Channels

 

Special Offers & Promotions

 

 

Latest News

 

 

View Channel

New Products

 

 

View Channel

Video Presentations

 

 

View Channel

Separation Science

 

 

View Channel

Microscopy & Image Analysis

 

 

View Channel

Laboratory Automation & IT Solutions

 

 

View Channel

 

Malvern particle characterization supports cost control in solar cell manufacture

The Sysmex FPIA-3000 from Malvern InstrumentsWorldwide demand for photovoltaic (PV) solar cells is fuelling the emergence of a strong manufacturing sector across Europe and Asia. In support, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 Flow Particle Image Analyzer from Malvern Instruments is being used to aid cost control and waste reduction by providing the particle size and shape data necessary for effective recycling of the high value slurries used in cutting silicon wafers. Silicon carbide slurry represents a significant cost in wafer manufacture with one estimate placing the operating cost of running 10 wire saws at as high as $16M per year, making slurry recycling a highly desirable process

Multi-wire saw cutting processes that rely on abrasive silicon carbide slurries are used to cut silicon wafers for PV solar cells. These allow the slicing of thousands of wafers in a single run. However, over time, the slurry carried by the wire becomes contaminated, creating a build-up of waste silicon and worn abrasive particles and reducing the effectiveness of the wire-saw process. 

By monitoring the size and shape of particles present, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 allows optimum control in slurry recycling. In addition, by characterizing the slurry itself, the particle size and particle shape distribution of the silicon carbide can be tuned to enable thinner cuts between each wafer, thereby wasting less raw material.

Capable of measuring tens of thousands of particles in just a few minutes, the Sysmex FPIA-3000 uses imaging flow cytometry to measure suspended particles passing through a sheath flow cell, providing robust data that can be used to optimize manufacturing processes. For further information, please visit www.malvern.com and also see blog entries on www.materials-talks.com


 

Subscribe to any of our newsletters for the latest on new laboratory products, industry news, case studies and much more!

Newsletters from Lab Bulletin

 

Request your free copies HERE

 

 

 

Popular this Month

Top 10 most popular articles this month

 

 

Today's Picks

 


 

Looking for a Supplier?

Search by company or by product

 


Company Name:

Product:


 

 

 

 

Please note Lab Bulletin does not sell, supply any of the products featured on this website. If you have an enquiry, please use the contact form below the article or company profile and we will send your request to the supplier so that they can contact you directly.

Lab Bulletin is published by newleaf marketing communications ltd.


 

Media Partners

 

Exhibitions & Events