EL-CELL PAT-Cell User manual

User Manual

Release 2.53

PAT-Cell

Electrochemical test cell

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User Manual PAT-Cell

Release 2.53

Disclaimer

EL-Cell GmbH makes no assurances or warranties with respect to this manual and, to the

extent permitted by law, limits its liability for violation of any implied warranty to the

substitution of this manual for another. In addition, EL-Cell GmbH reserves the right to revise

this publication at any time without notice to anyone.

The information provided in this documentation includes general descriptions and/or

technical characteristics regarding the performance of the equipment described herein. This

documentation cannot serve as a proper evaluation of the suitability or reliability of the

equipment for any specific application by any user and should not be relied upon as a

substitute for such evaluation. It is the responsibility of each such user or installer to conduct

an appropriate and complete risk assessment, evaluation and testing of the equipment with

respect to their specific application. EL-Cell GmbH cannot be held responsible or liable for any

misuse of the information contained herein.

All relevant state, regional and local safety regulations must always be complied with when

installing and using this device. For safety reasons and to ensure compliance with the

documented system data, only the manufacturer is authorized to perform repair s on

components.

Disregarding this information may result in injury or damage to the equipment.

in any form, including photocopying, recording, or any other electronic or mechanical process,

without the written permission of the publisher. Requests for permission must be made in

writing to the publisher at the address written below.

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User Manual PAT-Cell

Release 2.53

Manufacturer and customer service

EL-Cell GmbH

Tempowerkring 8

21079 Hamburg –Germany

Telephone: +49 40 79012-734

Telefax: +49 40 79012-736

Email: info@el-cell.com

Website: el-cell.com

Technical support

Telephone: +49 40 79012-734

Email: support@el-cell.com

Website: el-cell.com/support/technical-support/

Please always quote the serial number on the nameplate when making customer service

inquiries.

Shipping address for repairs

EL-Cell GmbH

Tempowerkring 8

21079 Hamburg - Germany

Please be sure to contact our customer service department before making a return. We will

not open or process shipments without a completed decontamination report or RMA.

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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Content

1Preamble .............................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Purpose and target audience...................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Storage instructions...................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Obtaining documents and information .................................................................................... 6

2Product description ........................................................................................................................... 7

3Features................................................................................................................................................ 7

4Working principle of the PAT-Cell ................................................................................................. 8

5Safety precautions ............................................................................................................................. 9

6Cell Assembly...................................................................................................................................... 9

7Disassembly and Cleaning ............................................................................................................. 10

8Unpacking.......................................................................................................................................... 11

9Technical data................................................................................................................................... 12

9.1 Compatible PAT Docking Stations........................................................................................... 12

10 Consumables..................................................................................................................................... 13

11 Spare parts...................................................................................................................................... 14

11.1 Components screw cap .............................................................................................................. 14

11.2 Components cell base ................................................................................................................ 15

12 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 16

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User Manual PAT-Cell

Release 2.53

1Preamble

1.1 Purpose and target audience

This manual covers the structure, function, operation and maintenance of the device

described. It is intended for the end users of the device. An end user can be described as any

person who interacts directly with the device described. The term "end user" usually includes

laboratory personnel who have been specifically trained to operate this instrument and are

familiar with all the precautions required to work in the laboratory.

Only an authorized and properly qualified and experienced person 18 years of age or older

may use the device described, who:

•has read and understood these installation and operating instructions

•is familiar with the installation and operation of this or a similar device

•is aware of all possible dangers and acts accordingly

1.2 Storage instructions

Make sure you have read and understood the complete instructions and all safety information

before using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in minor or serious

injury.

Follow all instructions. This will prevent accidents that could result in property damage or

injury. Keep all safety information and instructions for future reference and pass them on to

subsequent users of the product.

The manufacturer is not liable for property damage or injuries resulting from incorrect

handling or failure to comply with the safety instructions. In such cases, the warranty becomes

void.

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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1.3 Obtaining documents and information

A current version of the documentation is available on the following website:

https://el-cell.com/support/manuals/

Alternatively, you can scan this QR code,

to access the website:

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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2Product description

The PAT-Cell is a standard test cell for two- and three-electrode testing of battery materials

by using the PAT-Core. For connection to a potentiostat or battery tester, the PAT-Cell must

be inserted into a PAT-Stand or PAT-Tester. It has no sockets for direct cable connections.

3Features

▪Enables long-term stable 2- and 3-electrode testing with the PAT-Core

▪Can be used with all the different versions of the PAT-Core

▪Compatible with all common aprotic, aqueous, and highly corrosive electrolytes

▪Electrode feedthroughs with glass-to-metal seals for improved temperature resistance

▪PAT-Button for automatic cell identification in EL-Software

▪Compatible with metal seal lid for using aluminum lid seal

▪Helium leak tight

PAT-Core

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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4Working principle of the PAT-Cell

The PAT-Cell is a leadless test cell. The two or three electrodes of the inside PAT-Core can

only be accessed through the contact areas at the cell bottom. The PAT-Cell may be inserted

into any socket of a PAT docking station (PAT-Stand and PAT-Chamber) and PAT battery

tester.

The inside PAT-Core of the PAT-Cell is an unsealed container for the electrodes, the separator

and the electrolyte. The cell becomes hermetically tight only after encasing the PAT-Core

inside the outside housing consisting of the cell base and cell lid. A compression spring

mounted to the cell lid serves to define the mechanical pressure onto the cell stack.

Contact area

Reference electrode

Contact area

Upper electrode

Contact area

Lower electrode

Cell bottom

PAT-Cell

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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5Safety precautions

Use proper safety precautions when using hazardous electrode materials and electrolytes.

Wear protective glasses and gloves to protect you against electrolytes that may accidentally

spill out during filling and disassembly. Upon cell disassembly, dispose of all materials

properly.

6Cell Assembly

This section describes how the PAT-Cell has to be assembled to conduct proper battery tests.

Please note that the assembly has to take place under a protective atmosphere in a glove box.

1. Put the insulation sleeve (6) onto the worktop with the

smaller side pointing upwards.

2. Insert the lower electrode (7) into the sleeve with the

active layer facing downwards.

3. Attach the lower plunger (8). The lower plunger is

available in different gap sizes to account for the thickness

of the lower electrode and the separator used.

4. Turn the assembly upside down.

5. Align the contact spring of the sleeve with the horizontal

contact pin inside the cell base (9). Then insert the

assembly into the cell base.

6. Evenly dispense approx. 100 µL of electrolyte (5) on top

of the separator with a pipette. Note: The optimum amount

of electrolyte will depend on the thickness and porosity of

the separator and the electrodes used.

7. Insert the upper electrode (4) into the insulation sleeve

with the active layer facing downwards.

8. Attach the upper plunger (3).

9. Attach the screw cap (1) to the cell base with the wing

nut fully released.

10. Tighten the wing nut clockwise to seal the cell.

11. Attach the cell into a free socket of a PAT docking

station or PAT-Tester.

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User Manual PAT-Cell

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7Disassembly and Cleaning

When working with aprotic, moisture-sensitive electrolytes such as LiPF6, it is best to always

leave the cell base and cell lid in the glove box and only expose the PAT core components to

room air for cleaning or disposal.

Note that excess electrolyte may leak from the PAT-Core and cause contamination in the cell

base and on the contact pins. For standard electrodes and standard separators use 100 µl

electrolyte. If the cell base is contaminated with electrolyte, clean it in the glove box with a

cloth and a battery-compatible solvent such as DMC.

If the cell base or lid has been in contact with ambient air or if they are being used for the

first time, they must be dried in a vacuum at 80°C for at least 12 hours before use.

Stainless steel plungers can be cleaned with water, acetone, or ethanol. If necessary, persistent

stains can be removed from the plungers with aqueous nitric acid (20%, 2 hours at room

temperature). Insulating sleeves made of PP are intended for single use. Insulating sleeves

made of PEEK or PPS can be cleaned with water, acetone, or ethanol and are reusable after

careful drying (120°C, vacuum, >12 hours).

Never immerse the cell base in liquid. In particular, avoid contact of the electronic

components on the bottom of the cell base with liquid.

Notes:

▪Protect yourself against chemical hazards. Electrolytes may spill out during cleaning.

Electrode materials and electrolytes may react with ambient atmosphere or solvents used

for cleaning. Wear appropriate protective equipment, goggles, and gloves.

▪Clean all cell parts right after disassembly. Leaving cell parts in contact with the ambient

atmosphere while still being wetted with electrolytes may result in severe corrosion.

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