BTU INTERNATIONAL

BTU is pleased to offer the entire line of PV and PVD series furnaces from Radiant Technology Corporation (RTC). RTC, the first name in infrared furnace solutions, has incorporated 35 years of experience and know-how into this Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) line of furnaces. Specifically designed for solar cell applications such as contact drying/firing and metallization.

FAST HEATING

is achieved with a higher density of IR lamps in smaller temperature zones. Heat up rates can exceed 75 °C per second between 400 °C and 875 °C.

FAST COOLING

is achieved with water-cooled cold walls above and below the conveyor belt. the cold walls are separated from the last heated zone by a 12 cm transition tunnel with CDA-fed curtain and baffles. Cool down rates can exceed 65 °C per second between 875 °C and 400 °C.

FAST BELT SPEEDS TRANSPORT

which carry lightweight solar cells smoothly.  Belt vibration is minimized with a friction drive roller. Optional dimpled belts enable faster heating and cooling by reducing solar cell contact with the conveyer belt.

UNIFORM ATMOSPHERE

with a laminar flow of pre-heated gas produces a broad process window. Clean dry air (CDA) is fed into the heating chamber through the top and bottom porous ceramic walls (RTC patent).

PV-309

PV-314

PV-324

Parts Clearance

0.75 in. / 1.9 cm (customer may specify other clearance height)

Belt Width

9 in. / 23 cm

14 in. / 36 cm

24 in. / 61 cm

Conveyor Speed

12-120 in. / 30.5-305 cm

Load Station

15 in. / 38 cm

Unload Station

15 in. / 38 cm

Entrance Baffle

15 in. / 38 cm

Heated Length

30 in. / 76 cm

Number of Heated Zones

4

Heat Up Time

15 minutes

Max. Operating Temp.

1000°C

Transition Tunnel

5 in. / 13 cm

Water Cooling Length

20 in. / 51 cm

Forced Air Cooling Length

45 in. / 114 cm

Product Temp. at Exit

40°C

Atmosphere, CDA, typical

400 scfh / 11.2 m3/hr.

600 scfh / 16.8 m3/hr.

900 scfh / 25.2 m3/hr.

Proc. Exhaust, Venturi Assist

2

Electrical

208- 480 VAC 3 ph. 50/60 Hz (4-Wire 05 5 Wire available)

Power (KW), Peak/Typical

36 / 14

55 / 22

92 / 36

148 in. / 376 cm

Overall System Width

37 in. / 94 cm

37 in. / 94 cm

51 in. / 130 cm

Overall System Height

68 in.  / 172 cm

PV-609

PV-614

PV-624

Parts Clearance

0.75 in. / 1.9 cm (customer may specify other clearance height)

Belt Width

9 in. / 23 cm

14 in. / 36 cm

24 in. / 61 cm

Conveyor Speed

18-180 in. / 46-406 cm

Load Station

15 in. / 38 cm

Unload Station

15 in. / 38 cm

Entrance Baffle

15 in. / 38 cm

Heated Length

60 in. / 152 cm

Number of Heated Zones

6

Heat Up Time

15 minutes

Max. Operating Temp.

1000°C

Transition Tunnel

5 in. / 13 cm

Water Cooling Length

20 in. / 51 cm

Forced Air Cooling Length

90 in. / 229 cm

Product Temp. at Exit

40°C

Atmosphere, CDA, typical

600 scf/h / 16.8 m3/hr.

900 scf/h / 25.2 m3/hr.

1200 scf/h / 33.6 m3/hr.

Proc. Exhaust, Venturi Assist

2

Electrical

208- 480 VAC 3 ph. 50/60 Hz (4-Wire 05 5 Wire available)

Power (KW), Peak/Typical

63 / 24

96 / 38

161 / 64

223 in. / 567 cm

Overall System Width

37 in. / 94 cm

37 in. / 94 cm

51 in. / 130 cm

Overall System Height

68 in.  / 172 cm

The contact firing and metallization application is used in the manufacturing of solar cells. It involves the process by which thickfilm conductive inks (usually silver and aluminum) are applied to the front and back side of the solar cell. After the solar cell has been doped and an anti-reflective coating has been applied, the cell will have conductive material dispensed, screen printed or spot printed onto it. The material will be dried and subsequent layers are added using the same method. The final step is to fire the solar cells in a rapid thermal processing environment, ranging in temperature from 780 °C to 900 °C.
BTU offers the RTC line of near infrared lamp furnaces to handle the rapid heating tasks of this application. This is an in-line continuous furnace designed for rapid thermal processing.