Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the salinity and/or hardness of a process waste stream so that the stream may be electrolyzed to form an oxidant or disinfectant. Also an electrolytic cell having certain features such as widely spaced electrodes, flushing capabilities, and insulating dividers that can accommodate waste streams that have varying salinity, hardness, and dissolved solids content.

Abstract: A wafer carrier is described. In one embodiment, the wafer carrier includes a variable aperture shield. The wafer carrier may include an electrically conductive wafer plating jig base having a plurality of concentric overlapping cavities of different depths, each cavity configured to receive a semiconductor wafer of a different size, a plurality of concentric magnetic attractors, at least one positioned within each of the plurality of overlapping cavities, and a cover plate comprising an open center surrounded by a support, the cover plate comprising an attractive material positioned within the support adjacent to the open center and aligned with at least one of the magnetic attractors when the cover plate is positioned over the wafer plating jig base.

Abstract: There is provided an automated electrochemical device for generating a biocidal output solution, said device comprising: a flow-through electrochemical cell comprising an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber for electrolysing an electrolyte to generate an anolyte solution and a catholyte solution; characterised in that the device further comprises: (i) a reservoir for storing catholyte; and (ii) a hydraulic circuit for recirculating catholyte from the reservoir to the anolyte on start-up of the cell, wherein input of catholyte of a compensating strength to the cell anodic chamber, is arranged so as to optimise the cell anolyte pH to produce a stable output solution at the start of the electrolysis process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plating and/or etching of hard-to-plate metals are provided. The systems and methods are designed to overcome the deleterious effect of superficial coating or oxide layers that interfere with the plating or etching of certain metal substrates. The systems and methods involve in situ removal of coating materials from the surfaces of the metal substrates while the substrates are either submerged in plating or etching solutions, or are positioned in a proximate enclosure just prior to submersion in the plating or etching solutions. Further, the substrates can be in contact with a suitable patterning mask to obtain patterned oxide-free regions for plating or etching. This in situ removal of coating layers may be achieved by pulse heating or photoablation of the substrate and the inhibiting coating layers. Electrical energy or laser light energy may be used for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the coating materials may be removed by mechanical means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for forming an energy storage device. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to methods of forming electric batteries and electrochemical capacitors. In one embodiment a method of forming a high surface area electrode for use in an energy storage device is provided. The method comprises forming an amorphous silicon layer on a current collector having a conductive surface, immersing the amorphous silicon layer in an electrolytic solution to form a series of interconnected pores in the amorphous silicon layer, and forming carbon nanotubes within the series of interconnected pores of the amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from untreated raw water or discharge water by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes positioned within and electrically isolated from a housing to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. The housing is surrounded with container structure that cooperates with the housing to define an inlet chamber positioned between the source of untreated water and the housing containing the spaced array of electrodes. The container structure further includes an outlet chamber defined between the housing and the container structure for accumulating and draining water treated by the spaced electrode array.

Abstract: An electrolysis system adapted to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases includes a housing, a baffle dividing the housing into first and second chambers and including an upper solid portion and a lower portion, a first electrode disposed in the first chamber, and a second electrode disposed in the second chamber. The first and second electrodes are configured to be at least partially immersed in the water, and each electrode becomes electrically charged when the electrolysis system is coupled to a current source to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The lower portion of the baffle and the first and second electrodes are each formed from the same material.

Abstract: A method for automated in situ determining an analyte content of a liquid sample by means of a bioanalyzer, wherein a measurement duct has at least one substrate, comprising a repeatedly performable sequence of steps as follows: (i) preparing a sensor matrix, which has a plurality of receptors, which bind the analyte and/or a further target molecule, or bring about a chemical conversion of the analyte or of the further target molecule, leading through the measurement duct a preparation solution of at least a first chemical species, wherein a plurality of the first chemical species are bound on the substrate via the functional group binding on the substrate, wherein the other functional group of the plurality of the first chemical species bound on the substrate serves as a receptor or for subsequent binding of a receptor; (ii) leading the liquid sample, through the measurement duct, wherein analyte contained in the liquid sample or in the liquid to be measured, and/or other target molecules contained in the li

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for electrically altering the charge and conductivity of polar solvents are disclosed. Such alterations are effected via a system comprising, among other things, an electrolyzing apparatus which stimulates higher conductivity and increased interfacial contact between polar protic solvents and fluids to assist or promote the extraction and/or leaching of solutes, including hydrocarbons, such as lipids, from an admixture, an occluded biomass or another aqueous medium. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for reducing the amount of solvents used in liquid extraction processes and increasing solvent recovery through the concurrent introduction of amphoteric species, which assist in the removal of the polar solvent from its liquid phase to a recoverable and reusable form, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active oxygen generating apparatus comprises cathodes constituted by a plurality of base materials, each containing a conductive polymer, an anode having conductivity, a power source that conducts electricity between both electrodes through water in which oxygen is dissolved, and a water receiving portion that contains the water. The cathodes are made of a plurality of plate-shaped base materials installed upright at intervals in the water receiving portion and the anode is arranged across the plurality of base materials and orthogonally to the plurality of base materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for producing targeted flow and current density patterns in a chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment. The device comprises a flow distributor body which is disposed, with the front face thereof, plane-parallel to a substrate to be processed, and which has outlet openings on the front face, through which process solution flows onto the substrate surface. The process solution flowing back from the substrate is led off through connecting passages onto the rear face of the flow distributor body. At the same time a targeted distribution of an electrical field on a conductive substrate surface is effected by a specific arrangement of said connecting passages.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the milk system of a drink machine for milk-containing hot beverages includes a feed line that feeds milk from a storage container, a central unit in which the milk is heated and processed, and an output unit via which the milk-containing hot beverage prepared in the central unit is dispensed, wherein the feed line is coupled to a cleaning device including an electrolytic cell, a cleaning solution is fed into the milk system from the cleaning device, which solution passes the electrolytic cell and an electrical current is applied to the cleaning solution by the electrolytic cell until electrolysis products having a disinfectant effect are forming and/or the electrical conductivity of the cleaning solution is monitored by the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An oxygen recovery system configured to recover evolved oxygen from a regenerative electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an oxygen reduction cathode, a fuel electrode configured to be a fuel anode when the cell is operated to generate electricity and a cathode for reducing fuel thereon when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel, and an oxygen evolution anode that is configured to evolve oxygen from an electrolyte solution when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel. The oxygen recovery system includes an oxygen separator located downstream of the oxygen evolution anode in a recharge direction of flow. The oxygen separator is configured to separate the evolved oxygen from the electrolyte solution. An oxygen recovery path is disposed between the oxygen separator and the oxygen reduction cathode. The oxygen recovery path is configured to direct the evolved oxygen separated from the electrolyte solution to the oxygen reduction cathode.

Abstract: A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.

Abstract: Methods of treating a target surface of an article having one or more passageways includes fluidly connecting a pressure masker including pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side having the target surface, and treating the target surface of the article using a surface treatment system that disposes a surface treating material on the target surface, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the surface treating material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway.

Abstract: Methods systems and devices for impeding an anode from being corroded or dissolved are provided. In one example, an electrolysis system includes an anode, the anode disposed on a support including a housing, the housing having an inverted cup on an end, the anode on an interior wall of the inverted cup such that electrical contact with an electrolysis solution is made along a concave portion of the inverted cup. Such an example may further include a cathode, the cathode disposed within a collection pipe such that gas produced at the cathode is retained within a channel of the collection pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming thin ceramic coatings on metal sheets, foils or wires. The apparatus has a reaction chamber, perforated nylon sheets, nylon bar guides, copper rods attached to a power supply, nylon collecting rods, and an inlet and an outlet. The reaction chamber is capable of containing an electrolytic solution. The copper rods are separately connected to the R, Y, or B phase of the power supply. Each phase is provided with two thyristors and the output of the thyristors is connected to the copper rods using current transformers. A process for continuously forming thin ceramic coatings on metal sheets, foils or wires is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.

Abstract: An electrochemical method and system for removing nitrate and ammonia in effluents, using an undivided flow-through electrolyzer, said electrolyzer comprising at least one cell, each cell comprising at least one anode and one cathode, the cathode being in a copper/nickel based alloy of a high corrosion resistance and a high electroactivity for nitrate reduction to ammonia and the anode being a DSA electrode of a high corrosion resistance and a high electroactivity for ammonia oxidation to nitrogen in presence of chloride.

Abstract: A system is capable of oxyhydrogen ion air cleaning and humidifying, and includes a water supplying device, a humidifying device and an oxyhydrogen ion generating device. The humidifying device is coupled to the water supplying device and includes a moist air output unit and a water passage unit permitting supply of water from the water supplying device to the moist air output unit, which can operate to form water into moist air. The oxyhydrogen ion generating device is coupled to the water supplying device and includes a container receiving water from the water supplying device, electrode plates disposed in the container, and an output conduit. The electrode plates are operable to electrolytically convert water to form oxyhydrogen-ion-containing gas that is released via the output conduit.

Abstract: A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus for causing an anodizing reaction to substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. The apparatus includes a storage tank for storing the electrolyte solution, a holder for holding a plurality of substrates in liquid-tight contact with circumferential surfaces of the substrates, a moving mechanism for moving the holder between a transfer position outside the storage tank and a treating position inside the storage tank, and a closing device disposed in the storage tank for cooperating with the holder to complete a liquid-tight closure of the circumferential surfaces of the substrates held by the holder. Chemical reaction treatment is carried out with the circumferential surfaces of the substrates placed in a liquid-tight state. After the chemical reaction treatment is completed, the closing device is made inoperative and the holder is moved away from the treating position to unload the substrates from the storage tank.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catalyst assembly includes a porous substrate material including a substrate bulk and an external surface, the substrate bulk including a network of pores for diffusing fluids there-through, and a two dimension (2-D) extensive catalyst supported on at least a portion of the network of pores to provide a substantially constant catalyst concentration profile along a thickness dimension of the substrate bulk. In certain instances, the network of pores includes an internal pore surface for supporting at least a portion of the 2-D extensive catalyst.

Abstract: An electrolysis water-making apparatus (1) generates electrolyzed products by supplying a raw material solution into an electrolytic cell (4) to perform electrolysis, and generates electrolyzed water by diluting the electrolyzed products. The electrolysis water-making apparatus (1) includes a casing (20) configured to accommodate the electrolytic cell (4), and a bracket (30) fixed to the casing (20) in a freely detachable manner, and the bracket (30) includes a pair of rigid walls to which one end and the other end of the electrolytic cell (4) are attached. The pair of rigid walls have a dimension therebetween that can be adjusted according to the linear dimension of the electrolytic cell (4).

Abstract: Probe-based methods are provided for wire bonding and joining of structures. The wire bonds are formed via a meniscus-confined electrodeposition technique. The electrodeposition technique of the invention can also be used for fabricating one or more nano-sized or micro-sized elongated structures. The structures extend at least partially upwards from the surface of a substrate, and may extend fully upward from the substrate surface. Apparatus suitable for use with the electrodeposition technique are also provided.

Abstract: A modular array of containers placed in parallel for electrolytic solutions used in metals electrolysis processes, particularly for metals electrowinning and electrorefining processes, assemblable from joinable and sealable prefabricated panels with other equal or similar ones, comprising at least a pair of opposite end walls (1, 2), lateral walls (3, 4), a plurality of floor panels (5) and a plurality of intermediate transverse walls (6), the modular array of containers having a common wall between two adjacent containers, the common wall defined by said intermediate transverse walls (6).

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing hydrogen and oxygen based on decomposition of sodium chlorate (NaClO3). In a service station, NaClO3 is produced by a sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyser. The service station is supplied with water (H2O), NaCl, and energy in order to carry out an electrolysis reaction in the electroyser, to produce NaClO3 and gaseous hydrogen (H2). The NaClO3 and H2 are supplied to vehicles. Each vehicle includes a reactor for decomposing the NaClO3 and producing reaction products of NaCl and oxygen, with the oxygen being supplied to a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation wastewater treatment apparatus is disclosed wherein a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber houses treatment electrodes having front and rear faces. Electrode positioners are located in the reactor chamber for holding the treatment electrodes, each of the electrode positioners having a feed core connectable with a high pressure source of fluid. A plurality of passages extend from the feed cores, the passages located so that jets of fluid are directed at both the front and rear faces of each of the electrodes held by the positioners.

Abstract: Provided is an electrolytic disinfection system and method for purifying water. The electrolytic disinfection system includes; an electrolytic disinfection device which includes; a chamber, a first electrode disposed in the chamber, a second electrode disposed in the chamber and spaced apart from the first electrode, a water inlet part connected to the chamber, wherein the water inlet part allows influent water to be introduced to the chamber therethrough, and a water outlet part connected to the chamber, wherein the water outlet part allows the influent water to be discharged from the chamber therethrough, and an influent water heating device which is disposed upstream of the water inlet part and heats the influent water introduced to the chamber through the water inlet part.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid is disclosed that includes combining powdered metal particles with the fluid to be treated. The mixture of powdered metal particles or metal and liquid to be treated is then passed through an electrolytic cell. The cell forms multivalent ions which attach to contaminants in the liquid and are subsequently separated out from the liquid using conventional solid/liquid separation techniques. The multivalent ions may also be formed from thin strips of aluminum or formed by pressing layers of powdered metallic particles together and installing in the electrolytic cell between two cathodes, the powdered metal electrode being the anode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a template having openings on upper surface, channels for receiving plating solution and connecting from the openings to lower surface of the template, and electrodes in positions corresponding to the channels on the lower surface and extending to the openings through the channels, positioning a substrate having circuits on upper surface of the substrate and through holes penetrating through the substrate and connected to circuit electrodes of the circuits such that the upper surface of the substrate faces downward, coupling the template and substrate such that the holes are positioned to correspond with the openings, supplying plating solution from the channels to the holes, and applying voltage between the circuit electrodes as cathodes and electrodes as anodes such that through-hole electrodes are formed in the holes and that the circuit electrodes are connected to the electrodes.

Abstract: An undivided electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a housing defining an undivided chamber, the housing having one electrolyte inlet and at least two electrolyte outlets; an anode in the chamber; a cathode in the chamber; and an electrolyte in the chamber, wherein the anode and the cathode are not gas diffusion electrodes. The invention also involves a method of operating an electrochemical cell, and methods for making ferrate(VI).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for metal deposition in semiconductor processing, the system comprising a plating tool with one or more plating tanks, each containing one of a respective electrolyte solution, one or more replenishment sections each fluidly connected to a respective one of the one or more plating tanks, one or more draining sections each fluidly connected to a respective one of the one or more plating tanks, and a control system adapted to operate the one or more replenishing sections and/or the one or more draining sections so as to maintain a condition of the electrolyte solutions.

Abstract: A substrate plating processor has a vessel on a support structure and a head support fixed in place relative to the support structure. A head having a rotor is attached to the head support. A lifter associated with the head support moves the head into and out of engagement with the vessel. An alignment assembly attachable to the rotor has at least one sensor adapted to detect a position of an inside surface of the vessel when the head is engaged with the vessel. The sensor may be a physical contact sensor positioned to contact the inside surface of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for electrocoagulation fluid treatment having a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies having a first and second conductive plate that are angularly oriented in relation to one another. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient them within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell having an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system arranged to manipulate cathode particulates motion including a magnetic subsystem having at least one source of magnetic field arranged to

Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode is described, more particularly for use in chloralkali electrolysis, comprising a novel catalyst coating, as is an electrolysis apparatus. Also described is a production process for the oxygen-consuming electrode and the use thereof in chloralkali electrolysis or fuel cell technology. The oxygen-consuming electrode is based on a gas diffusion layer as a porous film of a fluorinated polymer, into which fine crystal needles of a catalyst metal have been introduced as the catalytically active component and are connected with electrical conduction to the current collector.

Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode is described, more particularly for use in chloralkali electrolysis, comprising a novel catalyst coating based on silver and a finely divided silver oxide, as is an electrolysis apparatus. Also described is a production process for the oxygen-consuming electrode and the use thereof in chloralkali electrolysis or fuel cell technology.

Abstract: A method of repairing damaged airfoils. The method comprises the steps of stripping thermal barrier coatings from the airfoil. After the coatings are removed, cracks are removed from the airfoil. Cracks that appear in the bond coat area over the airfoil fillet portion are removed by locally grit blasting the fillet portion of the airfoil. This operation also results in locally removing the bond coating from the fillet portion. Cracks and other damage sustained by the airfoil tip are removed and replaced by welding superalloy material. The airfoil then may be cleaned by thermal etching. The airfoil is then placed in a plating tool permitting preferential plating of airfoil areas from which plating has been removed. After plating, the airfoil is then heat treated to diffuse the platinum coating with the superalloy substrate materials. The diffusion heat treated airfoil is aluminided by any aluminiding process, forming a PtAl coating.

Abstract: An electrolysis water-making apparatus (1A) includes a casing (20), an electrolytic cell (4) installed in the casing (20) and configured to perform electrolysis on a raw material solution, a raw material solution feed pump (10) configured to pump the raw material solution to the electrolytic cell (4), and a diluting unit (26) configured to dilute electrolyzed products extracted from the electrolytic cell (4) with dilution water; and provided with a bracket (30) configured to integrally attach the electrolytic cell (4) and the raw material solution feed pump (10), and detachably fixed to the inside of the casing (20) in a state in which the electrolytic cell (4) and the raw material solution feed pump (10) are attached thereto.

Abstract: A system for electrocoagulation fluid treatment having a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies having a first and second conductive plate that are angularly oriented in relation to one another. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient them within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell (100) is proposed. The photovoltaic cell includes a substrate (105; 105?) of semiconductor material, and a plurality of contact terminals (Tf,Tb) each one arranged on a corresponding contact area (122) of the substrate for collecting electric charges being generated in the substrate by the light. For at least one of the contact areas, the substrate includes at least one porous semiconductor region (125) extending from the contact area into the substrate for anchoring the whole corresponding contact terminal on the substrate. In the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, each porous semiconductor region has a porosity decreasing moving away from the contact area inwards the substrate. An etching module (400) and an electrolytic module (700;700?;800;800?) for processing photovoltaic cells, a production line (900) for producing photovoltaic cells, and a process for producing photovoltaic cells are also proposed.

Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a vessel for holding a bath of plating liquid. A head is adapted to hold a work piece, such as a silicon wafer, in the vessel, with a seal on the head sealing against the work piece. A component cleaner assembly may be used to automatically clean a component of the plating apparatus, such as a seal or a contact ring. The cleaner assembly has a component contactor, such as a brush, on an arm. An arm actuator is linked to the arm for moving the arm from a retracted position, to a deployed position, where the contactor is in physical contact with the component. A method for cleaning a component of a plating apparatus includes moving a scrubber or contactor into contact with the component and applying a cleaning liquid onto the component adjacent to the contactor.