BASF Catalysts offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products including advanced battery materials. BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. We believe mobility’s future lies in more than just products. So where others come to a full stop, we’re just getting started—by leveraging the full power of BASF to continually advance our comprehensive package of sustainable solutions that enable us to travel further, as well as above and beyond. Protecting the air we breathe from harmful emissions through innovation. BASF leverages unsurpassed expertise in the development of emission control technologies for a wide range of market applications. BASF is committed to advancing and promoting environmentally-sound technologies to achieve a sustainable future in aviation. Offering 50 years of experience developing intelligent solutions for air quality over a wide range of applications — enabling clean air for a healthier, more sustainable future. With more than 150 years of experience in metal sourcing, trading, and hedging, we’ve built tangible results for our industrial customers. With more than 100 years of experience in recycling materials, BASF’s end-to-end recycling program is known and trusted around the globe. As a leader in precious-metal thermocouples for many years, BASF recently applied its technological expertise to optical-based temperature measurement. Developing and producing pharmaceutical ingredients for more than 75 years, enabling us to provide the solutions you need to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges for your pharmaceutical business. Find the latest news and media information for BASF’s Catalysts division, headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, USA, the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. Explore this collection of resources to learn more about our innovative research and Catalyst solutions.

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Enhanced accuracy with optical sensors for solar technology

Solar Industry

BASF’s EXACTUS® optical sensors are designed with a wide range of solar applications in mind. Ultra-sensitive electronics, precision optics, and the ability to measure extreme temperatures allow for tighter process control, enhanced accuracy, and improved overall performance compared to other measurement technologies.

At our state-of-the-art production facilities in Fremont, California, and Rome, Italy, we ensure that every instrument is tested and calibrated against exacting standards before it leaves our factory. BASF is committed to providing innovative designs, exceptional quality, and rapid deliveries.

Give yourself control over critical processes in manufacturing

We know that smart and sustainable decisions save money. That’s where our solar solutions come in. An ever-growing need, coupled with a shortage of natural resources, demands that we work to keep the power on.

BASF’s advanced thermocouples control critical processes in the manufacturing of solar cells. Precise temperature control enables a higher product yield. Our engineers will work directly with you to customize your thermocouples for maximum longevity.
BASF Catalysts | Solar

Our solutions for the future of solar technology

At BASF, we believe chemistry will play an important role in the future of solar technology, enabling the sun’s energy to make a sustainable contribution towards a low carbon society. BASF has solutions that can benefit silicon wafer and thin film technologies, as well as solar energy products such as panels and cells.

Thermocouple solutions for solar

Solar Cell Production

BASF’s advanced thermocouples control critical deposition and doping processes in the manufacturing of solar cells. Precisely controlling the temperature can enable higher product yield.

Optical Pyrometers for solar

At BASF, we believe chemistry will play an important role in the future of solar technology, enabling the sun’s energy to make a sustainable contribution towards a low carbon society. BASF has solutions that can benefit silicon wafer and thin film technologies, as well as solar energy products such as panels and cells.

Silicon Wafer Production

EXACTUS® optical temperature sensors provide the accuracy and precision necessary for silicon wafer production. EXACTUS® sensors enhance control of critical processes; whether in single crystal ingot pulling, polycrystalline casting, or ribbon pulling; improving quality and yield.

Solar Cell Production

BASF’s advanced EXACTUS® optical temperature sensors control critical deposition and doping processes in the manufacturing of solar cells. EXACTUS®’s capability to measure low temperatures at short wavelengths can enable higher product yield.

Solar Panel Production

EXACTUS® optical temperature sensors provide the low-temperature capability, speed, and repeatability necessary for tabber/stringer process steps. Our capabilites can increase quality and yield during laser or induction soldering of individual solar cells into modules.

Thin Film Production

The capability of BASF’s advanced EXACTUS® optical temperature sensors to measure low temperatures at short wavelengths makes it well suited for thin film deposition applications. EXACTUS®’s highly repeatable measurements and fast response time can enable higher product yields.

Thermocouple Recycling Services

Precious metal thermocouples always have value—even when they are no longer usable. The metal content of thermocouples can be recycled into new replacements or monetary credit can be given for the user with book credit for use at a later date. All reclamations are made on a weight basis. For the most accurate and beneficial credit, spent thermocouples should be returned intact for disassembly at the plant so that proper material and alloy separation can be performed.

Thermocouple recycling makes BASF a full range service supplier. Contact us for specific details on how to return spent thermocouples.

Thermocouple Wire

BASF has supplied science and industry with thermocouple wire for many years. We maintain an expert team of metallurgists, metrologists and process application engineers. All BASF-produced thermocouple wire conforms to the latest version of international standards. For all combinations, the EMF-temperature relationships are in accord with the applicable IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards, which incorporate all major national institutions.

Our thermocouple wires are based on precious metals, long recognized as the most reliable sensing elements for high-temperature measurement.

Our major wire thermocouple combinations include:

Type S: Pt vs. Pt 10 Rh

One of the most popular and widely used precious metal thermocouple combinations is known for its high accuracy over a broad temperature range. The combination has excellent mechanical and chemical properties, low electrical resistivity, and is readily obtainable in uniform quality and in very fine diameters.

Type R: Pt vs. Pt 13 R

This widely used combination is almost identical to Type S except for a slightly higher thermoelectric output, which accommodates instruments that have been calibrated for this output.

Type B: Pt 6 Rh vs. Pt 30 Rh

This widely used thermocouple is very similar to other Pt and Rh combinations. It performs well at the higher application temperatures where other combinations may be subject to accelerated drift or physical degradation. It is unique in that, at reference junction temperatures below 100° C, compensating lead wire is generally not necessary: plain copper conductors are adequate.

Pt 20 Rh vs. Pt 40 Rh

An extremely stable combination for very high temperature use in problematical environments. Its low sensitivity (4 microvolts per °C) requires the use of direct EMF reading instruments. An excellent researcher's tool for high temperature measurement.

Platinel®

A development by BASF Catalysts that brings together the high electrical output of the high base alloys with the oxidation resistance and stability of the precious metals. Often used as a direct replacement for Type K in process control applications where long life, stability, and continuous trouble-free performance is required.

Type C

W3Re vs. W25Re and W5Re vs. W26Re - These refractory metal combinations provide the ability to measure and control temperatures up to 2800° C, limited only by the availability of suitable insulation. The W3Re/W25Re combination developed by BASF Catalysts introduced the concept of doping the low rhenium allow leg in order to improve ductility and handling. Today's improved version of the W5Re/W26Re combination is also doped for similar benefits.

Resources available for download

Looking for product specifications? Check out our product datasheets and industry brochures below.

Data Sheet

Thermocouples for the Photovoltaic Solar Cell Industry
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Data Sheet

Exactus® Optical Temperature Sensing Solutions for Photovoltaic Processes
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