Feb 14, 2011 
Developed by DuPont Packaging Graphics for the abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the technology is significantly more energy-efficient than competing thermal oxidation processes, enabling lower manufacturing costs. When integrated into the BTU Tritan metallization firing system, it is expected to offer lower cost of ownership and ultimately lower cost per watt for solar cells.
"We are excited to offer leading-edge technology from DuPont with our Tritan™ firing furnace," said Jan-Paul van Maaren, Ph. D., vice president of marketing at BTU. "Catalytic oxidation of VOCs promises to use dramatically less power than traditional thermal oxidation. Not only does this impact the tool's overall cost of ownership and therefore cost per watt, but it also is a more responsible way for our solar customers to manage their effluent."
"The catalytic oxidation technology was developed for DuPont flexographic printing systems and is well proven with nearly 150 units installed," said Dalen Keys, global technology manager, DuPont Packaging Graphics. "We are very pleased to leverage the technology to benefit BTU and the solar energy industry, as we share a commitment to innovation and greater sustainability."
BTU International is a market-leading, global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment to the alternative energy and electronics assembly markets. BTU’s equipment and expertise are used in the manufacturing of solar cells and nuclear fuel as well as the production of printed circuit board assemblies and semiconductor packaging. BTU has design and manufacturing operations in North Billerica, Massachusetts and Shanghai, China with direct sales and service worldwide. Information about BTU International is available at http://www.btu.com
