By Ultrasonic Systems, Inc. (USI)
USI’s fuel cell coating systems features patented, nozzle-less ultra-Thin Coating Application Technology (t CAT). Ultra-Spray Coating heads employ ultrasonic energy to produce the spray and a low pressure-directed air stream to shape the required pattern. This technology is ideal for the thin, uniform application of a variety of coatings onto carbon paper and cloth GDL’s, membranes, interconnect plates and cylindrical substrates for high and low-temperature PEM, DMFC, and SOFC fuel cells. Coating transfer efficiencies of 95% and the non-clogging, nozzle-less spray head design offers a superior choice compared to conventional spray techniques. Typical coatings include: - Precious metal based catalyst inks and suspension containing Pt, PtC and Ir - Ceramic powder based slurries - Electrolyte solutions - Other proprietary coatings USI’s coating platforms feature Precision Metering Pump liquid delivery technology with integrated fluid stirring, keeping suspensions and inks properly mixed while offering micro-stepping motor controlled positive displacement fluid delivery to the spray head. Systems can also be configured with programmable substrate heat plates with a vacuum. USI has many systems installed worldwide for both R&D and fuel cell production.
