EL-CELL PAT-Cell User manual

© 2023 EL-CELL GmbH
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.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, processed, or transmitted
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: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: el-cell.com
Technical support
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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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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
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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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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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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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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.
t
Contact area
Reference electrode
Contact area
Upper electrode
Contact area
Lower electrode
Cell bottom
1
1
2
1
3
2
3
2
3
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.
1
2
3
6
4
5
7
8
9

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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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8Unpacking
Check the contents of the package against the list given below to verify that you have
received all of the required components. Contact EL-CELL, if anything is missing or damaged.
Note: Damaged shipments must remain within the original packaging for freight company
inspection.
List of components:
PAT-Cell test cell without PAT-Core
Note: The components of the PAT-Core (insulation sleeves and plungers) must be purchased
separately.
Screw cap, complete
Cell base (PAT),
preassembled

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9Technical data
▪Diameter: 49.5 mm
▪Height: 61 mm
▪Weight: 0.4 kg
▪Electrode diameter: 18 mm
▪Temperature resistance -20 to +80 °C
9.1 Compatible PAT Docking Stations
The PAT-Cell can be used with all PAT docking stations and PAT-Testers
▪PAT-Clamp-1
▪PAT-Stand-1
▪PAT-Stand-4
▪PAT-Stand-16
▪PAT-Chamber-16
▪PAT-Tester-x
▪PAT-Tester-i-16

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8.2 Spring force in relation to the thickness of the upper electrode:
10 Consumables
Seals (single-use):
▪Sealing ring, PE (lid, 10 pcs) ECC1-00-0232-A/X
▪Sealing ring, PTFE (lid, 10 pcs) ECC1-00-0232-B/X
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
0200 400 600 800 1000
Spring force applied on cell stack / N
Thickness of upper electrode / µm
Compression spring,
FED9028

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11 Spare parts
11.1 Components screw cap

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11.2 Components cell base
Cell base II GTMS (PAT-Cell), assy
ECC1-00-0260-E
! Legacy version
Cell base (PAT)
ECC1-00-0234-A
Button holder
ECC1-00-0247-B
Shaft ring
FED9029
Button (PAT)
ECC1-00-0253-A
Screw
N_965

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12 Warranty
For a period of one year from the date of shipment, EL-Cell GmbH (hereinafter Seller) warrants
the goods to be free from defects in material and workmanship to the original purchaser.
During the warranty period, Seller agrees to repair or replace defective and/or nonconforming
goods or parts without charge for material or labor, or, at the Seller’s option, demand return
of the goods and tender repayment of the price. The buyer’s exclusive remedy is repair or
replacement of defective and nonconforming goods, or, at the Seller’s option, the repayment
of the price.
Seller excludes and disclaims any liability for lost profits, personal injury, interruption of
service, or consequential incidental or special damages arising out of, resulting from, or
relating in any manner to these goods.
This Limited Warranty does not cover defects, damage, or nonconformity resulting from
abuse, misuse, neglect, lack of reasonable care, modification, or the attachment of improper
devices to the goods. This Limited Warranty does not cover expendable items. This warranty is
void when repairs are performed by a non-authorized person or service center. At the Seller’s
option, repairs or replacements will be made on-site or at the factory. If repairs or
replacements are to be made at the factory, the Buyer shall return the goods prepaid and bear
all the risks of loss until delivered to the factory. If Seller returns the goods, they will be
delivered prepaid and Seller will bear all risks of loss until delivery to Buyer. Buyer and Seller
agree that this Limited Warranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of Germany.
The warranties contained in this agreement are in lieu of all other warranties expressed or
implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
This Limited Warranty supersedes all prior proposals or representations oral or written and
constitutes the entire understanding regarding the warranties made by Seller to Buyer. This
Limited Warranty may not be expanded or modified except in writing signed by the parties
hereto.