18650 leaking electrolyte

[rizky_p]

Hi guys, i got a leaking unprotected 18650 after heavy current draw (<2C) it is probably because of being subject to a really low voltage or just a heavy amp draws. Now it creeps up to 2.78v not sure what was the voltage while still under load. Never had this problem before, should i charge this battery or not? would li-ion normally explode or just venting? I guess i am just lucky it did not venting any flame just an electrolyte. I thought that li-ion doesnt leaks like Ni-mh or Ni-cd instead it will instead venting a flame.
Dont worry guys i always do a safe practice handling Li-ion couse i know the danger.

thanks.

 

[DM51]

Well, 2.87V resting is not catastrophic, but LEAKING?? If you are absolutely sure the cell itself is leaking, and this is not some other liquid that has got on to it, then you already know what the answer is - get rid of that cell.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Risky P,

Get rid of it!!!

Tom

 

[viorel00]

yeah, ged rid of it. Why would you risk a fire for four bucks?

 

[rizky_p]

YES i am sure it was leaking from the positive side, there is a paper type white insulation material around the + that got soggy and the battery tube also feels sticky, it was used in 3 cells packs. Touched the liquid to thermal paper then it became black instantly. There are also some blobs around where the batteries sat, quite a leak I guess. I charged the other 2 18650 inside Stainless steel can (just in case) because they stayed at 3.86 and 3.85 after the incident and fully charged and stays at 4.2v even overnight, so no damage there.
Only one cell got as low as 2.8v -the one that leaked.

Before making the pack i choose 3 batteries out of many i have, the two that survived have similar condition hence similar end voltage but the leaked one just slightl lower voltage after fully charged(4.19v and the other 2 were 4.2 sharp) i though that was good enough, Well apparently not!

leason learnt here. When bulding multi cell pack ensure that all batteries has exectly the same condition no more no less no compromise! and dont forget protection circuit.

hell it was scarry cant imagine exploding 18650, exploding CR123 is bad enough but 18650?
i still keep it but i'll throw it latter.


photo:

sorry i got confuse with grammar since the story is in the past and i am not good at that. :mecry:

thanks guys i know it was dangerous.