How On-Site Acid Neutralization Systems Provide Safe Chemical Disposal

How On-Site Acid Neutralization Systems Provide Safe Chemical DisposalWhen the right acid neutralization system is chosen, it can automatically add the required neutralizing chemicals to acid waste left over after a semiconductor manufacturing process step. Ideally such a system should use the least amount of chemicals while ensuring adequate neutralization of waste to comply with environmental standards. The system has to have enough capacity to handle the waste chemical flow and it must operate reliably, protecting against spills and documenting chemical use and discharge. With overall environmental standards tightening and local regulations becoming more stringent, semiconductor manufacturers need acid neutralization systems that provide safe and reliable disposal of chemical waste.

How to Choose Continuous Flow or Batch Acid Neutralization Systems

Acid neutralization systems can operate on a continuous basis or can neutralize individual batches of waste chemicals. For mass production of semiconductor parts, fabrication lines operate over extended periods, using fixed amounts of chemicals and producing uniform quantities of waste.

For these large-scale operations, a continuous flow acid neutralization system is the best choice. Because the nature of the waste chemicals is known and remains consistent over time, the neutralization process can add fixed amounts of low-pH chemicals to continuously neutralize the waste flow. Neutralization can be fine-tuned because the overall process doesn’t change.

Batch neutralization systems are better suited for the production of small quantities of semiconductor products. Typical applications are prototype production, production of small quantities for testing or the manufacture of special components. For these operations, the waste chemicals have to be neutralized in small volumes and each process is different. The batch acid neutralization system has to measure the pH of the waste chemicals, and determine what low-pH additions are appropriate. The neutralization is different for each batch as is each outflow.

Automation Can Play a Key Role in Effective Acid Neutralization Systems

Automated acid neutralization systems can help reduce chemical use, ensure regulatory compliance and reduce spills. The system automatically adds the required chemicals to the waste solution, tracks chemical use, measures outflow pH and records the results. Workplace safety is increased and human error is reduced. The records of chemical use and outflow pH can demonstrate that environmental standards are met.

Automating continuous flow systems is comparatively easy because the process parameters are known and they don’t change. The complete automation of batch neutralization systems can be challenging because key variables as well as the chemicals involved can vary from batch to batch.

For a continuous flow chemical acid neutralization system, the acid to be neutralized and the low-pH chemical to be used are known. The automation only has to add the required amount of neutralizing chemical on a continuous basis and record the resultant pH. For slight variations, a control loop can adjust the amount of neutralizing chemical to achieve the required output pH.

A fully automated batch neutralization system first has to measure the batch pH and add an amount of low-pH neutralizer. Depending on the chemicals involved, the automated system may have to add different neutralizing chemicals in several stages to achieve the required output. The automated system is complicated to program and difficult to set up. For batch neutralization systems, operator involvement to select the type of neutralization required can simplify the operation of the automated system and make it more effective.

Modutek Can Help Select the Right Acid Neutralization System

Modutek has a full line of chemical handling equipment, including acid neutralization systems. The company works closely with customers to determine their needs and can customize systems to meet special requirements. Once delivered, Modutek makes sure that the acid neutralization systems operate as specified and customers are completely satisfied. Contact Modutek for a free consultation to discuss the chemical disposal requirements needed at your facility.

Choosing an Acid Neutralization System to Safely Handle Chemical Disposal

Choosing an Acid Neutralization System to Safely Handle Chemical DisposalWet process semiconductor manufacturing lines use aggressive chemicals to clean and etch silicon wafers. When a cleaning or etching step is complete, the remaining chemicals have to be disposed of safely. Low pH acids such as hydrochloric acid have to be neutralized with high pH chemicals so that the pH of the mixture approaches the neutral value of seven. The acid neutralization can be carried out continuously or in batches and either process can be fully automated. Ideally an acid neutralization system acts reliably with a minimum of supervision and keeps records of chemical use and discharge to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations.

Continuous Flow and Batch Neutralization Systems Fulfill Different Requirements

The choice of an acid neutralization system reflects the type of semiconductor manufacturing that takes place. Large scale continuous manufacturing lines produce a continuous flow of waste chemicals. The composition of the flow and its volume changes little and can be analyzed in detail. A continuous flow acid neutralization system can then be designed to automatically and reliably neutralize the out flow. Because small changes can easily be detected and the dosages of neutralizing chemicals can be automatically adjusted, the automation required for such a system is easily set up. The automated continuous flow acid neutralization system can keep records of its neutralization activity and the volume and pH of the waste flow.

The neutralization of waste chemicals used in batch manufacturing is usually more complicated. Batch manufacturing is used for prototypes, one-of-a-king components and small quantities of special parts. Each batch can be different and it makes sense to use a batch acid neutralization system for these processes.

Instead of adjusting chemical dosages of an established process as in the continuous flow systems, batch neutralization systems have to measure the pH of the waste chemicals and add specific neutralizers. Several stages of neutralization may be required before the discharge is acceptable. Once the neutralization process is finalized, the sequence can be fully automated and can run as the batch is processed.

Other Considerations When Choosing an Acid Neutralization System

Once the choice of continuous flow or batch system is made, the acid neutralization system has to fulfill a few basic requirements. The system capacity has to be sufficient for the proposed application, with capacities ranging from a few gallons to hundreds of gallons per minute. The system can be located indoors if there is space but it can also be designed for outdoor operation. If automated, the exact automatic functions have to be programmed and set up. Finally the monitoring and record-keeping functions have to be determined.

Operational characteristics have to be considered as well. If the system is fully automated, it may run without supervision but alarms will be required for situations such as low chemical supply or a pH level outside permissible limits. Recording of neutralization process parameters can be digital, with a log, or on a chart recorder. Containment of spills is important and depends on whether the installation is indoors or outdoors. Spill detection has to be incorporated into the alarm system and the whole operation has to comply with environmental regulations.

Modutek Can Supply Acid Neutralization Systems to Meet Customer Needs

Included in Modutek’s complete line of wet process equipment are compact acid neutralization systems that can be customized to meet specific needs. Systems can be designed to fit into the space available at a customer’s facility and Modutek can help select suitable automation and operating characteristics. The Modutek acid neutralization systems operate reliably to keep waste discharge parameters close to specified values and a digital chart recorder documents compliance with discharge regulations.

Selecting the Right Acid Neutralization System for Your Application

Acid neutralization systems treat the effluent from semiconductor wet process fabrication facilities and other industrial processes to make it safe for release into the environment. The right system for an application will add alkaline chemicals to the acidic solution and raise the pH close to the neutral level of 7 while recording process data to ensure regulatory compliance.

Depending on the type of operation, an acid neutralization system can be selected that either works continuously or in batches. Continuous flow systems treat large volumes of effluent that have a consistent composition and work best with waste water that doesn’t require complex treatment. Batch neutralization systems are often applied to smaller volumes that are difficult to treat. Each kind of system can benefit from full automation to carry out the neutralization process precisely and keep accurate records.

How Acid Neutralization Systems Work

Because releasing untreated acidic waste water is environmentally hazardous and pollutes water ways, governments have imposed regulations on the producers of industrial waste. An acid neutralization system treats and measures the acidity of waste water as it exits the production line. Depending on the process, a suitable neutralizing chemical is added to reduce the acidity. Sensors verify that the neutralization process has reduced the pH of the waste water to a level in keeping with the applicable regulations and the liquid can then be released.

For compliance purposes, keeping a record of treatment and release is extremely important. To enforce the regulations, authorities will often require proof that the prescribed pH levels were maintained at all times. A print-out from a fully automated system showing the process steps that were carried out and the corresponding pH values can be valuable in proving that a company is not the source of any pollution that has been found.

Continuous Flow Neutralization Systems

High volume production lines produce the same components continuously using the same process and produce a constant flow of effluent that varies comparatively little in its composition. These applications are ideally suited to continuous flow acid neutralization systems because the continuous addition of neutralizing chemicals with only a slight variation can easily be controlled and monitored.

The flow can be from a few to several hundred gallons per minute, and once the neutralization requirements are known, the amounts of neutralizing chemicals required can be calculated. The acid neutralization system monitors the input, makes small adjustments to the quantities of neutralizing chemicals to respond to process changes, and monitors the output for compliance with regulations. A record of discharges and their characteristics is available in the form of a digital chart recorder.

Batch Neutralization Systems

In the production of prototypes, the manufacture of small quantities of specialized components and the use of processes that consist of discrete, independent steps produce waste water in small batches that can best be processed by batch neutralization systems. These batches of waste chemicals often need extensive treatment and may require different neutralizing chemicals to meet the allowed discharge pH levels.

Depending on the process and the required neutralizing chemicals, batch neutralization systems can take pH readings, add the calculated chemical doses and then verify that the pH has increased to an acceptable level. In terms of automation and record keeping, the same considerations apply as for continuous flow neutralization systems.

Modutek’s Acid Neutralization Systems

Modutek offers fully automated acid neutralization systems in batch neutralization or continuous flow designs. The compact systems can be customized for specific applications and to fit into an available space. Modutek’s acid neutralization system can be placed indoors or outdoors and can handle flows from 5 to 500 gallons per minute. The microprocessor pH control delivers precise doses of neutralizing chemicals and provides accurate records on a digital chart recorder to prove seamless compliance with discharge regulations. Contact Modutek for a free quote or consultation to discuss your application and acid neutralization requirements.

Tips on Selecting an Acid Neutralization System for your Application

Tips on Selecting an Acid Neutralization System for your ApplicationAcid neutralization systems are essential for various industrial processes such as semiconductor fabrication and research facilities that produce acidic effluents. These cannot legally be discharged directly into public sewer systems; instead, they need to first be processed in legally prescribed ways. Altering the pH of acidic waste by-products to legally acceptable pH ranges of between 6 and 9 can be a major challenge, however.

As process engineer or semiconductor facility manager, what do you look for in an acid neutralization system? The best solution is a system that is easy to use, has a low operating cost and complies with all laws and regulations. Managers tend to see waste treatment as an operation that is difficult to administer and control costs in. The use of an effective system that provides automation would be the best option.

Automation frees up resources and lowers costs for businesses. When equipment is properly maintained to manufacturer-recommended specifications, a business can easily manage the process to meet specific criteria.

Acid neutralization systems treat acidic effluents using either continuous-flow processing or batch processing.

Considering a Continuous-flow Neutralization System

Continuous flow neutralization — where a stream of influent is treated while in flow through a pipeline system, prior to discharge — tends to work well in applications where there is a high rate discharge of mild acid or alkali. Continuous flow systems tend to be practical as long as the pH of influents remain stable from one moment to another.

Most systems offer a two-stage handling process; these can be effective for processes that produce moderately acidic effluent. Three-stage processes work well for processes that produce especially polluted effluents.

An automated, continuous-flow neutralization system is designed to provide acid neutralization within the confines of a compact unit, and can process streams as high as 500 gallons per minute.

With microcomputer-controlled monitoring at every stage, there is a high level of reliability to ensure compliance.

Considering a Batch Neutralization System

Acid neutralization systems that handle influent waste acid in batches can be effective in certain applications. Unlike continuous flow systems, batch systems are able to effectively deal with complex, highly acidic influents. Batch systems are suitable in the treatment of processes that cannot be relied upon to produce effluents of stable character. When acidic content tends to change, batches of waste need to be collected and treated separately. Batch neutralization systems also excel in the treatment of influents that are complex in nature — ones that contain heavy metal and fluorides.

These systems come with excellent automation benefits that include:

  • The automation of chlorination and pH adjustment for removal of bacteria.
  • The programming of operational sequences where different reagents and polymer flocculants are fed in.

The Benefits of Choosing an Automated Solution

With an automated acid neutralization system in place, manufacturers are able to get by with a minimal amount oversight to this side of operations. Fully automated from end to end, these systems offer intelligent, sensor-based checks at every point to alert staff of any need for attention, should it arise. Operators can be assured that problems will not go unnoticed.

Modutek Can Help You Choose the Right System for Your Requirements

Modutek, a leading provider of equipment solutions for semiconductor manufacturers, offers a full range of neutralization technologies with different configurations. These are highly cost-effective systems both to install and operate. Modutek can assist process engineers and managers at manufacturing facilities to select the right equipment to meet their specific requirements.

Modutek At Semicon Conference in China

Modutek At Semicon Conference in ChinaModutek, a leading provider of leading-edge wet benches and wet process equipment, will have a factory representative at the Semicon Conference in Shanghai China from March 15-17, 2016. Modutek will be with their China Rep Laserwort located in Hall N3 at booth 3401. Information about the Semicon Conference can be referenced at http://www.semiconchina.org/ and details on Modutek’s attendance at the conference can be referenced at: Modutek at Semicon Conference in China

Stop by the Modutek /Laserwort booth to get information and answer any questions you have about Automated, Semi-Automated and Manual Wet Process Stations used for acid/base, solvent and ozone cleaning or photo resist strip. Modutek also provides IPA vapor drying and Megasonic cleaning equipment to support your manufacturing applications. In addition environmentally friendly acid neutralization systems and air scrubbers are available with all their equipment.

Additional details on some of Modutek’s products are listed below:

  • Fully-automated Wet Bench Equipment
    • Benefits include:
      • Full automation control with touch screen
      • SolidWorks Simulation Professional software
      • SolidWorks Flow Simulation software
      • Servo motor automation
      • All robotics and software designed in house
      • Complete design, assembly and test done according to your specifications
  • Semi-automated Wet Bench Equipment:
    • Benefits include:
      • Automation control with touch screen
      • SolidWorks Simulation Professional software
      • SolidWorks Flow Simulation software
      • Servo motor automation
      • All robotics and software designed in house
      • Complete design, assembly and test done according to your specifications
  • Manual Wet Bench Equipment:
    • Benefits include:
      • High end manual equipment at competitive pricing
      • Meets or exceeds all current safety standards
      • Designed to meet any process requirements
      • Can accommodate custom designs and processes
      • Low cost of ownership
      • Equipment designed for future expansion

Our fully-automated, semi-automated and manual wet bench equipment supports the following applications:

  • KOH Etching
  • Quartz cleaning
  • Ozone Etching
  • Ozone Cleaning
  • SC1 & SC2 featuring Megasonic Cleaning
  • BOE (Buffered Oxide Etching)
  • MEMs processing
  • Plating
  • All solvent applications
  • Hot phosphoric (Nitride Etching)
  • SPM Cleaning
  • Precision Part Cleaning
  • IPA Vapor Dryer
    • Benefits include:
      • Very low IPA consumption
      • No moving parts inside drying chamber which eliminates wafer breakage
      • Most drying cycles completed within 10-15 minutes
      • No watermarks
      • Drying technology can be easily designed into your wet bench eliminating one transfer step
    • The IPA Vapor Dryer supports the following applications:
      • Ozone Cleaning
      • Wafer Drying

Modutek has over 35 years of experience developing and building wet bench stations and wet process equipment that provides highly reliable results for precision processes. They also provide world-class service, and customer support. Call 866-803-1533 or email Modutek@Modutek.com for a free quote or consultation to discuss your requirements.

How Technology Manufacturers Use Chemical Delivery Systems

How-Chemical-Delivery-Systems-are-Used-by-Technology-Manufacturers

Technology manufacturing requires the safe handling of chemicals as well as their delivery in accurate amounts. Corrosive chemicals are used for etching, cleaning and plating materials such as silicon chips, metal parts, solar system components and printed circuit boards. The chemicals have to be stored securely, delivered to the process in precise amounts, and neutralized before disposal. Automated chemical delivery systems reduce waste and operator error while allowing the supply of defined amounts of each chemical with a high degree of precision.

Technology manufacturers use these systems to supply chemicals to wet processing equipment. Acids are used to etch away layers of material on wafers of silicon, printed circuit boards or other substrates. Sections of the layers to be etched are covered in protective material and are not removed by the etching. In this way microscopic structures and conducting paths can be created. The requirements for chemical delivery systems depend on the application of the wet processing equipment and on the chemicals to be used.

The key to supplying effective chemical delivery systems is a flexible approach combined with the ability to develop systems customized to meet the needs of the manufacturer. Companies that manufacture silicon wafers have different requirements from those that manufacture micro-electro-mechanical systems, hard disk drives or solar cells. The cleaning and etching processes of different technology manufacturers use various chemicals and widely varying amounts and process control strategies. Their chemical delivery systems must be resistant to corrosion, be safe to operate, allow the storage of large amounts of chemicals and include flexible software to control distribution. An equipment supplier has to have a good understanding of the processes involved so that they can standardize the parts of the system that can remain the same while developing custom solutions to match the needs of each technology manufacturer.

Modutek specializes in designing and manufacturing systems that provide outstanding performance and reliability with the ability to be highly customizable. The systems incorporate user-friendly features that promote safe and cost-effective operation. In a typical custom application, water use, and the number of defective parts produced is reduced while consistency of results increases.

Modutek’s chemical delivery systems feature all Teflon fluid paths, double containment cabinet construction, leak detection and chemical level sensing. Double wall plumbing and system data logging are available. Chemical storage can be in large tote chemical containers or 55-gallon drums close to the wet process station. Manufacturers that use different chemicals can improve throughput because the Modutek’s systems are designed for quick chemical change.

The software that automates a chemical delivery system is a key factor in the system’s flexibility and Modutek can customize the software to meet the needs of the technology manufacturer. Typically a touch screen shows error messages on start-up and then displays a flow diagram showing the status of key components such as metering pumps, valves and level switches. Since these may be different for particular customized applications, the software must be easily adaptable. All the software for Modutek’s chemical delivery systems is written in house. This means that Modutek has the in house expertise and capability to make changes in the software as needed and can provide excellent technical support without having to rely on exterior sources.

The Modutek chemical delivery systems are suitable for any technology manufacturer application. They are specifically designed for easy customization and provide reliable, cost-effective operation. For additional information about Modutek’s Chemical Delivery Systems or related products call 866-803-1533 or email sales@modutek.com.

Benefits of Using Modutek Acid Neutralization Systems

Benefits of Using Modutek Acid Neutralization SystemsAcid neutralization systems adjust the pH value of a process stream in self-contained systems, either continuously or in batches. Effluent monitoring ensures that automatic discharges take place only when the pH values are within set limits. The systems are easy to install with high efficiency and low cost operation. A wide variety of available sizes allows accurate matching to the requirements of particular applications.

Normally acid neutralization systems adjust the pH of a process discharge to within adjustable limits, depending on the application. When discharged into a public sewer, neutralization within a pH range of 6 to 9 is typical. For mildly acidic or alkaline streams with high flow rates and stable characteristics, compact and low cost continuous flow neutralization can be used. When the pH levels fluctuate, inflows are irregular or when the flows are highly acid or alkaline, the use of batch systems is appropriate. These systems neutralize the particular batch and only allow a discharge when the set criteria are reached. A final monitoring chamber for sampling and for recording discharge pH gives operators full control of the effluents.

Flexible Application

Modutek’s acid neutralization systems are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. They are designed to suit the requirements of different production facilities and applications, including for semiconductor fabrication, in research centers and in universities. Sizes range from 5 to 500 gpm and installation can be indoor or outdoor, depending on availability of plumbing and electrical connections. The self-contained units are compact and easy to install with an on board reagent tank option. Systems up to 100 gpm are of unitized construction with steel reinforced thermo welded polypropylene while larger systems are skid-mounted.

System Features and Characteristics

Modutek designs its systems with an emphasis on safety and reliability while keeping costs low and saving space. Neutralization systems can operate in fully automatic mode for both acid and alkaline streams. Secondary containment is standard and automatic mode ensures that discharge only occurs when the stream is within permitted pH values. For normal operation, a two-stage system is usually sufficient but three-stage systems are available for especially demanding applications. The control system requires a 120 V AC supply but the mixers and pumps can operate on 120 V or 208 V AC.

The control of the process stream pH is micro-processor based while alarms are handled by a PLC with a touch screen. This combination results in high accuracy and reliability while making it easy to calibrate the sensors and adjust the set points. Neutralizing chemicals are injected into the process with two metering pumps for each stage. Larger systems add pressure control valves.

Alarms include high and low pH in the final monitoring chamber and low level in the reagent storage tanks. There is a liquid sensor in the double containment and all the alarms can be tied into relays for remote signaling at the control panel. Ethernet access for remote signaling is also available and a digital chart recorder monitors and tracks the pH of the process discharge. As a result, there is a continuous record of the pH levels and of alarm conditions during automatic operation.

Overall Benefits

Modutek’s acid neutralization systems offer operators handling chemicals a complete range of neutralization options and system sizes in convenient configurations. The low cost systems are inexpensive to install and reliably ensure that process streams stay within required pH ranges. While operation is fully automatic, comprehensive alarms and monitoring lets the operator check that the system is functioning as intended. If you need more information or would like a quote for your specific requirements contact Modutek by calling 866-803-1533 or sending an email to Sales@Modutek.com.

Acid Neutralization Systems Provided by Modutek

Acid Neutralization Systems Provided by ModutekAn Acid Neutralization System is vitally important for any company that uses chemicals in their manufacturing process. Chemicals need to be neutralized before they can be discharged. Normally, the requirement in most industries is that chemical waste be discharged with pH range of between 5 to 9 pH. The benefits of Modutek’s Acid Neutralization Systems are discussed below.

Modutek has been designing and manufacturing Acid Neutralization Systems since in the 1990s. Each system is self-contained, is inexpensive to operate, and can be installed easily at your company. Because these Acid Neutralization Systems are designed in-house, they can be modified to fit in the space you have available. Along with the physical dimensions of the Acid Neutralization System, the throughput capacity can also be tailored for your specific production needs.

Industries that generally use Acid Neutralization Systems include Photovoltaic Solar Cell Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology, Semiconductors, Aerospace, Laboratories, Chemical Processing/Manufacturing, Metal Plating/Finishing, and Medical Devices. No matter what industry your company is in, if you need an Acid Neutralization System, the systems manufactured by Modutek Corporation have many benefits:

  • All Acid Neutralization Systems manufactured by Modutek Corporation are completely self-contained
  • The compact systems are available in two-stage or three-stage systems
  • They are available in many sizes ranging from 5 to 500 gpm
  • They can be installed indoors or outdoors for added flexibility
  • They feature fully automatic operation that treats both acidic or alkaline waste streams
  • Automatic discharge occurs only within desired limits
  • The final monitor chamber is set up for ease of sampling and recording all pH before discharge occurs
  • Stripchart recorders offer continuous monitoring and recording of the pH discharge
  • The system includes an alarm system for high and low pH in the final chamber as well as a PLC with Touch Screen

The Acid Neutralization Systems from Modutek provide the following options:

  • Integrated Lift Stations
  • BMS Systems
  • Surge Pumps
  • Paperless Chart Recorders
  • Data Logging
  • Remote Alarm Panels
  • Process Equipment Integration

The Acid Neutralization Systems from Modutek can easily be incorporated with the other equipment used in your manufacturing process. We offer various sizes which can be customized to meet your requirements. If you would like to learn more about Acid Neutralization Systems produced by Modutek Corporation, call 866-803-1533 or email Sales@Modutek.com.