What is stratification?
Stratification is a chemical phenomenon that occurs in lead-acid batteries.
What's going on?
Typical lead-acid batteries contain a mixture of water and acid with a different concentration level.
Given that water and acid are of different density, if a battery remains stationary and is barely solicited (no charge or discharge), the mixture can separate itself; the water rises to the top while the denser acid sinks to the bottom. This is called stratification.
The effect of stratification
The more concentrated and dense acid is found at the bottom, the more it accelerates the corrosion of the lower portion of the plates, therefore shortening the battery life.
How to avoid it?
During periods of non-use of the battery, it would be wise to recharge at least once every month, in order to mix the water and the electrolyte. Or, use a trickle charger that will charge, at low power, the battery when it needs it, to keep the battery active as much as possible.
