Venting

Battery Venting

Battery Problem

To meet the demands of today's on-the-go consumers, product designers must create ruggedized, portable electronics. Battery technology changes, but one thing that doesn't change is the release of gases during normal battery operation and recharging. Because of this, battery makers recommend that batteries should not be placed in sealed compartments, in order to prevent a possible buildup of gas and explosive hazard.

Because GORE™ Protective Vents are gas-permeable, released battery gasses such as oxygen and hydrogen can pass quickly through them. The gas passes through via two mechanisms: diffusion and pressure. If the concentration of one gas increases over ambient conditions, the gas begins diffusing through the membrane to equalize with the ambient air. This happens constantly, regardless of pressure, so there is no buildup of gas as in the case of a mechanical safety valve. If there is an increase in pressure, the gas-flow across the membrane will increase, thereby reducing concentration levels quickly. At the same time, the hydrophobic and oleophobic nature of GORE™ Protective Vents keep liquid and particulate contaminates outside the device.