Can VRLA batteries last 20 years?

Experimental data shows conclusively that premium-quality VRLA-AGM cells can fail from discharged negative plates even while on steady-state float charge. The problem appears to be a fundamental one, affecting the better cell designs in particular. Consequently, VRLA cells as presently make are unlikely to last 20 years in service. However, a small, inexpensive recombination catalyst placed inside each cell solves the problem at source and brings many other benefits besides. Catalysts can even recover cells that have failed in service due to negative discharge. But a caution is necessary: the addition of a catalyst imposes a new condition, namely, that the device itself must work safely and reliably for many years. The present paper addresses this issue and is optimistic that a suitable catalyst device has been developed