooring clamps ignited that compound and it all went to pot quick as a flash.

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

Good thing it was loaded with hydrogen gas, if not it would have burnt all to hell.

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

LOL :lhmo:

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

MythBusters did a segment on that. I guess it was basically like thermite - seemingly one of their favorite compounds.
https://mythresults.com/episode70#:~...20gas%20within.

Re: What happened to the Hindenburg?
 

Hydrogen is perfectly stable until you put a match to it...
:mrgreen:

The amount of hydrogen produced during charging is Typically not enough to be concerned with unless the cart is stored in a totally enclosed area. Hydrogen being lighter than air will rise, so usually some kind of venting in the upper section of the building or area will provide a easy escape path for any that is produced. The bigger concern IMO is hydrogen sulfide which will cause sulphur dropout and can create sulphuric acid if sufficient moisture is in the room. If this gets into the ventilation system of the house this can cause damage to ductwork, and the evaporator core of the AC system which can cause heavy corrosion and degradation of the material of the core.