How to Work with the Test Cell ElyFlow

The choice of the sealings is depending on the kind of sample and electrolyte.
For measurements of gas diffusion electrodes, use flat silicone sealings.
For poorly conductive electrodes, we offer sealings made of graphite.
O-rings are recommended for metal sheets. Suitable for alkaline solutions are O-rings made of EPDM.
For use in acids we recommend O-rings made of FKM.

The nickel counter electrode is only suitable for use in alkaline media in the pH range of pH 10 to pH 16.
In the pH range of pH -2 to pH 10, you have to use the MMO counter electrode.

The cell can be filled with approx. 25 ml of electrolyte through the center opening of the analyte compartment. Pour in the last ml slowly and observe the filling level in both reservpoirs for the reference electrodes, which may rise with a delay. If the hole does not fill with electrolyte, an air bubble in the Haber-Luggin capillary is blocking the electrolyte flow. Tilt the measuring cell slightly to allow the air bubbles to escape. 

This is determined by the current density and the external volume of your electrolyte storage. Several days to weeks are possible.

The counter electrode is in direct contact to a 24 V heating element. This heats the electrolyte near the counter electrode.
If you have a divided cell with a membrane or separator separating the counter electrolyte and the working electrolyte, an external heated beaker should be used to also adjust the temperature of the working electrolyte.

Usually, it is sufficient to rinse the cell thoroughly with water after disassembly. Deposits can be removed mechanically using a suitable laboratory brush. Stubborn metal deposits such as silver or copper can be removed with nitric acid.

The screw connections may not be sealed. Please tighten them. Also, check that the O-rings are properly seated. You can also check the contact screws and the fixing pins for this.

This could be due to poor contact. Please check the connection cables of the heating elements. Alternatively, the silicone-coated PTC heating element may be defective. Check the resistance of the heating elements when cold:
ElyFlow: 15 Ohm
 

There may be gas bubbles in front of the reference electrode. Move the reference electrode up and down a few centimeters. The gas bubbles may also be blocking the Haber-Luggin capillary. In this case, remove the air from the reference electrode hole using a pipette ball.
Contaminations, degradation products, corrosion products can lead to incorrect measurements, too.
Please check the measuring cables if there are any visual damages such as corrosion, cracks or sessile plugs. Replace the cables.
An infirm battery of handheld multimeter can lead to wrong voltages, too.

The potentiostat often reacts very delicate to electrolytes and/or samples with inadequate conductivity or gas bubbles in the Haber-Luggin capillary. It begins to oscillate.
The impedance of the reference electrode or Haber-Luggin capillary may be too high. Please adjust the current range of the potentiostat.
If using an analyte compartment, please insert the reference electrode into it. You can find more helpful information here: What-can-cause-my-experiment-to-be-noisy.

This could be due to poor contacts. Check the connecting leads of the potentiostat, and the multilam plugs of the cell.