GR2L’s One-of-a-kind Argon Recovery System for the Solar Ingot Manufacturers
Gas Recovery and Recycling Limited (GR2L), a point-of-use gas processing equipment company has has developed an interesting technology for the solar cell manufacturing value chain.
It joined hands with the researchers at Cambridge university to create a ArgonØ, a point of use argon recovery system.
This groundbreaking technology addresses the critical challenge of efficiently recovering and recycling argon gas used in silicon ingot manufacturing for solar cells.
In this article, we will delve into the patented technology behind the ArgonØ system, highlighting its cost-efficiency and sustainability, and exploring its potential applications for the solar industry.
The Need for a Solar Industry-Specific Argon Recovery System
Silicon ingot manufacturing, an essential process in solar cell production, relies on argon gas for etching during each production cycle. However, the exhaust argon gas becomes contaminated with impurities, making it unsuitable for direct reuse.
Venting the exhaust gas is not only costly but also environmentally harmful. To address this challenge, an efficient argon recovery system that recycles the exhaust gas back into the production process is essential.
GR2L’s CLC-Based Argon Recovery System
GR2L’s ArgonØ system, features an impressive 95% recycling rate and 99.99998% purity.
The core of this system lies in its patented Chemical Looping Combustive Purification (CLCP) technology, which effectively recovers argon gas.
Unlike conventional central argon recovery systems that rely on cryogenic processes, the ArgonØ system’s CLCP technology eliminates the need for energy-intensive methods.
The stoichiometric process employed here to combust process contaminants and impurities, makes GR2L’s ArgonØ, a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for argon recovery.
Benefits of Installing ArgonØ at Solar Ingot Manufacturing Facilities
The ArgonØ system offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for solar ingot manufacturing facilities:
- Point of Use System:
Seamlessly connecting to multiple vacuum furnaces, the ArgonØ system provides enhanced flexibility within a single facility. This feature allows manufacturers to optimize their operations and minimize transportation costs.
- Redundancy and Minimal Impact:
The system’s design enables facilities to incorporate multiple recovery units, ensuring continuous production even if one unit encounters issues. Furthermore, retrofitting ArgonØ into existing installations is straightforward, with minimal disruption to productivity.
- Substantial Cost Savings:
Real-world case studies have demonstrated a recycling rate of over 95%, leading to significant cost reductions for manufacturers. With an efficient recovery system, the expenditure associated with purchasing new argon gas is substantially reduced.
Expanding Applications: Beyond the Solar Industry
While primarily developed for solar ingot production, the ArgonØ system exhibits promising potential in other industries. For instance, it could find applications in jet turbine blade manufacturing and powdered metals processing. The versatile CLCP technology offers the possibility of recovering other high-value inert gasses, extending the system’s application beyond argon.
Explore Mappes.io to delve more into the Solar Ecosystem
The ArgonØ system from GR2L represents a significant advancement in argon recovery technology for the solar industry. With its cost-efficiency, sustainability, and potential for broader applications, this revolutionary system could help reshape the solar manufacturing landscape.
As industries continue to seek greener and more efficient solutions, the ArgonØ system stands as a beacon of innovation in the quest for a more sustainable future.
To learn more about this exciting technology, Signup at Mappes and visit GR2L’s company page at Mappes.io to explore the possibilities of embracing a greener future for your solar manufacturing operations.