🚀 go-pugleaf

> 	There can be long term storage mechanisms in capacitors, where charge
> 	gets "trapped" in the dielectric.  Typical point of concern is in
> 	sample and hold or high speed a/d designs, where I encountered it.
> 
> 	The situation in electrolytics is complicated by the active nature of
> 	the electrolyte, i suspect.  If this is correct, an initial zero volt
> 	indication merely means that the charge closest to the electrofes has
> 	been bled off.  If investigating, leaving a milliameter (other wise
> 	known as a "calibrated short sircuit...  8)>>) and reading it at
> 	intervals (or equivalent datalogger, for the instrumentally endowed...)
> 	would be instructive.	
> 

Dave,

        If one can buy electrolytics with pure electrolyte, and 
plates made of pure aluminum, then such reactions would not be 
seen.  However, traces of copper and other metals in the plates as 
small as they may be, are responsible for this "battery" action.  
As long as industrial grade metals and electrolyte oils are used, 
we will constantly see this effect...............sq