Electrolytic cap "protection"

From: Dwight K. Elvey <dwightk.elvey_at_amd.com>
Date: Mon Feb 10 12:52:01 2003

>From: "Bryan Pope" <bpope_at_wordstock.com>
>
>Hey all,
>
> Awhile ago there was a thread about electrolytic capacitors popping and
>then destroying the motherboard they are on. One of the ideas was to
>replace them before they go.
>
> Now I was wondering about another idea... Would it be okay to encase
>the capacitor in silicone gel? Then when the capacitor pops, it wouldn't
>spread its electrolyte all over the motherboard.
>
> But would this cause other problems with heat or something? Would it
>further shorten the life of the capacitor?
>
>Cheers,
>
>Bryan
>

Hi
 There isn't much you could cover it with that would stop a cap
from blowing. The pressures can get to several thousand PSI
if there isn't a relief someplace. Wrapping several layers of
paper towel around them might be better. This would at least
keep the mess from the PCB.
 There was an article about some bad capacitors made in the
last few years. According to the story, someone stole a formula
for the electrolyte and the formula was missing some key
ingredient ( most likely a depolarizer ). The caps made this
way would out gas and rupture.
Dwight
Received on Mon Feb 10 2003 - 12:52:01 GMT