Launch of the SEA-Hybrid X-ray Particle Inspection System for Lithium Ion Batteries and Fuel Cells

December 19, 2011. — Measurement and analysis instrument manufacturer SII NanoTechnology Inc. (SIINT), a 100% subsidiary of Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), announces the release of its new “SEA-Hybrid” X-ray Inspection System, which enables rapid detection and elemental identification of metal particles approximately 20um in diameter found in the electrode plates of fuel cells and lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

Metal particle contamination in electrode materials, separators of fuel cells, and lithium ion rechargeable batteries causes heat and fire and decreases battery capacity and lifetime. We announce the release of our newly developed X-ray metal particle inspection system for batteries. Its prototype was displayed at JAIMA EXPO 2011/ SIS 2011 last September.

X-Ray Particle Inspection System “SEA-Hybrid”

“SEA-Hybrid” automatically enables X-Ray Imaging, detection of metal particles, and elemental analysis. The operator simply places the sample, such as electrode plates, separators, or active materials, in a pan, selects the detection procedure, and starts measuring. As a result of analysis, this system provides images by an optical microscope and information, such as the number of metal particles, their size and composition, allowing you to specify the manufacturing processes that contaminate batteries most easily. Results are obtained automatically, requiring no sample preparation. Failure analysis and sampling inspection is carried out easily.

Key Features of SEA-Hybrid
1. Only few minutes to detect particles 20um in diameter in samples 250x200mm
Conventional X-ray CT systems require about ten hours to detect metal particles 20um in diameter in battery electrode plates 250x200mm (about B4-size). SII NanoTechnology Inc. developed a new particle inspection technology, in combination with the X-ray transmission method, resulting in greatly reduced imaging time. Detection times are reduced to 3 to 10 minutes, more than 100 times faster than conventional times.

2. Identification of metal particles in battery electrode plates
Elemental identification of detected metal contaminants is performed automatically by the fluorescence X-ray method. Conventional instruments are able to identify metal particles that are about 20um in diameter only when the particles are on the surface of electrode plates. The signal intensity of metal particles located within a sample is reduced because the fluorescence X-rays emitted from the metal particles are absorbed by the sample material. Unique Focused X-ray Optics is able to identify elements in metal particles that are approximately 20um in diameter within electrode plates and organic films.

3. All-in-one instrument for higher efficiency
Speed of detection and identification of metal contaminants is much faster than conventional instruments. An X-ray imaging unit, fluorescent X-ray analyzer, and optical microscope are integrated into one system and linked to provide results automatically. The operator can obtain measurement results simply by placing samples, resulting in a significant increase in working efficiency.

Key Specifications of SEA-Hybrid
Sample Size: W250 x D200mm
Detection Time: Approximately 3 to 10 minutes (imaging 250 x 200mm, particle size 20ƒÊm in diameter)
Elemental Analysis Time: Approximately 1 to 4 minutes per detection (subject to change depending on element and particle size)
Utility: Chiller for X-ray generator
Size: W1340 x D1000 x H1550mm

Contact Information

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Seiko Instruments Inc.
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