EARLY 1989 adda Newsletter No. 8 SHomin ee a St WANE CHasT 1 Mv — forest fe any IT AGAIN Be LAST WEEKEND / ‘THE CLUB "DO" IN SATURDAY MARCH 22ND AT THE OUT OF TOWN IN HANLEY. OUR DJ. WH WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCING NOMINEES FOR THE FAVOURITE EVENT OF THE EVE! HE "WALLY AWARD". THERE WILL ALSO BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT COMPETITION (ANY SIZE OF PRINT MAY BE ENTERED.) TICKETS WILL BE £4 APPROX. - WHICH INCLUDES THE BUFFET. QfH INTERNATIONAL SFELEOLOGICAL CONGRESS ~ SPAIN '86 Money at the ready folks. (Hi Melvin whatcha doing tonite ?) It's time to go ona summer holiday to Srain. Fortunately I've left this news rather late so it's too late for any of you to don cap and gown and present a paper or two for discussion there. However - here's a brief summary of events. (Figures based on 220 Pts to the £) 1) Symposium on Cave Rescue Medrid July 24-30 Discussions etc. will be interpreted into English (and French too John$) Accommodation in Madrid suits all pockets from hotels to hostels and camp sites. There vill be five simulated rescues 26-29th July in Cuenca and Guodalajara so take your ovn gear, then back to Madrid for the closing cession. Cost. 15000 pts (sea) inclusive of coach transfers twixt "activity" ie. rescue areas and Madrid. Gost. 4000 pts (£18) for Madrid session alone. 2) Sxcursion round Larra Piedra de San Martin (PSH) Stay in Pamplona. Arrive 26 July. Equipment needed - mountain footvear, helmet and light. Visits; July 27. Pyrenean Karst, San Jorge System. July 28. Various Karst regions. July 29. Kakouetta Canyon, Bentia, Illamina, Kakouetta Springs. July 30. Verna Room PSM (via tunnel). July 31, Barcelons closing session. Cost. 28000pts (£126) (breakfast, lunch and coach transfers inclusive). 3) ESM August 8th - 13th. 4) Underground Gamp Including tourist trip to fossil footsteps of a dinosaur} 10 Aug. Barcelona to Ojo Guarena cave system. 13-16 August. Caving gear needed. Cost. 18000 pts (£82) During the camp, tourist excursions for non-cavers will be arranged daily. 5) Volesnic Cavities Camp (Islas Canarias) 9-17th August. This seems the mst outstendingly interesting event. Cost. 55000 pts (£250) Frice includes hobel accommodation and breakfast in Tenerife and Lanzarote. Other meals not included. Four cave visits and one climb are on the agenda and various tourist trips. 6) Prehistoric Routes 10-17th August. Each day is spent underground and at the end of each visit there will be comments and discussions with prehistcrians specialised in each cave. 7) Sth International Sreleological Film Festival 1-7th August. Sessions start 8 pa. Further details from Ralpht Hie Batteries by Ian Copeland, What is a battery 7 Batteries are electrochemical devices which are widely used to supply energy for electrical ana electronic products. Chemical Energy stored in a battery is converted into electric current when the battery is discharged. This electric current is produced directly by chemical reactions which occur within the battery, Basically two dissimilar metals, kept electrically isolated by a separator which is permeable to ionic flow. The quantity of electric energy made available is a function of the inherent potential and efficiency of the electrochemical reactions, as well as of the amount of active material in a battery. The reaction between the two metals takes place by means of ionic exchange, usually via an electrolyte; eg. the mixture of water and acid in a car battery. The electrolyte msy be acid or alkali and may be in the form of jel, paste as well as liquid, often it is absorbed into the separators so that no free electrolyte remains, Many combinations of chemicals have been tried, with varying degrees of success, as energy storage systexs, Bach type of battery has advantages and disadvantages with regard to its physical and electrical characteristics. Energy density, expressed in watt-hours per unit mass or watt-hours per unit volume and Power capabitity in watts per unit macs or watts per ynit volune are two important measures of merit for a battery, How a cell works ? Atoms. ‘All matter consists of atoms, they are the basic building blocks. Each consists of e central nucleus containing protons and neutrons and one or more concentric shells of electrons orbiting the nucleus at predetermined distances, Whilst it is the mcleus which determines the nature of the element it is the electrons which are involved in all normal chemical reactions, The simplest atom of all is Hydrogen, It consists of a single proton, which is postively charged apd_a single electron, which is negatively charged. As the two charges ‘cancel, the atom is electrically neutral, One cf the most important elements an is Oxygen. It consists of e meleus which contains 8 postively charged protons and a mumber of ‘neutral! neutrons, Around the nucleus orbit a total of 8 negatively charged electrons. Two in the inner shell and 6 in the second, outer shell. The optimm compliment of electrons for this shell is 8, so the atom +'4s not particularly stable. Lone electron Nucleus ———_ (one proton) Nucleus Electrons noe Compound: Nearly all elements have a tendency, to, coubine with other elements to form Sonpounds, Elenents with a full outer ring of electrons do not normally 4 so are considered inert or unreactive, Examples are combine in this way an felium, Neon end Agron, Elements, with nearly empty outer shells are reactive +" and quickly combine with outer elements, i" hen elements combine they do so in such,a way that the atoms involved can by Thering electrons ase full outer shell configurations. One example of thisy yater, where two Hydrogen atoms combine with an Oxygen atom, The oxygen ston ‘porrews' the electrons from the Hydrogen atom and 0, with its six electrons, can assume a full outer shell of eight electrons. 5 4, Nucleus 2, Electrons 3. Blectrons from each Hydrogen atom sharing with Oxygen atom 1, Nucleus 2, Blectrons 3, Two electrons in outer ring of Mercury atom sharing with Oxygen atom 4. Oxygen atom 5, Mereury atom MERCURIC OXIDE COMPOUND MOLECULE, AJ1 metals have an affinity for Oxygen, the strength of which varies trom ‘clenent to element. It is possible, therefore, to construct a "league table! of metals based on the strength of their affinity for Oxygen. This table is known as the 'Electromotive series’,. The lowest metal in the table, with the weakest affinity is Cold, followed by Platinum, Silver and Mercury. This is ‘the reason why Gold takes many years to oxidise, Silver only months and Iron, which is much futher up the table, only a few days. It is affinity for Oxygen which forme the basie of battery operation, Most cells consist of two motels, Tooslly well separated on the ‘table’. One with weakest affinity, initially oxidised, whilst the other in it's pure form nye How they work. ‘The diagram illustrates the workings of a Mercury Zinc cell. The cathode (+) plate initially consists of Wercuric Oxide, Hg0, molecules. The Mercury atoms have a valency of 2, two electrons on the outer shell whilst the Oxygen atons have a valenoy of 6, They combine to form a stable ‘compound with 8 electrons on the outer shell, However, the Oxygen is attracted towards the Zinc which bas « greater affinity for Oxygen. The Oxygen is attracted towards the Zine from the Mercury atoms, taking with them the two electrons from the Mercury Thus the Oxygen atoms have ‘two extra electrons and becone an 'ion',Meanmhile the Mercury is left with an excess of protons and become an ‘ion’ too, ‘The Oxygen(--) ion, on entering the electrolyte immediately encounters a water molecule. Because of it's strong negative charge, the Oxygen ions attracts ® proton, the mcleus from one of the Hydrogen atoms, The resulting molecule is known as a hydroxyl ion and carries a single negative charge.The act of tearing the proton from the water creates another hydroxyl ion as @ single hydrogen electron is left behind giving a net single negative charge.Both these ions migrate to the zine encde as both contain oxygen. When one of the hydroxyl ions reaches the anode, theoxygen combines with zinc,Por ‘this “to happen,it first sheds the hydrogen proton,which alnidst immediately encounters ancther hydroxyl ion. Since the ions is ‘Hegetively charged and the proton postively charged the two are attracted and combine to ‘form water molecules, replacing thet split when the oxygen left the cathode.The oxygen combines with ‘the zine to form zinc oxide,The molecule has a surplus of two electrons which are released into the ‘avlode, The net effect is that oxygenflows from cdthode to ancde whilst electrons flow from anode to cathode, Water takes an active part in the operation of the cell but there is no net change in the amount of water.If no external circuit is complete, the above situation cannot continue for long. Quickly the anode builds up a surplus of electrons, a negative charge, repelling any futtier hydroxyl ions. Meanwhile the cethode aquires a positive charge, attracting hydroxyl ions and preventing them from migrating towards the anode. However, if anextérrsl circuit exists; the electrons can flow through the circuit back to the cathode where they can combine with the positive mercury ions to form neutral Mercury, Terminology. One of the frequent ‘sources of misunderstanding is the Jargon used within the battery industry. Few people outside ‘the industry understand the difference between a cell and a battery. Iuckily in most situations the differance is merely academic, however there are occassicns when it can be important to distinguish between the two ; : Cycle... One complete discharge of a cell or battery, to a certain end point voltage, and recharge to it's fully charged state. Gycle Life...The total number of cycles obtainable from a cell or battery before failure occurs, Failure can be complete as with a cell which goes short or arbitary when the cell capacity falls to a0%, Depth of Discharge...The percentage of the rated capacity by which a cell is discharged, Discharge Rate...The rate of current at which a cell is discharged, Expressed ine similar manner to the charge rate. Electrolyte,,.Medium through which tonic exchange ocours. End point voltege...also cut-off voltege...voltege which cell should not be discharged further, E.M.F. «No lead voltage across cell, Energy Density...Ratio of cell energy to weight or volume. ‘Float Charge...Maintsining a fully charged state within a cell by a slow constant charge. Internal Impedance...0pposition of a cell to direct current flow causing the actual on load output voltage to be less than the e,im,f. Nominel Voltage...Approximate voltage of a cell when discharged under certain defined candi tions, Primary,..A cell or battery not intended to be recharged, Nominal Capacity...Expected capacity of a cell, when discharged under defines conditions, Secondury...4 cell or battery that oan be recharged, Self Discharge ,..4 flow'of current within the cell causing loss of energy. Seperator...The ionic permeable ‘tut electrically insulating material that is prevents direct contact between the plates or electrodes. Shel? Life...(i)For a primary cell is the length of time from manufacture before its remaining capacity falla to a certain level if stored under specified conditions. (44)For a secondary cell is the length of time after mamfacture before the cell will not meet its specified rating when stored or not cycled under certain specified conditions. Continous or intermittent low rate charging to maintein a cell or battery at @ high state of charge. 4 ‘Trickle Charging, ‘ "50 Circuit of a cell. The diagram represents the first ord equivalent circait of a cell which adequate for most purposes, E ina theoretical cell, output equal to e.m.f. of the couple at the spprgurai to t temperature. RI represents the internal resistancs of ‘the cell, This is the main reason why the output voltage : of the real cell falls as the current increases, : It's value can be between milliohns to tens of ohms. Also the value will vary with temperature,age etc. R2 represents the discharge paths which are responisble for the gradual loss of stored capacity of the cell.The value is inversely proportional to the temperature so cells should be stored under coolconditions, Since all cells consist of two conductive plates Aingulated from each other by a dielectric material they will beheve as @ capacitor. Series and Parallel. It is posible to connect cells or batteries in series or parallel to obtain greater voltages or capacity. However, it should be remembered that’ the greater the mumber of cells in use, the greater the chance of a failure, Secondly, some battery systems should not be connected in parallel without the use of protection diodes to prevent circulatory currents.(as for nicad), - : ae ars A cell . 3 cells connected 2X3 cell battery connected voltage V in series to form in parallel voltage 3V-Vo capacity C voltage 3V and Capacity 20 capacity C Vo is forward voltage drop across diode, Current handling capability. The ability of a cell to supply a particular current will depend on several fectors. Firstly, some systems are inherently better to supply heavy currents, ‘Temperature also affects a cells ability to deliver current.Most types ability to produce current falls with reducing temperature.Compare with the fact that Self discharge will increase with temperature. This is the reason why cells should be stored in a cool place, nen Current handling capability, 1004 100 [Ss bbs ‘ wa | Ol gs Ae ee : 100m | S| m] 8 Fy : z Aa a : g toma | ©) 8} e 5 q 3 a) al l-18l 2] gla] ils 4 Pane § m ) Ee) alg)" | 8) 8) Bla) ala a] g] 2} gl ol al Sle] é 3] el a| 2] 5 Ar rel ie 2) 2/9 2| 21 gle] a 213] 3) 5) e} al gl slag =| 3]8| 3] 4| 8] | a] 8] & Rechargeable Et # q Secondary Systems. Silver Zine % 1% volt system which offers the best energy density of any’ commercial secondary battery. Best suited to low current applications within a temperature range of “10 to 40%. Nickel Cedmium, A 1,2 volt system availsble in a very wide range of sizes, There are three types of NiGad...éass plate button cells are best suited to low/medium current application Multi-layer Button cells are capable of high current use and have superb long term reliability, Sintered cylindrical cells, capable of very high currents, Lead Acid Basically a 2 volt system, however can be obtained in multiples of 2 volts, ie Gvolts and 12 volts and capacities to many hundreds of ampare hours, Discharge. ‘The graph shows typical discharge voltege profiles for the three systems. It will be noted thet the silver zinc exhibits a very flat profile while the lead acid system exhibits an almost constant slope. Lead acid Silver Zinc Wickel Cadmium “7 ergy Density, Typical energy densities for three systens, It will be noted that the silver zinc has over twice the poner to volume ratio of nickel cadmium. In a companion between cells of equal size, the lead acid system would have figures considerably below the nickel cadmium, Typical Energy Densities, FonerfVol Wh/ Dar Power/ 7 Silver zinc and Lead acid cells are Weight, 160 most effective at low to medium Wh/kg. discharge rates,ie rates to C/3. This is due to their high internal resistance and low leakage values. Nickel Cadmium types on the other hand are generally capable of good ] high rate performance, For the & sintered cells discharge rates of : 10C are considered normal end short duration current of more than 100C 77 : are possible, : LA WA WW : Correct charging procedures are vital to the performence of secondary cells or batteries, If incorrect methods are used, then poor capacity during discharge . will be the result, In many cases the cells will be damaged and in extreme cases catastrophic failure will occur . Lead Acta Nicad. Silver Zinc The figure shows typical voltage profilies 3.0 of three systems during recharge at room = temperature, Because of the increase of voltage at the “2 Lead Acta end of charge, silver zinc and lead acid systems can be charged from constant voltage chargers. Alternatively constant current 2.0 chargers with voltage limiters may be used. = Silver Zine Lead acid charging. ‘ In an application where a constant float . charge is to be used, a constant potential charger with an output of 2,25 volts per cell can be used, In cyclic applications, the potential should be between 2.45 and 2.50 volts per cell, In applications where the discharge + at each cycle represents only a small portion of the nominal capacity a_constant current Nickel Cadmium cherger with voltage limiter is preferable since this reduces the repeated overcharging on each cycle, For operation the voltage should be set to 2.45 volts per cell #0,06v ‘The current shold be set between C/10--C/5. Nickel Cadmium Charging. Because of the flat characteristics of nicel cadmium cells during cherge, constant voltage chargers cannot be used. Constant current chargers are essential as nickel cadmium cells and batteries have a negative temperature co-efficient. Since the cells warm up due to gas recombination, at the end of charge, constant current chargers are necessary to avoid thermal runaway. 25° 50 75 100 Sob Eh Ot ebooe So ae eS Sees 8 & SSsEsss ss os ~ ngs Cylindrical Cells. ‘The normal charge rate for cylindrical -nicad, cells is C/10 for 14-16 hours irrespective of the initial state of charge, In fact, cells will withstand overcharce at this rate for prolonged periods. However, in application’ where cells are left permanently on float charge, rates between C/20 and ¢/200' should be used. It is posible to charge cells and batteries at rates-much faster that those above, However, more'care is needed to prevent damage due to over charge and it is strongly recommended that timer control chargers are used, Only fully discharged cells should be charged using timed chargers, Felow are some useful graphs. Voltage / cell temperature Capacity / temperature. Ss 100% =. | pam Lead acid 90 80 70 6 5 40 30 20 : -20 -10 0 10 2 30 40 50% “40 -D -20 -10 40 20 30 ‘Typical self Discharge.. a ___Silyer Zine ov a S$ f 5 OC 7 & F ON ‘Time . Months. 10, MINUTES OF THE _D.CeA You'll all be pleased to know that the D.C.A, are quite satisfied with our work on Oxlow over the past fev months. Ralph has received a letter thanking everyone for their efforts. Access to Ashwood Marble Mine is being negotiated at present. It seems that the N.C.C. are prepared to allow cavers to visit if; (3) padlocked gate is fitted and the key placed with a nominated custodian. (ii). reasonable notice is given, (444) uonthly inspection by an experienced person is carried out. Cliff advises us that our method of fastening ladders when coiled is definitely OUT. Most repairs undertaken at Caving Supplies are due to this type of fastening. Cliff suggests stuffing the ends into the coiled ladder. Any comments please? Ralpa has in his possession a users guide to the Fetzl Stop descender. I strongly recommend that read it if you use the "Stop", as more than one accident has occured through incorrect operation. At the A.G.M. in 1985 we reorganised the tackle to include a small store Cliff's house in Buxton, The reason for this was to allow people such “yself to do a trip in Derbyshire without the inconvenience of travelling as to Ralph's for gear. Cliff recently told me that nobody other thon himself has used the tackle over the past 12 months, the reason being that most people have forgotten it's there. So if you have an overwhelming desire to do P&, Giants etc and find Ralph's or Kevin's out of the way, call at GLiff's house. The British Association of Caving Instructors is running « number of courses this year vhich includes the following:— Single Rope Techniques, cave leadership (in 2 parts), underground navigation und pitch rigging for $.R.T. If anyone is interested in any of those and would like more details sec Paul Shenton, Paul Deakin (who?) is hosting a slide show on March 8 at The Biddulph Arms, slides to include the Berger and others. Admission £1 ~ proceeds to C.R.0. STOP PRESS Eourne Sports currently have a sple of Helly Hansen therm] undervear. i. T'OWD MON IN TROUBLE... CRACK RESCUE TEAM SENT IN Soma one said TR was loosing his grip despite demonstrations to the contrary at a recent meeting but the refercace was to his route finding not his bionic handshake ! On a recent Pipikin-Link trip this intrepid explorer of days gone b y managed to get himself and his merry band of followers LOST! Fortunately two of the clubs (Possibly the countries) leading cavers (who wish to remain anonymous) were on hand to assist, The decrepit old codger and his Surry band were soon located and led to safety by our two anonynous heros We have had three close shaves recently as detailed below,make sure that the next ' incident doesn. t invélve you,and if it does you are able to cope with the problem. Sods Law states that ‘If it can go wrong it will do so at th e worst possible aonent,' We all know that there is no substitute for experience but before you old_uns get too smug,familiarity breeds contempt. down the 210 due to a long chinstrap becoming 1. Jane managed to become marooned 101 caught in her rack, In the past members have caught all sorts of odds and ends in descenders often with potentialy dangerous possibilities. 2. Derek managed to detach himself from his gear 20' up the 210 during a ‘change over', due by all accounts to not fastening the screw on a kreb. To those who havent seen the trick performed, it is quite easy to remove a descender from a krab even under load and this has led to the death of at least one well known and very experienced climber, 3. An incident took place in Diccan involving a non member on a club trip, To cut @ long story short, always carry your own prussiking gear on a 'Thro'trip',you might have to mike an unscheduled exit and someone elses gear might be unavailable or unsuitable! In somewhere like Diccan you could easily die of exposure. 12. Locations Description: WARNING: Permission: Tackle: DON RACTED FROM CAVES OF HI HULME AND WERRINGTON. Grade I- Vv Depending on veather Turn towards Hulme from Ach Bank Garage. Obvious barn 200 yards from junction. A very interesting system with many alternative routes. Scale fixed ladder to obvious beans in roof, From here there are many alternatives to the Big Pitch (20') - a fantastic free hang in spice landing on an unusual ‘concrete! false floor. Possibly the best trip in Staffordshire. Bewsre of geese in extremely dry weather as they are easily irritated. Cave also floods to roof in very wet weather. Not normally needed from Ron Beckett - just turn up - the earlier the better. 20' ladder and belay OR 30' SRT rope. Cosh. (useful for beginners when bypassing geese.) Paul § & Ian, LE_ACCESS Four new belay posts have recently been installed at this-site by E.P.C., and a new fence erected by the farmer, The old route doun the West side is very loose and should be avoided. The usual route dovn the West side is 5ft. further to the South, down a gully (bolt in place about 10ft. dovn) then down to the original twin bolts at 20ft. Pull through ropes up to Millers Chamber and Democles Rift are still in situ and vorking 0.K. The farmer is Bob Furness, Lane Side Farm, Peak Forest. (The last farm on the left going out of Peak Forest.) The hole is now nothing to do with Harry Young at Dogaan Slack Fara, 13 Eldon Hole, Access fermissios To Pareyfoor Benton Wershill ELOON HOLE, @OLT LOCATIONS | Tideswell FOR SALE.. TACKLE SACKS LARGE £6.00 (ref. R.J.1) MSDTUM £5-EE™ (Ref R.J.) £2.50 §.R.T.MEDIUM £3.00 (Ref.T.R.2) Alliteas with a ref, no. “T.. guarrantesd to be incapable of carrying Ralphs camera box chest harnesses £3.50, Knee straps 0.50, “G-hour cells complete £11.00 MEMBERS ONLY. sweat shirts £7,00, TesShirts £5.50, Tre? Leg loops £8,00 SMALL ONLY, \C.0,P.C. Hangers.. Left OR right handed 111+ Test figures The Latest fro Pete TO indicate distortion at 1.25 TONNE, the bolt sheers before the hanger does, “OFFICIAL MEETS 86“ —_——_— gua 8 Nick Pot plus "beginers " to Dicean!! 7 WARCH 1 Long Kin B, Rift. Juniper "8 Rescue practice "Derbyshire" " 46 Peak Cavern plus ...Long Xin West. May 18 Penyghent "31 - JUnet Hawmer- Washfold 26 June FRANCE. ..+.-+ July 5 GRANGE RIG XMAS July 16 Belgians AND French arrive ring around, come to meetings, its 19 July Gaping Gill ete 20" oe " and Lancaster- Top Sink SOUTH WALES, AUGUST © FRANCE SEE LIAM. 30°" Gingling Sept. 20 Magnety. stor These represent only a fraction of what realy realy up to you... takes place.. Oct 18 Lost Johns plus afl Leck Fell Nov 15 Dale Head » 23 Lancaster Pip. ete CLUB ":OUAS" DO 22MARCH "OUT OF TOWN" £4 aprox. DISCO. BUFFET INC. STOP PRESS.. OPTER HOLB AUGUST 2m1 and AUGUST 24 th Andy Martin Martin Soliman Redacted Redacted Redacted AOK caroline Byme Redacted John Gillett work Redacted