Jun 19 2008
More than 400,000 pounds of SYLTHERM Silicone Heat Transfer Fluids from The Dow Chemical Company were delivered to Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. in Thomas Township, Mich., in January 2008. This large order will help enable the manufacture of high purity silicon wafers. These wafers will be used for computer chips and for photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity.
Photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight to electricity are based on high purity silicon wafers processed using high temperature heat transfer fluids such as SYLTHERM Silicone Fluids from The Dow Chemical Company.
Heat Transfer In Chip Manufacture
SYLTHERM Heat Transfer Fluids from Dow are used in two separate parts of the chip manufacturing process. In an early step, SYLTHERM 800 Fluid is used in the purification of molten silicon. Silicon purity is key to the function of these chips. Chips with the purest silicon content are used in computers, while those that are slightly less pure are used for solar cells. Processing molten silicon requires a high temperature fluid. With a recommended operating range of from -40° C to 400°C, SYLTHERM 800 Fluid is the product of choice for this application.
The second phase of use for Dow chemistry is in the product cooling step. Once the molten silicon is poured into molds, it needs to cool. SYLTHERM XLT Heat Transfer Fluid is used to carry heat away from the finished wafers. “Managing high levels of heat used in the manufacture of these chips is a critical part of the process,” said Steven Stanley, Ph.D., global business director for Dow Performance Fluids. “Dow is one of only a couple of companies anywhere in the world with the technical know-how and production capacity to fulfill orders as large and specific as these.” In addition to the sale to Hemlock, Dow has also sold a total of more than 550,000 pounds of DOWTHERM™ Synthetic Organic Heat Transfer Fluids and SYLTHERM Fluids to companies in China for the same type of product manufacture.
Market Expansion & Dow Participation
Recent reports indicate the solar cell production industry is growing at an annual rate of 40 percent. New capacity of solar cells during the next three years will account for the production of more than 11,000 megawatts of electricity.
SYLTHERM Silicone Heat Transfer Fluids
SYLTHERM 800 Heat Transfer Fluid is a highly stable, long-lasting silicone fluid designed for high temperature liquid phase operation. It exhibits low potential for fouling and can often remain in service for 10 years or more at 400°C (750°F). SYLTHERM 800 Fluid has essentially no odor and is low in acute oral toxicity.
SYLTHERM XLT Heat Transfer Fluid is a specially formulated, high performance silicone polymer designed for use as a low temperature, liquid phase heat transfer medium. It offers outstanding low temperature heat transfer and pumpability, plus excellent thermal stability. SYLTHERM XLT Fluid has essentially no odor, is low in acute oral toxicity, and is not listed as reportable under SARA Title III, Section 313 (1). Suitable applications include single fluid process heating and cooling systems in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.