Gamry FlexCell User manual

Flexcell Cell Kit
Operator’s Manual

Limited Warranty
Gamry Instruments, Inc. warrants to the original user of this product that it shall be free of defects resulting
from faulty manufacture of the product or its components for a period of one year from the original
shipment date of your purchase.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties regarding either the satisfactory performance of this Cell Kit
or the fitness of the product for any particular purpose. The remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty
shall be limited solely to repair or by replacement, as determined by Gamry Instruments, Inc., and shall not
include other damages.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to make revisions to the product at any time without incurring
any obligation to install same on systems previously purchased. All product specifications are subject to
change without notice.
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description herein. This warranty is in lieu of, and
excludes any and all other warranties or representations, expressed, implied or statutory, including
merchantability and fitness, as well as any and all other obligations or liabilities of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.; including but not limited to, special or consequential damages.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have others which vary from state to
state. Some states do not allow for the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages.
No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Gamry Instruments, Inc., any additional
obligation or liability not expressly provided herein except in writing duly executed by an officer of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.

Flexcell Kit
Operator’s Manual
Copyright 1997−2017 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Part No. 990-00121
Revision 4.11
November 30, 2017

If You Have Problems
Please visit our service and support page at www.gamry.com/service-support/.
This page contains information on installation, software updates, and training. It also contains links to the
latest available documentation. If you are unable to locate the information you need from our website, you
can contact us via email using the link provided on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us one of
the following ways:
Internet www.gamry.com/service-support/
Telephone [phone]:00 AM - 5:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time
[phone] Toll-free US & Canada Only
Replacement parts for this kit are available from Gamry Instruments, Inc. Optional parts may be available
from Gamry Instruments, or from third-party vendors. Contact your local Gamry sales representative to
discuss any special requirements or accessories that you need.
Disclaimer
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate as of the time of
printing. However, Gamry Instruments, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors that might appear.
Copyrights and Trademarks
Flexcell Operator’s Manual copyright 1997−2017 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
The names Flexcell, TDC2, TDC4, Gamry Framework, PC4, PCi4, Series G, and Reference 600 are all
trademarks of Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Tygon is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp.
Thermo Scientific is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Velcro®and Velcro®design are registered trademarks of Velcro BVBA.
Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Viton®is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company.
ACE-Thred™ is a trademark of Ace Glass, Inc.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of
Gamry Instruments, Inc.

Table of Contents
Limited Warranty...........................................................................................................................2
If You Have Problems ....................................................................................................................4
Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................1-1
Chapter 2: Metal Specimens ..........................................................................................................2-1
Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit .................................................................3-1
Checking for Shipping Damage .........................................................................................3-1
Checking Parts against the Packing List ..............................................................................3-4
Assemble the cell. .............................................................................................................3-4
Install the Bottom Cap –Leg. ...............................................................................3-4
Assemble the Sample Holder. ..............................................................................3-5
Install the Bottom-Cap Fittings..............................................................................3-5
Install the Cooling Coil .........................................................................................3-7
Attach the Glass Dome to the Cell........................................................................3-7
Complete the Reference Well Assembly. ..............................................................3-8
Test the Partially Assembled Cell for Leaks.........................................................................3-9
Install the Drip Tube. ...........................................................................................3-9
Test for Leaks.......................................................................................................3-10
Chapter 4: Routine Use of the Flexcell ...........................................................................................4-1
Introduction......................................................................................................................4-1
Fittings in the Glass dome .................................................................................................4-1
Counter Electrode................................................................................................4-1
Gas Bubbler.........................................................................................................4-1
Top-mounted reference ball joint.........................................................................4-1
Thermometer ......................................................................................................4-1
Reference Electrode.............................................................................................4-1
Install the Metal Specimen. ...............................................................................................4-2
De-ionized Water System Installation ................................................................................4-3
Filling the Cell with Electrolyte ..........................................................................................4-3
Emptying the Cell..............................................................................................................4-4
Heating Jacket Installation .................................................................................................4-4
Stirrer Installation..............................................................................................................4-5
Electrode Connections ......................................................................................................4-6

Controlling the De-ionized Water Flow Rate .....................................................................4-6
Heating, Cooling, and Stirring ...........................................................................................4-7
Temperature-control via the Cooling Coil.............................................................4-7
Temperature-control via an External Heating Jacket..............................................4-7
Usage at High Temperatures ................................................................................4-8
Usage at Low Temperatures .................................................................................4-8
Temperature Gradients within the Cell.................................................................4-8
Electrolyte Deaeration.......................................................................................................4-9
Electrode Area ..................................................................................................................4-9
Chapter 5: Accessory Equipment....................................................................................................5-1
Critical Pitting Test Systems ...............................................................................................5-1
Heaters.............................................................................................................................5-1
Introduction.........................................................................................................5-1
Modification of the Heater Cord for Use with the TDC2.......................................5-2
Using the Heating Jackets.....................................................................................5-3
Stirrer ...............................................................................................................................5-3
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................6-1
Appendix A: Specifications.............................................................................................................7-1
Index.............................................................................................................................................8-1

Chapter 1: Introduction--Checking for Shipping Damage
1 - 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Flexcell is used to perform electrochemical tests on flat metal specimens. Unlike traditional cells, the
crevice-free cell avoids localized corrosion at the seal between the sample and its holder. Following a design
popularized by Avesta Steel, the cell uses a flooded-gasket seal. This simple, yet elegant, design results in an
easy-to-use, reliable, crevice-free system.
Figure 1 is an expanded, cross-sectional diagram of the cell in the area of the flooded seal.
Figure 1
Cross-section of the Flooded Seal
As in conventional cells, the active area of the test specimen is in contact with an electrolyte. Unlike other cells,
the active area of the test specimen is not bounded by a plastic barrier or O-ring.
De-ionized water is slowly forced through a fiber washer placed on the test-solution-side of the metal sample
being tested. After passing through the washer, the water diffuses into the electrolyte. The fluid in the fiber
washer is nearly pure deionized water, which is not conductive enough to support corrosion processes. Thus,
instead of a plastic barrier with its resultant crevice, a conductivity gradient between the electrolyte and the
deionized water defines the test specimen’s active area.
The Flexcell components were selected to be as chemically inert as possible. In normal use, the only materials
in contact with the test solution are glass, filter paper, and PTFE. The cell is therefore usable with a wide variety
of test solutions, including non-aqueous media.

--Checking for Shipping Damage
1 - 2

Chapter 2: Metal Specimens--Checking for Shipping Damage
2 - 1
Chapter 2: Metal Specimens
A commercial source for suitable flat metal specimens is Metal Samples Co., Inc. Their P/N CO0130 series
works well.
The dimensions of this part are 2" × 2" × 1∕8" (approximately 5 cm × 5 cm × 0.31 cm). Metal Samples offers
the CO0130 series in several hundred different metals. When ordering, make sure that you append a metal
code to the part number. For example, the full part number for a cell specimen made from 316 Stainless Steel
is CO0130-316.
Metal Samples Co., Inc. can be contacted at:
Metal Samples Co., Inc.
152 Metal Samples Road
P.O. Box 8
Munford, AL 36268 USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
You can also make your own specimens. The specimen must be flat, and sufficiently smooth so that an O-ring
can make a leak-free seal to the metal. The minimum specimen size is a square 4 cm on a side. Smaller
specimens will not seal on the O-ring outside of the fiber washer.
Metal specimens that are 3.2 mm (1∕8inch) or thicker can be mounted on the cell without any sample support.
They are held in place with a metal thumbscrew. You can also use this thumbscrew to make electrical contact
with the specimen.
Thin specimens require a support that prevents distortion as the thumbscrew is tightened. The minimum
specimen thickness is 0.8 mm (1∕32 inch).
On thin metal samples, we recommend that you bend one corner at a right angle to the rest of the specimen.
Electrical contact is made with this bent tab on the sample. The thumbscrew cannot be used to make contact,
because the sample support is made from electrically insulating plastic (metal would be too thermally
conductive).

Chapter 2: Metal Specimens--Checking for Shipping Damage
2 - 2

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Checking for Shipping Damage
3 - 1
Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit
This section is primarily intended for the user who has just received a new Flexcell Kit.
Checking for Shipping Damage
Your new Flexcell kit was shipped disassembled to minimize shipping damage. All of the pieces have been
carefully packaged in anticipation of rough handling in shipment. Unfortunately, no matter how carefully glass
pieces are packaged, damage will sometimes occur.
When you first receive your Flexcell kit, please check it for any signs of shipping damage. Be especially careful
if the shipping container shows signs of rough handling.
Obviously, the glass pieces are the most susceptible to damage. Check the glass pieces for chipping and small
cracks as well as for major damage.
If any parts were broken in shipment, please contact our US facility or your local Gamry representative as soon
as possible. In most cases, Gamry should have replacement parts in stock. Please retain the shipment’s
packaging material for a possible claim against the shipping company.
Warning: Do not use any glass parts that are chipped or cracked. Any damage to glass
increases the probability of additional damage. Broken glass can have extremely sharp edges that represent
a significant safety hazard. Injuries from broken glass can be quite severe.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Checking for Shipping Damage
3 - 2
Figures 3-1
Flexcell Assembly
Detail A
G lass Dom e
G am r y P/ N: 930- 00016
Bot t om Cap
G am r y P/ N: 820- 00020
( See Det ail A)
Lar ge O - Ring
G am r y P/ N: 935- 00016
Cr oss Bar
P/ N: 820- 00022
1/ 4" - 20 S. S. W ing Nut
G am r y P/ N: 835- 00007
( 2 Places)
Toggle/ Thum b Scr ew
P/ N: 835- 00005
1/ 4" - 20 Thr eaded Rod, 5" long
G am r y P/ N: 835- 00006
( 4 Places)
Sam ple Suppor t
P/ N: 820- 00027
Bar bed Tube Fit t ing
P/ N: 935- 00023
#7 Ace Bushing ( Tef lon)
P/ N: 935- 00020
O - Ring supplied
wit h Bushings
Bot t om Cap ( Flushed Por t )
P/ N: 820- 00020
O - Ring supplied
wit h Bushings
#7 Ace Bushing ( Tef lon)
P/ N: 935- 00020
Sm all O - Ring
P/ N: 935- 00017
Q uick Clam p
G am r y P/ N: 935- 00018
Rubber Foot
G am r y P/ N: 850- 00007
( 4 Places)
I nsulat ing Tile
G am r y P/ N: 820- 00021
Any unused #7 Bushing port can be
plugged using the glass rod/plug
(930-00027) supplied with the kit. Just
slip the O-ring over the rod like any other
6-7 mm probe or electrode. Insert t he
rod into the port . Then use the bushing
to tight en the seal.
CAUTI ON- Do not over-torque
any of the fittings.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Checking for Shipping Damage
3 - 3
Figure 3-2
Flexcell: Reference Well Assembly
Reference Capillary Tube
P /N: 930-00024
Reference W ell
P /N: 930-00017
Reference W ell B and S trap
P /N: 935-00038
B all Joint Clamp (S J12)
P /N: 935-00032
CAUTION -Donot over-torque
any of thefittings.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Checking Parts against the Packing List
3 - 4
Checking Parts against the Packing List
Please check the contents of your Flexcell Kit versus the Packing List that accompanied the shipment. In most
cases, individually wrapped Flexcell components are labeled with their Gamry Instruments, Inc. part number
(P/N). Be careful, for some of the Flexcell components are small enough to be lost in the cell’s packing material.
If you are in doubt about the identity of a component, refer to Figures 3-1 and 3-2. These figures are also useful
if you must check the completeness of an older kit.
Assemble the cell.
Assembly of the cell requires only minimal mechanical aptitude and no tools. The rest of this chapter describes
the initial assembly process in detail.
This chapter does not cover assembly steps that occur during routine use of the cell. An example is the
procedure for changing the test sample. Routine use of the cell is the subject of the next chapter.
Install the Bottom Cap –Leg.
The bottom cap is a large machined disk made from white PTFE. It is a complex part that needs to be equipped
with a number of additional parts and fittings prior to its use.
1. Attach legs.
a) Lay the bottom cap (P/N 820-00020) on a table with the face containing the conical depression
facing the table top.
b) Find the four stainless steel rods that form the legs of the cell (P/N 835-00006). There are four
threaded holes on the visible face of the bottom cap. Thread one rod into each hole until some
resistance is felt. Do not over tighten.
2. Install wingnuts.
a) Find the two wingnuts (P/N 835-00007). Screw one wingnut, with the flat surface facing down,
about halfway down one of the cell’s threaded legs. The exact position on the leg is not important.
b) Install the second wingnut the same distance down on the diagonally opposite leg.
3. Press one rubber foot (P/N 850-00007) on the exposed end of each cell leg.
4. Invert the cell and place it on a flat surface, with the four rubber feet touching the surface.
5. Check that the top surface of the bottom cap is approximately level. The assembly should be stable,
with only a few millimeters of wobble. If the assembly is not stable, the length of one or more legs can
be adjusted by unscrewing them slightly.
Caution: Do not use tools to screw the rods in place. Hand-tighten the rods only.
Over-tightening the rods can damage the bottom cap.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Assemble the cell.
3 - 5
Assemble the Sample Holder.
The sample holder mounts underneath the cell. It is held in place by the wingnuts mounted on the cell’s legs.
1. Place the bottom cap on a table top with the conical depression facing the table.
2. Install the thumbscrew.
Locate the phenolic crossbar (P/N 820-00022) and the thumbscrew (P/N 835-00005). Screw the
thumbscrew through the central hole in the crossbar, starting from the rough side (if any) of the bar.
Stop when about 5 mm of the screw extends from the smooth side of the bar.
3. Install the PTFE-coated silicone-rubber O-ring (P/N 935-00017).
Press the O-ring into the groove on the visible side of the bottom cap.
4. Install the Crossbar and Sample Support.
a. Locate the sample support (P/N 820-00027). It looks like a small hockey puck. Note the
depression in one face of the support.
b. Place the sample support, depression up, on the O-ring installed in step 3.
c. Hold the crossbar with the pointed end of the thumbscrew pointing downwards. Slide the crossbar
between the legs on the cell, below the wingnuts.
d. Rotate the crossbar so that each slot in the crossbar engages one of the legs with a wingnut. A
glance at Figures 3-1 may be helpful.
e. Hold the sample support in one hand. Turn the thumbscrew with your other hand, poking the end
of the thumbscrew into the depression in the sample support. When properly installed, the
crossbar is pressed against the wingnuts on the legs and the thumbscrew presses the sample
support against the cell.
Install the Bottom-Cap Fittings
The rounded outer surface of the bottom cap contains four threaded ports. Three ports are designed to accept
#7 ACE-Thred™ bushings. During normal cell operation these ports are used for the reference-electrode
Luggin capillary, a temperature probe, and an optional drain. There is also a smaller port that accepts a ¼"-28
fitting. During normal cell operation, this port is used for injection of de-ionized water into the flooded gasket
seal.
On early versions of the cell, one of the #7 ACE-Thred™ ports is replaced with a 1∕8" NPT-
threaded port. This port is capped with a plastic plug (P/N 935-00022). This plug can leak. If you see a
leak, drain the cell and remove the plug. Apply a piece to PTFE thread-sealant tape to the threads on the
plug and replace the plug in the bottom cap.
Caution: Do not over tighten the thumbscrew. Excessive tightening can
damage the cell’s bottom cap. Tighten the thumbscrew about 90(¼ revolution) beyond the
point at which some resistance is felt.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Assemble the cell.
3 - 6
1. Install the Temperature Probe.
The Flexcell is often used with a Gamry Instruments TDC4 in controlled-temperature studies. In this
system, use the RTD probe provided with the TDC4 to sense the electrolyte temperature as near as
possible to the working electrode. One of the #7 ACE-Thred™ ports in the bottom cap holds this
probe.
•If you do not use the temperature probe port, you must plug it. Use a solid glass rod
(P/N 930-00027) and a #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing (P/N 935-00020) with its associated O-ring.
•If you are using the RTD probe, install it using a #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing (P/N 935-00020), a
2.5 cm long Viton®spacer (P/N 935-00044), and a special O-ring (P/N 935-00034). Do not
use the O-ring provided with the #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing.
a. Wet the spacer with a few drops of water, then slide it onto the RTD probe until you see only 2
cm of probe between the spacer and the probe’s contact wire.
b. Slide the fitting onto the RTD probe, followed by the special O-ring.
c. Screw the fitting into any of the three ports on the bottom cap.
d. Adjust the position of the RTD probe until a few mm at the tip of the probe is seen extending into
the conical well in the bottom cap.
e. Tighten the #7 ACE-Thred™ fitting finger tight.
You will be able to move the probe in and out within the fitting. However, the O-ring seal should
remain watertight as you do so.
2. Install the Reference-Electrode Luggin Capillary.
The Flexcell uses an external reference electrode coupled to the cell via a Luggin capillary. Install the
Lugin capillary into one of the #7 ACE-Thred™ ports in the bottom cap. 3-2 may be helpful.
a) Find the reference capillary (P/N 930-00024). It may be packaged in a separate sub-assembly kit
so you may have to hunt a bit for it. You also need one of the #7 ACE-Thred™ bushings
(P/N 935-00020) and its associated O-ring.
b) Slide the fitting on the capillary, followed by the O-ring.
c) Insert the capillary into a #7 ACE-Thred™ port on the bottom cap.
d) Tighten the fitting until it is finger-tight, then loosen about two turns. Adjust the position of the
capillary tube until the tip is close to the edge of the circular hole on the bottom of the cap, and
the ball joint is facing up (away from the cell’s legs).
e) Tighten the fitting finger-tight.
The rest of the reference-well assembly procedure is explained later.
3. Install the Drain Cap.
The Flexcell kit does not include drain plumbing. If you wish to add drain capability to the cell, you
are responsible for providing any fittings, valves and tubing that may be required.
Any of the three #7 ACE-Thred™ ports may be used for the drain connection.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Assemble the cell.
3 - 7
The cell kit includes a spare #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing (P/N 935-00020) and a solid glass rod (P/N 930-
00027) for plugging this hole. Slide the O-ring that comes with the fitting over the rod, then insert the
rod and the bushing into the spare hole. Tighten finger-tight.
4. Install the Flushed Gasket Seal Water Entry Fitting.
You should always use the Flexcell with de-ionized water flowing through the flooded gasket seal.
Paradoxically, in the absence of this flow, the Flexcell suffers from crevice effects far worse than those
in conventional cells. If you need to test flat-metal specimens and you don’t need a true crevice-free
cell, you should use a ParaCell.
Locate the 1/4"-28 barbed-hose fitting (Gamry P/N 935-00023). Screw this fitting into the smallest
threaded hole on the outer edge of the bottom cap.
This fitting can leak if the threads on the barbed fitting do not exactly match those on the bottom cap.
If you see a leak, drain the cell and remove the barbed fitting. Apply a tiny piece of PTFE thread-
sealant tape to the threads on the fitting and replace the fitting into the bottom cap. You can find PTFE
thread-sealant tape at hardware stores and plumbing-supply houses.
If you choose to disregard the warning and use the cell with no de-ionized water flow, you must cap
this hole with a plastic 1/4"-28 screw.
Install the Cooling Coil.
If you need to make measurements at temperatures below ambient, you must install the cooling coil.
Install the cooling coil in the glass dome (P/N 930-00016) that makes up the top of the cell. It is held in place
with two #7 ACE-Thred™ bushings (P/N 935-00020) and their associated O-rings.
Install the Cooling Coil:
1. Take the glass dome in one hand and the cooling coil in the other. The coil has two straight tubes
extending from its top.
2. Insert the coil, top end first, into the large open end of the dome. Aim the tubes on the coil at a pair of
diagonally opposed #7 ACE-Thred™ ports on the top of the dome. Use either pair of ports. After the
tubes extend from the ports, gently place the dome and coil together on a table top. When the large
open end of the dome rests on the table, the tubes should still extend from the ports.
3. Carefully slide an O-ring several centimeters down each tube.
4. Place a #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing above the O-ring. Grab one tube and pull it (and the coil) up about 5
cm.
5. Tighten the #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing on the other tube. This holds the coil in place temporarily.
6. Now tighten the #7 ACE-Thred™ bushing of the first tube, locking the coil in place.
Attach the Glass Dome to the Cell.
The next step in the setup is installation of the large glass dome on the bottom cap.
1. Place the cell, legs down, on a flat, stable surface.
Your Flexcell kit may have either a glass cooling coil (P/N 930-00023) or a PTFE-coated
copper cooling coil (P/N 935-00045). The glass version of the cooling coil makes the cell more fragile, so
do not install it if cooling is not required.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Assemble the cell.
3 - 8
2. Install the large O-ring.
The large O-ring is P/N 935-00016. Install it in the bottom cap by pressing it into the groove on the
upper surface of the cap. It often stays in place even when the cell is inverted.
3. Install the Quick Clamp.
Locate the metal Quick Clamp (P/N 935-00018). This clamp holds the glass dome to the bottom cap.
a) Hold the clamp with the threaded screw and locking-lever facing you. Notice the cylindrical
adjustment nut on the screw. Moving this nut towards the locking lever makes the clamp
smaller and the clamping force greater.
b) Unlatch the clamp by pulling the locking lever away from the body of the clamp. You should
now be able to swing the threaded screw away from the clamp body, completely opening the
clamp.
c) Turn the adjustment nut until it is roughly ¾ of the way toward the unattached end of the
screw.
d) Expand the Quick Clamp slightly and slip it onto the cell. The bottom of the clamp should rest
in a groove cut in the bottom cap while the top of the clamp extends over the top surface of
the cap.
4. Install the Glass Dome.
a) Expand the clamp slightly and place the glass dome (P/N 930-00016) on the bottom cap. The
large O-ring should be in position to seal on the dome’s flange. Make sure that the lip on the
dome is under the clamp.
b) Rotate the threaded screw so that the cylindrical adjustment nut engages the hooks on the other
side of the gap in the clamp.
c) Gently lock the clamp by pushing the locking lever toward the clamp's body. The lever should
move under finger pressure and snap into place. If it doesn’t, readjust the position of the
adjustment nut.
d) Check the clamp’s tightness by trying to rotate the glass dome. If it rotates, but only with
considerable effort, the clamp tightness is correct. If you cannot rotate it at all or if it rotates easily,
readjust the position of the adjustment nut and try again.
e) After you have the proper tightness for the clamp, you may want to mark the current adjustment-
nut position. Adhesive tape wrapped around the threaded screw is one approach. Alternatively,
you can mark the position using a permanent marker.
Complete the Reference Well Assembly.
The reference electrode mounts outside the cell in a self-filling reference well. This keeps the reference from
seeing high temperatures when the cell is used in elevated temperature applications.
You need three parts to complete the reference well assembly: the glass reference well (P/N 930-00017), a
small plastic clamp (P/N 935-00032), and a silicone-rubber band strap (935-00038). A diagram of the
completed assembly is in 3-2.
Caution: Place the Quick Clamp loosely on the cell before the dome is installed.
Installing it with the dome already in place can over-stretch the clamp and increase your chance of
dropping and smashing the dome.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Test the Partially Assembled Cell for Leaks.
3 - 9
Procedure:
1. Rotate the glass dome on the cell until one of the four #7 ACE-Thred™ ports on the dome is lined up
with the reference Luggin capillary (installed previously). An exact alignment is not required.
2. The band strap contains two holes. Push the smaller diameter end of the reference well through one
hole in the band strap. Continue pushing the well through this hole until you almost reach the end of
the glass. About 1 cm of glass should remain above the strap.
3. Push the other end of the band strap over the threaded port that is aligned with the reference
capillary. When this is done properly, the ball joint on the reference well lies close to the ball-joint
socket on the reference capillary.
4. Push the two parts of the ball joint together and clamp them with the plastic ball-joint clamp.
5. You may want the reference electrode even farther removed from your heated cell:
a) Cut the lower part of the reference well into a short piece with the ball joint attached and a longer
piece still attached to the well.
b) Firepolish the cut ends.
c) Attach the cut ends to a length of Tygon®tube.
d) Attach the end with the ball joint to the reference capillary tube.
e) Place the reference well in a remotely located ringstand or other support.
Test the Partially Assembled Cell for Leaks.
The final step in initial assembly of the cell is a leak test.
Install the Drip Tube.
You can only perform this test after all the ports in the bottom cap have a plug or a fitting installed. If you have
followed the installation procedures above, the de-ionized water inlet is the only port that needs attention.
Rather than seal the inlet with a clamp, simply attach the tubing to be used on this inlet, and allow it to fill with
water.
1. Locate the drip tube (P/N 935-00041) that is supplied with the cell. This tube, familiar to many
hospital patients, includes a drop counter and regulator clamp that are nearly perfect for controlling
and monitoring de-ionized water flow into the flushed port.
2. If the drip tube is still in its original packaging, it has a medical fitting on the tube end without the drip
counter. You must remove this fitting. The easiest way is to cut the tube just above the fitting. Use
scissors or a sharp knife to cut the tube about 1 cm above the fitting.
3. Open the regulator clamp by turning the adjustment wheel to the larger end of its housing.
In normal use with aqueous electrolytes, this joint does not require stopcock grease
or other sealants. A thin film of electrolyte covers the ground glass surfaces and seals the joint.
Caution: Make sure that the fragile reference well does not bang into the cell.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Assembling Your Flexcell Kit--Test the Partially Assembled Cell for Leaks.
3 - 10
4. Slip the cut end of the drip tube over the barbed-hose fitting on the de-ionized water inlet. The end of
the tube must extend beyond the barb on the fitting. If this step is difficult, try putting a drop of water
on the fitting before slipping the tube in place.
Test for Leaks.
Check the tightness of the fittings on the bottom cap. Make sure the Quick Clamp is in the locked position.
You do not require a sample for this test. The sample support seals on the small O-ring that normally seats on
the metal sample. You also do not need a filter-paper washer.
1. Loop the drip tube over the top of the cell. This tube fills with water to the same level as the water in
the cell.
2. Fill the cell with water, pouring the water into one of the ports on top of the glass dome. It is best if
you use de-ionized water for this test, although tap water may be used if your supply of deionized
water is limited. Fill the cell until at least ¾ of the glass dome is full.
3. Check all the seals for leaks, both immediately after filling, and 15 minutes after filling. You should not
see any water on any fitting. Contact Gamry Instruments’technical support department if you have a
leak, and you are uncertain how to remedy the problem.
4. Empty the cell by carefully inverting it over a sink and allowing the water to exit the cell from the open
fittings in the glass dome.