Method to determine the state of charge and remaining life of lithium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new method of constructing and interrogating electrochemical cells, especially those having lithium thionyl chloride (Li/SOCl.sub.2) chemistry, that permits rapid estimation of remaining discharge capacity. A preferred embodiment of the present invention employs cells with specially modified anode structures and a method for testing the state of charge and remaining life of these cells, as well as depassivating these cells, prior to their intended use or re-use. The test method can be performed using an inexpensive DC circuit and voltmeter at ambient conditions anytime prior to cell use or re-use. There is also disclosed an oilfield services downhole tool battery having a remaining life indicator comprising a housing containing one or more electrochemical cells having an internal anode means which selectively gets consumed at a predetermined state of discharge thereby creating a step change in the cell output voltage which is imperceptible to the tool while in operation at downhole temperatures, and which is capable of being detected at the surface under ambient temperatures upon administering of a suitable current load enabling the user to determine the remaining battery life at the surface prior to subsequent use or reuse of the battery in downhole oilfield services operations.