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DUO-REGEN Battery Regeneration FAQ

1) What are sulfated batteries?

2) What are the symptoms of sulfated batteries?

3) What is the ResureX® battery regeneration treatment?

4) What is the ResureX® solution?

5) What is the “Maxi-Life Pulse Re-Activator”?

6) How is DUO-REGEN different from other products I’ve heard about?

7) I have an old battery. How do I decide if it is worth treating?

8) When should I treat a battery?

9) What is the minimum voltage required by a Pulse unit to produce an improvement in the battery?

10) If I have a battery sitting on a bench and it has A VERY LOW VOLTAGE… say only 5 volts output... if I add additive and connect a pulse... will there be any improvement?

11) Does the battery have to either be on a charger or installed in a vehicle for the pulse to function?

12) What will DUO-REGEN do for batteries that are unused for an extended period?

13) I have a sealed battery. Will a Maxi-Life Pulse work without ResureX?

14) Can the Maxi-Life Pulse be used with other than lead-acid batteries?

15) Does the battery benefit by keeping the Maxi-Life Pulse attached during re-charge?

16) Should I remove the pulse after a time?

17) Should I have the pulse attached when the battery is removed from a vehicle and is under charge?

18) Are there any temperature limitations with the use of Resurex additive?

19) I have a truck with two batteries. Is one kit enough for the two batteries?

20) After I treat my battery, how do I know if there is any improvement?

21) How much ResureX should I add to a battery?

22) Will there be any other changes to the operation of the battery?

23) What is WaterX and should I be using WaterX?

24) What is the right level of electrolyte?

25) Do I have to add acid?

26) Does the battery have to be discharged entirely before being charged again?

27) Can I store my discharged battery?

28) Can my battery freeze?

29) Can I interrupt in the charging cycles?

30) Can I reduce water consumption by charging at a lower voltage?

31) What are common charging mistakes that I can avoid?



1) What are sulfated batteries?

According to studies by “Battery Council International” (BCI) from Chicago, 70% to 80% of lead-acid batteries are replaced prematurely due to the sulfation that occurs on lead plates. Sulfation is an electrochemical reaction that occurs when a battery is discharged. During normal use or in storage, a battery’s sulfuric acid is active between the plates. This reaction creates energy in the form of electric current. It also transforms the acid’s chemical composition that is in contact with the lead plates, forming a solid residue (lead sulphate). Finally, the loss of sulphuric acid reduces the electrolyte’s Specific Gravity, which transforms into water. During a discharge period, the sulfuric acid in liquid state becomes solid and the electrolyte’s specific gravity reading drops. However, after using the battery for a while, the discharging and charging procedures will transform the solid crystal residue into liquid again but doesn’t allow the lead sulphate to return totally into liquid (at 100%). Some will remain fixed on the plates or fall down to the bottom of the battery. This is called stratification. Sulfation reduces the electrolyte concentration and, as a consequence, the cell voltage is also reduced. As sulfation increases the internal resistance increases and the added heat up generation produces a marked rise in temperature. These higher temperatures then further accelerate the dry-out processes often culminating in the early failure of a battery. THIS CONTINUAL SULPHATE ACCUMULATION ACCELERATES THE WEAKENING PROCESS AND FINALLY “SUFFOCATES” THE BATTERY.

2) What are the symptoms of sulfated batteries?

A general lack of capacity (deliverable power).
An increase in battery temperature while charging or discharging.
A strong odor of hydrogen gas while charging or discharging.
An excessive use of water, turning the battery weak and dried up.
A rapid rise in battery voltage while charging (stops the charger).

3) What is the ResureX® battery regeneration treatment?

Battery regeneration is a procedure that returns a sulfated battery to its original and normal condition.

4) What is the ResureX® solution?

ResureX® additive cleans and maintains battery plates and separators. It helps lead sulphate crystals dissolve and also prevents new sulfation from forming. During de-sulfation treatment, the sulphate residue melts slowly and progressively into the electrolyte. This causes the acid’s specific gravity to rise. At the end of the process, the entire sulphate residue will have been returned to the battery’s acid and the battery will work at its optimum performance. DUO-REGEN ResureX® restores the battery plate composition and improves performance by an electro-deposition process allowing the battery to operate at its optimum capacity (often well beyond its original specifications). Resurex is unique in that it is a De-Sulfator AND a Re-Activator. The treated battery regains its capacity, controls corrosion, all gas is captured during charging. This prevents electrolyte evaporation and gas emission, thus decreasing the risk of explosion. ResureX increases the service life of the battery and reduces charging time thus reducing downtime. Continue battery maintenance with the preventive solution “WaterX®” (see FAQ 21).

5) What is the “Maxi-Life Pulse Re-Activator”

The Maxi-Life Pulse Re-Activator is a small electronic device permanently attached to a lead-acid battery’s terminals. It uses cutting edge technology to send a specially controlled pulsing DC current into the battery. The current pulses convert battery-killing sulfate crystals back to liquid molecules in the electrolyte. The battery stays in top condition and its lifespan is dramatically extended. A Maxi-Life Pulse can be used on wet, gel-cell and even dry batteries!

6) How is DUO-REGEN different from other products I’ve heard about?

The DUO-REGEN RENU-A-BATTERY KIT is a totally new technology that has forced a change in battery theory. The Maxi-Life Pulse is more than just a pulser. It is a battery re-activator! There is nothing else to truly compare it with. It is a new scientific model and can be likened to the MAJOR change society underwent when changing from gas to electricity. That was, and this is, a major change in technology.

7) I have an old battery. How do I decide if it is worth treating?

First, the battery needs to be in sound mechanical condition. Start by measuring the voltage in each cell. There can be no dead cells. The voltage should be even across the cells and preferably +2.1 volts per cell. If you find uneven voltage, rapid charge the battery for 15-30 minutes and recheck the voltage. Use a hydrometer to check that the electrolyte’s specific gravity is similar in all cells. If hydrometer readings are relatively even (regardless of the colour red, orange, green) and voltage is relatively even the battery is suitable for regeneration.

8) When should I treat a battery?

The earlier you treat a battery, the better. The battery will maintain its health and will have an even longer service life. The newer the battery, the more likely you can double, triple or even quadruple its expected service life. Note – the battery must be functional. The DUO-REGEN kit will not revive physically damaged batteries or batteries with dead cells.

9) What is the minimum voltage required by a Pulse unit to produce an improvement in the battery?

The DUO-REGEN Maxi-Life Pulse switches off when the battery voltage drops below 12.60 volts. This avoids deep-discharging a battery that is unused for a long period.

10) If I have a battery sitting on a bench and it has A VERY LOW VOLTAGE... say only 5 volts output... if I add additive and connect a pulse... will there be any improvement?

It depends… If the 5V level is a result of a deep discharge state and all cells are connected and functional, first rapid-charge the battery for 20-30 minutes. Then, check to see if the voltage recovers. Often this low voltage indicates one of the cells has failed.

11) Does the battery have to either be on a charger or installed in a vehicle for the pulse to function?

The Maxi-Life Pulse works only when the battery voltage is above 12.60 volts. If the battery is above this voltage the Maxi-Life Pulse will be working. It will turn itself off when the battery voltage drops below 12.60 volts for any reason.

12) What will DUO-REGEN do for batteries that are unused for an extended period?

Consider what happens to boats that sit in the yard for 6 to 9 months. What difference should be expected from 2 identical boats, one with standard battery and another with Duo-Regen treated batteries?
An untreated battery will take up to 24 hours to recharge and will likely suffer from overheating in the process. Most of the time, these batteries will fail and have to be replaced. A DUO-REGEN treated battery will be permanently free from sulfation and will retain its charge for 12 to 18 months. Even after 2-3 years of storage, you will need only 20 to 30 minutes of charging to restore the battery to service.
Simply put, DUO-REGEN treated batteries keep their charge long and have a longer service life!.

13) I have a sealed battery. Will a Maxi-Life Pulse work without ResureX?

It is not necessary to use both parts of the DUO-REGEN system. However, using both parts of the system will provide the best overall results. The Maxi-Life Pulse assists in breakdown on sulfation and prevents its return. The ResureX additive has two useful benefits. First, it attacks and quickly dissolves the hard-bonded sulfate crystals (Third layer) that are coating the plates. Second, ResureX assists in the electro-deposition of new metal particules (ppm) on the plate surface. This actually improves its capacitance.
(With carefully drilled holes you can add ResureX to a “sealed” battery).

14) Can the Maxi-Life Pulse be used with other than lead-acid batteries?

DUO-REGEN successfully treats NiCAD batteries in heavy industrial applications. Good results can be seen with Gel AND VRLA-AGM batteries.
DUO-REGEN has a special additive for NiCad batteries. Our MAXI-Life “Re-Activator” inhibits all Internal Resistance in Ni-Cad and primary batteries.

15) Does the battery benefit by keeping the Maxi-Life Pulse attached during re-charge?

The MAXI-Life Pulse will assist any charger by adding high-frequency desulfating current pulses.

16) Should I remove the pulse after a time?

No, The MAXI-LIFE Pulse should stay attached to the battery at all times. The Pulse acts continuously to prevent sulfation inside the battery. The longer you have a Pulse connected, the greater the improvement. Any battery that has been treated with DUO-REGEN and is kept charged will retain its capacity for years.

17) Should I have the pulse attached when the battery is removed from a vehicle and is under charge?

Yes, keep the Pulse attached to the battery at all times.

18) Are there any temperature limitations with the use of Resurex additive?

ResureX has been successfully tested at temperatures between -40 and +40C. Note that heavily sulfated batteries typically freeze at -20C.

19) I have a truck with two batteries. Is one kit enough for the two batteries?

No, each kit is designed for one 12 volt battery. Each 12 volt battery needs its own kit.

20) After I treat my battery, how do I know if there is any improvement?

Usually untreated batteries get worse with use. Once treated with a DUO-REGEN Kit, batteries get better. Regular daily use is sufficient for the process to operate. It’s a bit like Body Building. After treatment exercise improves the battery. You will generally “feel” improvements very quickly such as improved starting, better spark/ignition, reduced alternator load, brighter headlights faster charging and slower discharge. If you have access to battery conductance testing equipment, we suggest you can do the following to verify actual improvement of the battery performance. First, test the battery and record results. Then, treat the battery. Wait 30 minutes and retest. There will already be an improvement of the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). Retest the battery weekly for the next three weeks. You will see improvement every week. The battery will improve more if it is used more.

21) How much ResureX should I add to a battery?

Batteries vary greatly in size and thus the amount of Resurex used will also vary. As a rough indicator, a small motorcycle battery will only need 2 or 3 ml per cell. An automotive battery will use 10 ml per cell. For more sophisticated calculations, the best rule is to use 10 ml of ResureX for every 100 Amps of the manufacturer’s rating. The 60 ml ResureX bottle will treat one automotive battery rated at 600CCA.
For larger, heavy-duty or commercial batteries, dose at 20 ml per 100CCA. For example, a 1200CCA battery will need 240 ml of Resurex, divided into 40 ml per cell. However, with larger batteries, it is recommended RESUREX be added in two steps to avoid over-dilution of the electrolyte. Therefore, add half of the ResureX before charging and half after the end of the charge.
Note - for best results the battery should be cycled (charged and discharged) 21 times or used on a daily basis for two to three weeks.
The Specific Gravity of a treated battery should be checked and adjusted to around 1280 degree after the 21-cycle period is complete.
Do not over-treat (add too much ResureX) as this will dilute the electrolyte.

22) Will there be any other changes to the operation of the battery?

Other than performance improvement, there will be no noticeable change to the battery. However, during normal charging a battery usually produces hydrogen gas. After treatment, almost no hydrogen is released and the battery does not heat up during the charging process.

23) What is WaterX and should I be using WaterX?

WaterX is an evaporation preventative. WaterX should only be used after treating a battery with ResureX and attaching a MAXI-Life Pulse. Typically, examine the battery 4 to 6 months after treatment. The frequency of topping off depends on the usage of your battery (number of cycles in charge / discharged) on the climate. If the battery works hard and you are in a warmer climate, you will have to check the electrolyte levels frequently and adjust them by using “WaterX®” solution. After ResureX® treatment, a rule of thumb is add WaterX® every time you need to top off the battery.

24) What is the right level of electrolyte?

The plates must be covered before and after charging. There should be almost 10 mm or 0.4” of liquid on top of the plates.

25) Do I have to add acid?

No. In normal conditions, you should never add acid. Only DUO-REGEN Resurex® or WaterX® solutions should be used to fill up the levels. Do not use tap water. Tap water contains minerals and rust that can raise the current in the battery and destroy it.

26) Does the battery have to be discharged entirely before being charged again?

No. Excessive discharge can damage a battery and reverse its polarity. For deep cycle or commercial batteries, never discharge the battery under the 80% discharge capacity. Reverse polarity can occur and typically a battery had to be replaced when this occurs. We can often recover this situation with the DUO-REGEN treatment process. If you want to be kept up to date continuously about your battery’s state of charge, you will need a limit indicator to inform you when discharge hits the 80% stage. Your nearest DUO-REGEN services consultant can give you helpful advice regarding the problems that your forklift battery traction or any other deep cycle battery is going through. The installation is simple, quick and will save you money.

27) Can I store my discharged battery?

No. Storing discharged batteries causes formation of sulfate deposits at the bottom of the plates (“stratification”). These sulfate crystals harden progressively on the plates and considerably reduce the performance of the battery. They may even damage it permanently.

28) Can my battery freeze?

Yes. If your battery is discharged or almost discharged, it can freeze. At the 60% discharged level, the freezing point is about –16°C. (3.5 degrees F). A completely discharged battery (SG at 1100) has a freezing point at –7°C. (19 degrees F). Charge a stored battery on Pulse Mode once every 12 to 18 months.

29) Can I interrupt in the charging cycles?

No. Interrupting the charge cycle allows the battery plates to sulphate.

30) Can I reduce water consumption by charging at a lower voltage?

Reducing the charging voltage level might reduce the fluid consumption level but it can also contribute to stratification.
31) What are common charging mistakes that I can avoid?

Undercharging Generally, this occurs when you interrupt a charging cycle or when the non-adjustable charger is weak and is not charging enough in time.

Overcharging By over charging, you damage the positive plate. This will increase water consumption and could damage the battery permanently. Let a DUO-REGEN Network technician verify the specifications of your charger.

Lack of Fluid Never charge a battery before checking that the plates are covered completely with liquid (at least 10 mm or .4” and above). Permanent damage can be caused if you don’t ensure the correct liquid levels. Always verify the fluid levels, both before and after charging.

Overfilling Overfilling with water may cause the electrolyte to dilute.