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Product briefing outline:Vacuum valve specialist VAT introduced a new transfer valve for roll to roll applications at the PVSEC show in Hamburg. One challenge for roll coater system designs utilizing loadlock chambers is to seal the process chamber entrance and exit openings while the web substrate (typically a metal band or plastic foil) remains in place. For this “pinch seal” configuration VAT offers the 3D MonoVAT sealing technology which is approved in market for a long time. Due to the linear motion 3D sealing technology it is possible to clamp and seal the web (metal or plastic) without any deformation or damages.
Problem: The current disadvantage of roll-coater equipment is that in case of a web / roll change the entire system needs to be vented to atmosphere and cooled down.
Solution: The MonoVAT transfer valve is placed between the front chamber, in which the feed coil (unrolled web) is placed, and the process chamber(s). A second MonoVAT transfer valve is used in the rear chamber where the take-up roll (rolling up the web) is placed. Once the web is completely coated the valves are closed onto the foil, the front and rear chambers are vented to atmosphere, the web cut, the coils replaced and connected with the ends of the web while maintaining vacuum and temperature in the center process chamber(s). The result is a significant improvement in system availability thereby increasing the throughput.
The valve is available in aluminium or stainless steel with a wide range of options. This design flexibility of the MonoVAT transfer valve allows the valve to be adapted to meet the special requirements of some thin film PV processes.
Applications: Vacuum based thin film roll coater systems (CIGS, a-Si, CdTe, Organic cells, …)
Platform: The MonoVAT roll coater valve is available in slit sizes from height 15-50mm, length 300-1750mm)
Availability: Currently available
By Oliver Mähr, Product Manager - Large Transfer valves |
