With over 35 years of experience in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, Modutek has the expertise to handle large projects and challenging applications. The most recent example is a solvent delivery pump supply for a large pharmaceutical company. Nine solvent pump cabinets are required to transfer solvents to centrally located distribution stations. The custom-built cabinets are subject to tight specifications and rigorous compliance with applicable standards.
Project Details
Modutek will supply nine solvent pumping cabinets, each containing two pneumatically operated pumps. The pumps will have pulse dampers and will be fitted with air-actuated ball valves on the inlets and discharge outlets of each pump. Pilot valves will control the supply of clean, dry air (CDA). A series of valves and monitoring systems controls and supervises the transfer of solvents to distribution points close to the process.
Each cabinet will have an ultrasonic leak detector housed in a one-inch pipe “T” at the lowest point in the cabinet. A drain On/Off selector switch will be mounted near the drain port on the outside of the cabinet, and a 4-20 ma pressure transmitter will be mounted on the outside of each cabinet so the local display can be read easily.
Pump Cabinet Operation
The pumps will be controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and will deliver up to four gallons per minute. Solvents handled include acetone, methanol, ethyl acetate, heptane, isopropyl acetate and methyl tert-butyl ether. The system is rated up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the passivation of the stainless steel parts is per ASTM standards. The pressure drop can be controlled through the PLC and the installation must be FDA compliant.
When a request for a pump is received, the drain valve On function is disabled and the pilot valve supplying CDA to the pump opens. The pump inlet and discharge ball valves open allowing solvent to flow past the pressure transmitter to the process. If a leak is detected in the pipe “T,” the pilot valve and the corresponding ball valves close, stopping transfer of the solvent.
When the drain function is switched On, the pilot valves and pump inlet and discharge ball valves are disabled. The pneumatically operated drain valve opens and the solvent drains into a collection container outside the cabinets. Once draining is completed, the operator can close the drain valve and resume normal operation of the pumps.
During normal operation of one of the pumps, the 24 V DC 4-20 ma pressure transmitter displays pressure in the line from the pump to the process. The pressure range is 1 to 150 psi. The pressure reading is displayed on a local LCD display and is available for remote indication and for HMI or SCADA systems.
Partnering With Modutek
Modutek can help customers that have complex or wide-ranging chemical delivery system requirements. The company offers standard solutions from its complete chemical delivery system equipment line or it can design and manufacture custom solutions to meet the needs of specific applications. All of Modutek’s chemical delivery system equipment is engineered and manufactured in-house at the company’s San Jose facility. As a result, the company can rely on in-house expertise to build and service the required equipment.
Modutek’s chemical handling systems are built using the latest technology and the highest quality materials to achieve un-paralleled output quality at reduced overall cost. When chemical handling/delivery systems are precisely designed to match application requirements, waste is reduced, and the use of water and chemicals are minimized. There are fewer operator errors, and systems become safer and more productive. Choosing Modutek as a supplier can help improve production facility performance and increase profitability.
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