System and process for recovery of cadmium telluride (CdTe) from system components used in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) modules
US8048194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22B17/02
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and associated process are provided for recovering cadmium telluride (CdTe) that has plated onto components, such as components used in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The system includes a vacuum oven configured for maintaining a vacuum and being heated to a temperature effective for sublimating CdTe off of components placed within the oven. A collection member is disposed so that sublimated CdTe generated in the oven diffuses to the collection member. The collection member is maintained at a temperature effective for causing the sublimated CdTe to plate thereon. The collection member is subsequently processed to collect the plated CdTe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.