Polysilicon Process Systems from KMPS

We design and build complete modular process systems to meet the purification, recycle, safety and environmental needs of the polysilicon industry. KMPS’ process technologies and modular approach provide our customers with the lowest capital and operating cost solutions.

Please contact us to determine if KMPS can help you cost effectively meet your polysilicon production objectives. Fill out an on-line inquiry here or call us at 201-267-8670 (ask for George Schlowsky or Brian Loftus) and we would be pleased to discuss your requirements in detail.

Polysilicon Process Systems Expertise

STC to TCS Conversion

KMPS’ systems convert silicon tetrachloride (STC) to trichlorosilane (TCS) and purify it to industrial or PV grade TCS with >100% yield (based on inlet weight of STC) using less than 0.25 kW/kg electricity.

Polysilicon Production

KMPS designs and guarantees fluidized bed deposition of polysilicon and recovery of the resulting tail gas. Raw materials for our polysilicon process systems include metallurgical grade silicon, silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen.

Waste STC Hydrolysis

KMPS' fluidized bed steam hydrolysis is the most efficient method available for conversion of waste STC to dry, low chlorine content silica and dry hydrogen chloride, suitable for recycling to TCS production. Our design minimizes the amount of energy, operating labor and capital required, as compared to other approaches practiced in the photovoltaic chemical industry.

Low Energy Purification Techniques

In addition to our core polysilicon technologies, KMPS’ designs incorporate low energy membrane and crystallization processes to remove impurities from TCS; which reduce energy demand and produce a purer product that is less susceptible to impurity spikes.

Experience with Polysilicon

KMPS designed and supplied key modules of a commercial polysilicon production unit to a European customer in the 1st quarter of 2008 and a larger unit to a US customer in the 4th quarter of 2008. These units purify metallurgical grade silicon (MGS) to electronic grade silicon by hydrogenation of MGS and STC to make TCS. The resulting TCS is purified by crystallization and distillation. The European plant has successfully started up and is producing pure TCS.

It is particularly noteworthy that these plants produce minimal waste due to extensive recycling of process streams. The waste products are also treated to minimize discharge of chlorine containing materials, resulting in a GREEN process.

KMPS is actively pursuing projects to alleviate the STC accumulation problem, particularly prevalent in China. These projects focus on hydrogenation of the surplus STC with MGS and hydrogen to TCS, which can be reused to make more polysilicon. The operating cost of these recovery systems, including depreciation, is less than the raw material cost for making TCS from purchased MGS, chlorine and hydrogen. Electrical consumption is less than 0.25 kW/kg of STC processed.

Please fill out an on-line inquiry here to get started.