Abstract: A method for sequential production of metal-containing substrates which have a conversion layer including chromium and zirconium on at least part of their surface, the method including bringing into contact at least part of the surface of metal-containing substrates with an electrolyte solution including at least one trivalent chromium compound and tetravalent zirconium compound to form the conversion layer. The method further includes adding fresh trivalent chromium and tetravalent zirconium compounds to the electrolyte solution to compensate for chromium and zirconium deposited in the conversion layer and controlling or regulating a Cr:Zr mass ratio in the electrolyte solution or the addition of trivalent chromium compounds and tetravalent zirconium compounds to the electrolyte solution such that the Cr:Zr mass ratio in the conversion layer, based upon a sum of the metals Zr and Cr, is >0.7.

Abstract: An aqueous treatment solution for producing conversion coatings on metal surfaces, in particular on zinc or zinc alloy surfaces, contains: Cr(III) ions in an amount of 0.1 g/l to 8.0 g/l; zirconium and/or titanium ions in an amount of 0.1 g/l to 15 g/l; organosilane-modified silicon oxide nanoparticles in an amount of 0.1 g/l to 50 g/l; and fluoride ions in an amount of 0.1 g/l to 15 g/l.

Abstract: The application describes an apparatus and a method for the thermal treatment of substrates, in particular thin film substrates for photovoltaic applications. The apparatus comprises at least one substrate carrier for supporting a substrate, a heating unit having at least one heating element for heating a substrate located on the substrate carrier and at least one heating element carrier for supporting the at least one heating element. The heating element carrier is designed to allow a local change in distance between the substrate carrier and the heating element, so as to be able to provide locally different heating intensities. In the method such a change in distance is carried out during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: The application describes an apparatus and a method for the thermal treatment of substrates, in particular thin film substrates for photovoltaic applications. The apparatus comprises at least one substrate carrier for supporting a substrate, a heating unit having at least one heating element for heating a substrate located on the substrate carrier and at least one heating element carrier for supporting the at least one heating element. The heating element carrier is designed to allow a local change in distance between the substrate carrier and the heating element, so as to be able to provide locally different heating intensities. In the method such a change in distance is carried out during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting to-be-processed elements through a high-temperature zone and a corresponding method. The transport device operates according to the walking beam principle, with thin, elongated carrier elements made of a flexible material, which are maintained under tensile stress along the longitudinal axis of the carrier elements, being provided instead of conventional walking beams.