MEI's Pura(TM) Wet Processing System Achieves Breakthrough for Ultra-Pure Polysilicon for Solar Cells
Company's unique process achieves highest purity polysilicon in any form factor-from granules to chunks - dramatically reducing energy, water, and chemical consumption
ALBANY, Ore. - March 26, 2012 - MEI, LLC has made a significant process breakthrough to create ultra-pure electronic-grade polysilicon ideal for manufacturing high efficiency photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and semiconductors.
MEI's Pura(TM) wet processing system for polysilicon manufacturers achieves ultra-pure levels, dries tiny granular material-that prior to now was thought to be impossible to dry in large quantities-and reduces energy consumption over today's wet processing and drying systems by 70 - 80% or more. Pura also saves valuable manufacturing floor space by reducing the wet process system footprint by more than 60%.
"By adopting the Pura wet processing system, manufacturers will reduce their costs and increase yield while obtaining a very high purity product," said Dan Cappello, president and CEO, MEI LLC. "As part of Pura, we are also announcing our unique patent-pending FlashDry(TM) process. FlashDry is especially important for granular, fine and reclaimed scrap polysilicon because we can reduce surface contamination and preserve the purity level obtained during the wet processing stage. No one has ever achieved this outside of a lab in lare quantiies until now. MEI is already processing tons of test material. Independent testing quantifies the unprecedented purity and dryness we can obtain from any size polysilicon, from chunks to granules."
About Pura wet processing system - unlike anything on market today
The Pura wet processing system is unlike today's conventional wet process systems, which have seen little or no innovation in decades. Conventional wet processes and drying techniques are extremely inefficient, consuming massive amounts of chemicals, water, and electricity for heated drying, not to mention valuable floor space.
The new Pura wet processing system encompasses MEI's unique process IP (intellectual property) for etching, rinsing, and drying polysilicon, the key ingredient in manufacturing solar cells. Pura includes MEI's patent-pending FlashDry(TM) cold dry process that eliminates the use of heat for drying polysilicon.
Pura targets manufacturing applications where high purity polysilicon and the ability to process all form factors is required. PV manufacturers often blend very fine granular material with large rock-like chunks to increase the charge weight of the crucibles used to make ingots for solar wafers. Adding the finer material to the crucible maximizes material use and reduces the handling time during this early, pre-wafer stage of solar cell manufacturing.
Pura combines MEI's expertise in wet batch processing to create an ultra-pure polysilicon product, regardless of form factor, using a unique etch and rinse process combined with the company's new FlashDry cold dry process. The result is less metallic contamination, less oxidation, and a measurably drier product. With the price of solar cells dropping, MEI's process IP breakthroughs can reduce the manufacturer's cost of ownership significantly.
Another unique benefit of working with MEI is software expertise. IDX, the company's proprietary control software, provides access to process data from the Pura wet processing system. This allows engineers visibility into what is occurring in any tank or chamber.
Price and availability
The Pura wet processing system is available for purchase immediately. Upon request, MEI will run large-scale tests (tons of material) for potential customers, providing verifiable data, and deliver the right equipment needed to meet the customer's purity goals. For more information about obtaining Pura and FlashDry processes, contact MEI at (503) 568-9286; email Ed.Jean@meillc.com.
About MEI LLC
Founded in 1990 and based in Albany, Oregon, MEI is a diversified manufacturing and service company serving the solar, semiconductor, and high technology industries. The company's specialties include automated and semiautomated wet process systems and services; linear and rotary wet benches for the solar and semiconductor industries; automated chemical delivery systems; and control automation software. MEI's products integrate clean room safety, ergonomics, an support equipment with unparalleled ease of use and ease of maintenance. MEI has built its reputation on a commitment to outstanding customer service. Visit:www.meillc.com.
For more information, contact:
Debra Seifert
Debra Seifert Communications LLC
(503) 626-7539
debra@debraseifert.com
Katherine Cleland
MEI LLC
(541) 231-4445
katherine.cleland@meillc.com
