Check out our Resources Page for dozens of free downloadable content, including Perfluoroelastomers for the Semiconductor Industry, written by Russ Schnell. Below is an excerpt from the white paper discussing thermal process manufacturing. Learn more and download this white paper by following the link below.
ATC has formally announced their new G Series, with an exceptionally low GWP (Global Warming Potential). This latest technology release from ATC maintains powerful and precise performance while lowering environmental impact. Read more on the latest releases below.
The semiconductor industry operates in a highly specialized market, demanding seals that can withstand extreme chemical exposures and temperature variations. These seals play a critical role in preventing contaminants from entering the fluid stream.
The primary consideration for selecting seals in semiconductor applications is their operating characteristics. Depending on whether the seal is static or dynamic, the requirements and materials differ significantly.
Static seals, which remain stationary without relative motion, benefit greatly from the use of perfluoroelastomers (FFKM rubber). Among these, DuPont™ Kalrez® stands out for its exceptional chemical and thermal stability.
IES, a designated distributor of DuPont™ Kalrez®, offers
A cryopump is a mechanical device that uses a freezing process to remove gasses and vapors from a sealed space. It is commonly used in chemical laboratories and other environments where it is critical to maintaining a high level of purity. In many cases, cryopumps are used in conjunction with other types of pumps to create an ultra-high vacuum. When operating, the cryopump draws in gas molecules and then cools them to such a low temperature that they liquify. The liquid then falls into a holding compartment, leaving the area being pumped virtually free of atmospheric contaminants.
Cryopumps use a cryogenic pump head to remove gasses from a system. The pump head works by condensing the gas onto a cold surface, usually made of metal. The gas is then drawn into the pump body by a vacuum, and the cycle repeats.
This process is typically used in high-vacuum environments, such as those
Silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)-based power control modules (PCMs) for industrial furnaces need integrated features for precise temperature control, process reliability, product quality and cost-effectiveness.
Thermal processing control systems, such as the Rockwell Automation® Programmable Automation Controller, are fundamental to these operations. In addition, temperature measurement loops are required for control and shut-off. These are typically either thermocouples or pyrometers for harsh environments. Power control architectures that regulate energy input to furnace heaters via SCR power controllers are also essential.
The Mini chiller is the most sophisticated and energy efficient chiller ATC have ever produced.
Designed to augment the KT range, the Mini combines excellent cooling performance, a smaller footprint and new touchscreen controller. As all of the internals run on 24 volts, the unit is incredibly energy efficient and suitable for use all over the world. The low noise variable speed fans make the Mini whisper quiet and the perfect addition to your laboratory or workplace. The EcoMini, based on the success of the KTR, provides 500W of cooling to a factory set temperature, in stable conditions.
Even after following instructions correctly and checking and rechecking the Watlow® installation manual, sometimes the flip of a switch does not activate an electric heater. In these cases, troubleshooting the problem can often lead to the most straightforward solutions to properly start a heater.
When trying to assess heater failure, take stock of these troubleshooting questions that can help determine the immediate cause of the problem.
Is the heater plugged in and connected correctly? This is the easiest fix for a non-working heater. Plugs can be loosened or disconnected during final checks or while ensuring the parts are all in the right places and deciphering the instructions.
Make sure that there are no gaps between the heater and the part to which the heater is installed. Also, check that the heater covers the part as expected, and
A customer asked recently: what type of fuses should I use with my new fan and closed-loop temperature control system?
First, we always recommend you consult with an electrician or electrical engineer. That said, you need a branch protection fuse, but they don't blow quickly enough to protect your silicon controlled rectifers (SCRs). In addition to a branch protection fuse, you will want to protect your SCR with a semiconductor fuse, which open in tenths of a millisecond (vs. ~1 minute).
Protection of systems for controlling electric heaters require two types of fusing to protect both the system and the SCRs.
Branch Circuit Fuses are required by code to protect against fire/damage when heaters or wires short. However, with such a short, the branch circuit fuses do not respond
Traditional cooling systems can take up precious space in laboratories and data centers. Rack mounted chillers are cooling systems designed to fit into standard electrical housings, ideal for a reduced footprint. However, rack mounted chillers are not always mounted into electrical housing. They can be mounted into any electrical frame, such as a test rig.
Rack mounted chillers use a refrigeration cycle to remove unwanted heat from heat transfer fluids. The heat transfer fluid may be water, glycol (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) or oil.
Applied Thermal Control manufactures rack mounted chillers designed to fit within standard electrical housings with a minimum depth of 23.62 inches (600mm). Mounting a chiller within existing electrical racking reduces the loss of valuable floorspace, making no addition to the existing footprint of the system.
Bonded door seals for gate valves and slit valve door seal applications provide improved sealing performance versus conventional O-rings by reducing particle generation, extending seal life and minimizing replacement time during preventive maintenance.
DuPont™ Kalrez® bonded door seals are designed for easy installation and low particle generation. They combine a custom seal design and proprietary adhesion technology along with the excellent plasma resistance of Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer seal materials developed for semiconductor applications. The seal is held in a “fixed” position versus conventional O-rings, thereby eliminating “rolling/twisting” and abrasion during door actuation. In addition, the seal design has been optimized using finite element analysis (FEA) to minimize high concentrations of localized stresses. As a result, both particle generation
