The automatic leak testing machine in all cell formats, from cells in hard cases, including prismatic, round or button cells, to cells in soft pouches. Test systems can be designed to work at the battery cell manufacturer's production speed to keep pace with cell production.
In addition to the manual operating mode, the INFICON ELT3000 PLUS has an automatic inline leak detection mode optimized for short cycle times and high productivity in series production. Efficient vacuum pumps combined with multiple chambers powered by a single ELT3000 PLUS and a batch testing approach allow for a quick and easy online testing process.
Helium Recycling
Helium recovery systems present an alternative for some manufacturers looking to control their costs.However, they are not cheap and often require high maintenance.
INFICON was the first company to commercialize a leak detection product that directly detects electrolyte-solvent leaks. The ELT3000 PLUS is able to test leaks of a few microns with a leak test rate of 5x10-7 mbar l/s (leak rate corresponding to helium). (Its predecessor, the ELT3000, had the lowest detectable leak rate of 1x10-6mbar l/s (helium equivalent leak rate).)
Helium Leak Detection Equipments for Automobile is required to ensure battery cell safety and protect cell energy capacity, durability and lifespan. If water or even moisture mixes with the electrolyte, no matter how small, it increases the risk of battery failure, fire and costly recalls.
"All industries turn to helium recovery systems when they can afford a return on investment," says Splete of Cincinnati Test Systems. “They consist of several key elements, such as a rigid tank for dirty water or a collapsible bag. From there, all the helium is filtered, passed through a compressor, and returned to the main tank, which houses a gas analyzer to measure helium concentration.
"Up to about 95 percent of the helium can be reliably recovered," says Jeff McBee, global HVAC-R market specialist at Cincinnati Test Systems.“Generally, the higher the test pressure, the better the recovery performance.
"At lower test pressures, helium recovery will be less," McBee points out. “Also, the vacuum used before reloading with helium can affect performance. In general, higher pressure recovery systems are less expensive and somewhat easier to maintain.
“Using a recovery system saves a lot of helium because lithium ion battery test equipment creates an almost closed loop of helium recovery and reuse,” adds VIC's Olsen.“The only additional helium is used to compensate for leaks, volume losses and dilution.
“However, engineers must ensure that all lines are leak-tight and that process control allows sufficient time for the part to be purged early to limit dilution,” says Olsen. "Adequate time must also be allowed for evacuation and recovery of the helium that returns to the system."
“Another disadvantage to consider is that there are many other sources of hydrogen in plants that can trigger any leak detector,” explains Parker. “It could be a propane forklift, for example. Then again, nothing else smells like helium. The helium leak detector only detects helium.
"We've had big projects with big HVAC manufacturers that switched from helium to hydrogen," notes Parker.“Some of these customers were more concerned about long-term helium supply than current price volatility.