In any industrial process involving chemicals, careful storage, delivery, and disposal of potentially hazardous substances is essential for both safety and efficiency. The chemicals need to be readily available in the correct amounts wherever required in the process. However, the storage of chemicals in the middle of a production line is unlikely to be practical or safe. This requires chemical delivery systems that can seamlessly fit into a facility without increasing risks or reducing productivity.
There is no single solution for chemical storage and delivery systems for industrial facility designers, and the design and placement of the chemical handling equipment will vary from facility to facility. The way chemicals are used directly impacts the system’s design, and the specific kinds of chemicals involved mean that safety aspects need to be considered case by case.
For example, if solvents are used specific materials with fire suppression features must be incorporated to meet safety requirements. What’s more, all of this usually will need to fit within the restrictions of the existing building unless a new facility is built from scratch.
Bearing all this in mind, custom chemical delivery systems are the most effective way of solving these common problems, and three key points should be addressed right from the start of the design.
- Chemical Storage
Whether your process involves high volumes of a single chemical or mixtures of several different ones, they need to be stored in a way that combines complete safety with easy access. The storage units need to be accessible to receive deliveries from suppliers and be kept in an area where any potential leaks or spills can be contained. They also need full accessibility for efficient delivery to the production line. Modutek can design chemical delivery systems that access chemical storage units up to 100 yards from their point of use. This keeps dangerous substances in controlled conditions far from their point of use to minimize risks without compromising productivity.
- Safe and Efficient Chemical Delivery
In most facilities, there’s much more to chemical delivery than simply pumping fluids from storage to the processing location. The chemicals need to be delivered in the exact quantities the process requires, in the correct sequence, and at the right time intervals.
There will also need to be a mechanism for handling delivery failure without risking damage to the facility or wasting the other materials involved in the process. In addition, the system should keep track of the quantities of each chemical used, streamlining stock management and replenishment. Each of these factors will be different depending on the details of the application, so a chemical delivery system designed by experienced experts is vital.
- Safe Chemical Disposal in Line with Regulations
Most chemical processes create waste that is still chemically active and often toxic, corrosive, or dangerous in other ways. Safe collection and disposal procedures are essential to protect the facility’s employees and meet all relevant environmental regulations and legal responsibilities. In most cases, residual chemicals must be neutralized on-site before disposal or collected and securely stored before transportation to a dedicated disposal facility. Depending on the specific chemicals involved, the collection and neutralization process can be hazardous, involving toxic vapors, corrosive liquids, and countless other potential dangers. Again, the choice of chemical-handling equipment used during disposal depends entirely on the range of chemicals involved and the risks they create.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the ideal solution for your facility, Modutek has the in-house expertise, experience, and engineering capability to produce customized chemical delivery systems to meet your specific requirements. Modutek also provides a full range of chemical neutralization, collection, and disposal equipment, to ensure your on-site systems meet regulatory requirements and operate reliably with maximum efficiency and safety. Contact Modutek for a free consultation to discuss your facility’s specific chemical delivery and handling requirements.
Because semiconductor manufacturing facilities use a variety of chemicals to clean, etch and process silicon wafers, chemical delivery systems are critical for ensuring that operations run smoothly.