Monthly Archives: February 2021

Solvent Processing Using Stainless Steel Stations

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Solvent Processing Using Stainless Steel StationsManufacturing processes using volatile solvents have to be specially designed to minimize the risk of explosions or fire. Solvents such as acetone or alcohol are used to clean parts, dissolve materials and extract substances. Modutek’s stainless steel stations meet strict safety regulations that reduce the risk of ignition of the solvents or their vapors and they have additional features and interlocks in an integrated approach to operator safety. As a result, the stainless steel stations can be installed safely in both new and existing facilities for solvent processing.

Special Design Measures Ensure Safe Solvent Station Operation

Safe stainless steel solvent station operation depends on specific design measures that reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Modutek’s stations satisfy safety regulations and include design features that improve safety based on extensive experience in wet bench processing. Special safety design measures can include the following:

  • Electrical equipment runs on low voltages and weak currents to reduce the risk from sparks.
  • Electric wiring satisfies fire protection standards NFPA 70 and 79.
  • Overall station design satisfies hazardous location standards and is certified for Class 1, Division 2 environments.
  • The manufacturing process is monitored to detect dangerous conditions such as high temperature.
  • Liquid solvent waste is collected in carboys for controlled disposal.
  • Safety interlocks eliminate unsafe operation and shut down the process for unsafe conditions.
  • Automatic lid operation can seal off chemical containers.
  • Operators are trained for safe operation.
  • Access controls limit equipment operation to trained personnel.

How Stainless Steel Solvent Processing Stations Operate Safely and Reliably

Modutek’s Series SFa and Sa Stainless Steel Stations for solvent processes meet all the safety requirements of the applicable regulations. Made of electropolished stainless steel, the stations satisfy the National Electrical Code Class 1 Division 2 Group D standard for hazardous locations. The baths feature PVC safety shields, N2 head case purge and an auto lid option. They are designed for operator safety and prioritize safe containment and disposal of volatile solvents.

The SFa series station uses a temperature controlled re-circulating bath while the Sa series is constant temperature. The baths have a temperature control precision of plus/minus 1 degree centigrade, a heat-up rate of 2 degrees centigrade per minute and an operating temperature range of 30 to 100 degrees centigrade. Bath heaters are rated from 2 to 6 kW depending on the tank size. With precise temperature control and a fast heating rate, the baths can improve yield and produce high-quality process output.

In addition to the safety features and temperature control characteristics, the baths have multi-sided heating elements, a 360 degree overflow weir, operating interlocks, process control thermocouples and liquid level sensors. The tanks are available in standard sizes from about 8 inches to 24 inches a side. Custom sizes are also available.

Modutek’s Can Provide Solvent Processing Stations to Satisfy Customer Requirements

With 40 years experience in designing wet benches for semiconductor manufacturing, Modutek supplies stations made with high-quality materials designed for safety, ease of use and reliable operation. As a leading wet bench manufacturer, Modutek is constantly innovating to incorporate the latest advancements in its wet process equipment including its solvent processing stations.

Modutek can examine solvent processing needs and recommend stations for specific applications. A complete line of standard baths and the ability to customize as required means the company can build solvent processing stations to meet special customer needs. Modutek builds all its own equipment and designs and writes its own software in-house. As a result, Modutek can give expert guidance on what is required and follow up with complete customer support and service for all its products. For a free quote or consultation to discuss your specific requirements contact Modutek at 866-803-1533 or email modutek@modutek.com.

Selecting Chemical Handling Equipment for Solvents and Acids

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When chemicals are used in a manufacturing process, chemical handling systems are Selecting Chemical Handling Equipment for Solvents and Acidscritical for accurate chemical delivery to the process equipment and the safe disposal of the chemical waste. Effective chemical handling systems are especially important for solvents and acids because of the corrosive nature and the dangers of unsafe handling of these chemicals. Finding the right chemical handling system for a manufacturing facility is often challenging because the applicable regulations have to be followed and worker safety has to be guaranteed. A competent manufacturer with extensive experience in chemical handling and a proven track record in chemical handling equipment can advise customers of the most appropriate system for their specific application.

Chemical Handling Equipment Functions and Features

Chemical handling equipment ensures the safe acquisition, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing. Essential functions include the following:

  • Delivery: Chemicals have to be delivered to the process equipment in the quantities, mixtures and concentrations required. This requires accurate repeatability. We build all our delivery systems around your chemical drums. This includes single or double drums requirements.
  • Collection: Collection of hazardous chemicals takes place in a specially secured cabinet with containment and leak detection capabilities. Modutek’s systems are designed for use with Department of Transportation (DOT) approved drums for direct shipment for disposal.
  • Neutralization: This option is also available if chemical disposal becomes too expensive. Once chemical is neutralized properly chemicals can than drain directly to your main drain.

In addition to chemical handling equipment functionality, specific manufacturing applications may benefit from features that increase operational safety, reduce costs or improve manufacturing operations. For expensive chemicals, features that reduce chemical waste are important. Chemical handling equipment dealing with dangerous chemicals may have to include extra operator safety protections. Dangerous chemical waste is best neutralized next to the manufacturing process, but if that’s not possible, chemical collection systems can safely hold chemicals that will later be transported for off-site treatment. Chemical handling equipment often has to be customized to address the functions needed and make sure the required features are in place.

Modutek’s Line of Chemical Handling Equipment Can Meet Manufacturing Needs

Modutek can offer a complete line of chemical handling equipment that can customized for specific manufacturing needs. Modutek’s equipment line includes the following:

  • Acid neutralization systems. These compact systems add neutralizing chemicals to acid or alkaline waste. They feature low operating costs and either batch or continuous operation.
  • Chemical delivery systems. Chemicals are delivered to the process in exact quantities and at the right times. These systems reduce chemical waste and eliminate operator errors that cause spills.
  • Chemical lift stations. These stations pump chemicals directly from the process to the neutralization area. They can be incorporated into the process line and feature flow capacity adapted to process requirements.
  • Chemical collection systems. Chemicals are collected and stored locally near the process or remotely in large collection tanks. In the absence of neutralization, storage can be sized to process requirements and designed to permit transportation of the containers for off-site treatment.

Modutek’s chemical handling equipment is designed to ensure safe and precise handling of hazardous chemicals. Chemical use is lower due to reduced waste and workplace safety is increased. Neutralization and disposal of hazardous chemicals can be carried out in accordance with regulations and can be documented to demonstrate compliance. Modutek can offer solutions for the chemical handling needs of varied manufacturing operations and the company’s experience in the field and its in-house expertise lets it customize the equipment exactly as needed. Contact Modutek for a free consultation or quote on equipment for your specific manufacturing requirements.