The ParaCell™ Corrosion Cell

 
    The Paracell™ Corrosion Cell is designed for convenient mounting of flat samples for electrochemical corrosion experiments.  The design of the ParaCell allows for the Working Electrode and graphite Counter Electrode to be placed in an opposed geometry.  The cell is designed so that large and bulky samples (e.g., a 30 cm. wafer) can be accommodated on either end for experiments involving two electrodes such as galvanic corrosion or electrochemical noise. 

The cell body is chemically-resistant polycarbonate and all metal is 304 Stainless Steel.  The two end brackets are isolated from each other with plastic bushings so that contact with the samples will not short the electrodes mounted in the ParaCell. 

Each end plate has a central hole with an area of 2.6 cm2 where the Working Electrode is exposed.  The Paracell employs a Teflon-Encapsulated Silicone O-Ring to define the sample area.  To discourage crevice corrosion, a potential problem with any flat sample, the 1 cm2 Portholes™Electrochemical Sample Masks can be used with the ParaCell (see below).

 There are also two threaded holes that accommodate #7 Ace-Thred bushings and/or plugs.  The top hole on the Working Electrode side is intended to be used for the Reference Electrode Bridge Tube with others available for filling or deaeration.  The top holes also have a small vent hole to the top of the cell for pressure release when bubbling when nearly full.

The Reference Electrode Bridge Tube is a vertical tube with an internal diameter of 3 mm.  This eliminates the annoying problem of a trapped air bubble in a thin, horizontal tube that plagues other flat cell designs.  A low-impedance Vycor Frit is used to establish electrical contact with the electrolyte.

The electrode connectors are color-coded to match the color scheme of the cell cables for Gamry Potentiostats.

 
   



ParaCell Corrosion Cell Kit

 
   

PortHoles™ Electrochemical Sample Mask

PortHoles Electrochemical Sample Masks define a known area of the sample surface for electrochemical testing.  The 1 cm2 PortHoles Mask is used with the ParaCell.

After the 1 cm2 PortHoles Mask is attached to the sample with careful attention given to adhesion around the edges of the hole, the sample is mounted in the ParaCell.  PortHoles have been used for several years by Gamry and by Dr. Barbara Shaw's lab at Penn State with good success at minimizing crevice corrosion.  When it comes to crevice corrosion, however, there are no perfect solutions, so the edges of the exposed area should be examined for evidence of crevice corrosion when the experiment is finished.  When the experiment is complete, the PortHole is removed and discarded.

PortHoles Electrochemical Sample Masks are fabricated from 3M Model 470 Electroplater’s Tape.  Model 470 Tape incorporates a special adhesive to bond aggressively to the metal sample surface to discourage underflow of the tape edge by the electrolyte, which would cause crevice corrosion.  The hole in the tape is carefully cut for a smooth edge with minimum burring.  Model 470 Tape is formulated to withstand lengthy exposure to chemicals commonly found in electroplating applications.   

PortHoles Electrochemical Sample Masks Specifications
PortHoles Electrochemical Sample Masks are provided as individual 3 inch  (7.6 cm) square masks with a pre-cut 1 cm2 hole and removable backing.  PortHoles are designed for a single use.  PortHoles are fabricated from 3M Model 470 Electroplaters Tape.  PortHoles are also available with a 3 or 10 cm2 hole in lots of 60, or as an assortment with 20 of each size.

 
     
   



ParaCell Corrosion Cell with Reference Electrode

 
   


Specifications

Working Electrode Area:  2.6 cm2

Minimum Specimen Size:  30 x 30 mm

Volume:  Minimum: 250 ml
                 Maximum: 400 ml

Materials:  Polycarbonate, 304 Stainless Steel
 


 
   


 

 

ParaCell Cell Body
   

 

 

ParaCell End Plate and Foot Bracket Assembly









 
   

 

ParaCell Reference Electrode Bridge Tube





 
   
Threaded Draw Rod

Finger Nut

Hat Washer
 
   

 

Teflon-Encapsulated Silicone O-Rings for the ParaCell Corrosion Cell

Outer:  Cell Body O-Ring

Inner:  Sample O-Ring
   
 

A list of Part Numbers and Part Descriptions for the ParaCell is below.  Contact Gamry or your Distributor for prices and delivery of replacement parts.
  

Quantity

Gamry Part Number

Description

1

988-13

Manual, ParaCell Kit

1

820-55

ParaCell Cell Body, Polycarbonate

1

820-53

ParaCell End Plates, Polycarbonate

1

820-54

Foot Brackets, 304 Stainless Steel

2

935-79

Teflon-Encapsulated Silicone O-Ring for the Cell Body

2

935-80

Teflon-Encapsulated Silicone O-Ring for the Sample

1

930-57

Reference Electrode Bridge Tube, Pyrex

1

935-53

#11 Ace-Thred Bushing, Nylon w/O-ring

1

820-56

Sample Brackets with Banana Jacks, 304 Stainless Steel

1

935-78

Graphite Plate, Counter Electrode

4

820-59

Threaded Draw Rods, 304 Stainless Steel

8

930-

Finger Nuts, 304 Stainless Steel

8

820-

Hat Washers, PVC

3

935-52

#7 Ace-Thred Bushings, Nylon w/O-ring

2

935-74

#7 Ace-Thred Plugs, Nylon
     



 
     
     

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Last revised on Monday, August 30, 2010