My Tactical Light Batteries Leaked!!!HELP!!!

[orangeninja]

Okay guys, I have an Inova tactical LED light that had 2 Duracell LI-ON (lithium) batteries (the 3v camera kind) model 123. One of the batteries began to leak and now on the inside of the battery well, there is a white powder type of corrosion going on. I would like to neutralize the corrosion but fear it may have gotten down towards the electronics at the top of the light.

I think I may send it in to Inova under warranty do you guys know how to do that or do you guys know of a quick neutralizing agent to stop the corrosion?

 

[KriegHund]

I doubt the warrenty will cover it since its the battery's fault.

Hmm...

I suggest just scraping the white crud out, wash it with water.

I dont thinkl the corrosion will continue. Ive had a few abttery splode on me inside an electronic. Always git the white crap but it never ate through or anything so as to interfere.

Could be wrong...

 

[orangeninja]

It still works and the corrosion is slight....perhaps I'll just keep using it. I cleaned it up with some alcohol and rope...to wipe it really good. Theres just a bit of frost...not much.

Now I know to buy a back up flashlight and do a monthly check on them. Lesson learned.

 

[NMshooter]

Glad you did not use water.

The exothermic reaction between lithium and water is spectacular at a distance, but not so much fun in your hands...

Even alkaline batteries that rupture can corrode aluminium, which is pretty impressive considering how hard that is.

If you are storing electronic devices please make sure they have no batteries in them first.

This concludes your safety awareness announcement.

 

[Rupestris]

1. Mix a solution of baking soda and water and swab the inside to neutralize the acid.

2. Use steel wool on a wooden dowel chucked in a cordless drill to clean the residue out.

3. Allow to dry throughly

4. Replace batteries.

5. live happily ever after.

 

[orangeninja]

1. Mix a solution of baking soda and water and swab the inside to neutralize the acid.

2. Use steel wool on a wooden dowel chucked in a cordless drill to clean the residue out.

3. Allow to dry throughly

4. Replace batteries.

5. live happily ever after.

I thought you couldn't mix lithium and water.

 

[NMshooter]

The baking soda and water will be caustic, and neutralize the residue from ruptured alkaline batteries.

Can not remember what to do with lithium at the moment.

Edit to add: http://www.duracell.com/oem/safety/pdf/2031_5C.pdf link to MSDS info.

 

[..]

I've heard Duracell will cover the cost of replacement since THEIR battery damaged your device. Defenitely worth checking out.