Solutia's Therminol heat transfer fluids selected for polysilicon plant in China

ST. LOUIS, USA: Solutia Inc. announced that it supplied Therminol D12 and Therminol 66 synthetic heat transfer fluids to a new state of the art 15,000 metric ton solar grade high purity polysilicon manufacturing plant in Xinyu City, China. The facility is owned and operated by LDK Solar and came online in the fall of 2009.

LDK is one of the world's largest manufacturers of multi-crystalline solar wafers which are the main raw material for photovoltaic solar cells. LDK chose Solutia due to the proven performance of Therminol 66 and D12, unparalleled expertise of the Therminol technical team and Solutia's global supply chain capabilities.

"Power generation from PV solar cells is a fast growing market and we are very excited that LDK has expressed confidence in the Therminol team to provide solutions for their heat transfer needs," said Peng Yun Say, General Manager, Solutia Therminol Co. Ltd, Suzhou, located in Suzhou, China.

In photovoltaic solar modules, sunlight is converted into direct current (DC) electricity which can be used locally to power equipment or batteries or delivered to the local power grid after being converted to alternating current (AC).

Within 2009, Solutia has announced a number of significant projects in which Therminol VP-1 will be used in concentrating solar power plants. In these plants, Therminol heat transfer fluid is heated in trough-shaped mirror assemblies by absorbing energy from concentrated sunlight. The heated Therminol is then used to generate steam that drives power generating turbines.

"Solutia recognizes the value of energy generation from renewable sources and is committed to serving the solar market, both in the concentrated solar power market and the manufacture of polysilicon used in photovoltaic solar modules," said Richard Altice, Vice President of Commercial Services of Solutia's Technical Specialties division.

Solutia offers a worldwide network of product supply by manufacturing Therminol on four continents and offers an unmatched worldwide network of technically skilled Therminol fluid specialists to provide expert service and support. Solutia is the world leader in synthetic heat transfer fluids, providing nearly 45 years of excellence in technical support, customer service, performance and innovation.