Sulfation and Pulse Technology Desulfators

Sulfation and How to Prevent it

It is no secret that sulfation is the #1 killer of lead acid based batteries and that desulfators using Pulse Technology make an IMPACT. PulseTech, a company that produces desulfators, recently said, “After 20+ years, there is no doubt that our products will eliminate your battery problems and will make your batteries perform better.” However, there are still some much respected battery professionals that would argue differently.

John Fetter of Battery University wrote an article titled: Sulfation and How to Prevent It. In its simplest terms he correctly states that sulfation occurs when a lead acid battery is deprived of a full charge. So to help prevent sulfation from occurring, keep your batteries charged. In the comments section that follows the article, there is a lengthy discussion with valid questions and opinions raised by both sides of the desulfation argument. For those that like this kind of stuff it is an interesting read.

Also, if you are interested in a more detailed definition of sulfation that delves into chemical properties and battery processes please review our FAQ: What is Sulfation?

The quote below is from John’s article. It stuck with me and forced me to question what I have experienced and shared with many people over the years.

“Permanent sulfation sets in when the battery has been in a low state-of-charge for weeks or months. At this stage, no form of restoration is possible… Several companies offer anti-sulfation devices that apply pulses to the battery terminals to prevent and reverse sulfation. Such technologies tend to lower sulfation on a healthy battery but they cannot effectively reverse the condition once present.”

My Struggle With the Anti-Sulfation Pulse Technology Assumption

Many of you who have kept up with my writings over the years may recall the story of the Bobcat batteries and how the owner was ready to replace them after about 5 years of service. He was positive the batteries were shot and beyond repair. Even when left on a trickle charger full-time he would still have issues starting the machine and would inevitably require a jump at some point during the work day. If Pulse Technology could not “effectively reverse the condition” then why did he have such a dramatic change in the health of his batteries once he attached the XC100-P Pulse Technology charger? How is it that he is still using those same batteries a good 4 years after he was ready to dispose of them if “no form of restoration is possible”?

In response to John and many other experts, Rick Gregory over at PulseTech stated “Our patented Pulse Technology is proven to be the most effective way to desulfate a battery plate. That means that our products not only charge, but we also condition the battery while it’s being charged and restore lost capacity like no other product available. Quite simply, we make the best chargers and maintainers in the world.” He goes on to add, “Our products would be great if they were only battery chargers and maintainers like everybody else, but when we add our pulse, it’s revolutionary!”

Best chargers in the world! Revolutionary! Now that is a bold pronouncement.

Their Pulse Technology has been field tested by UHAUL, CAT, Tiffin Motorhomes, Questar Gas, Thermo King, Coke, Pepsi, Rush Truck Centers, Geneva Rock, Honeywell and a host of other prominent corporations. The US Army and Homeland Security are their largest customers. TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (A testing branch of the US military) spent over 10 years testing these desulfators and found them worthy of service. TS Product completed an independent study and scientifically proved the benefit of Pulse Technology charging compared to conventional charging. The pictorial evidence presented in the battery plate photo to the right is abundantly clear. After 480 cycles the Pulse Technology plates show next to no white sulfate crystals while the plates subjected to conventional charging methods are crusted over and begging for a new lease on life.

We are not among the naysayers! We have seen the benefits—some quite dramatic—and trust the research. Whether you use our solar powered, AC powered or self-powered products, the important thing is to start pulsing your batteries now and keep pulsing them all the time! You can reduce your battery expenses by up to 70% and save your company thousands of dollars in battery related costs, guaranteed.