The word “semiconductor” may not be a common term used by the general public, however the vast majority of our smart devices and electronic devices use semiconductors. Not only are the technologies in our pockets more complex than ever, but there is also an increasing tendency to squeeze more capabilities into smaller spaces.
Read on to learn how nitrogen is essential to semiconductor manufacturing and how having an onsite nitrogen generating system can help your business thrive.
Semiconductor Manufacturing with Nitrogen Gas
Semiconductors are in high demand today because many industries rely on semiconductors. Computer processors, microcontrollers, and chips in gadgets that we use in our day to day lives are all produced with semiconductors. Hence, semiconductors are present in many devices such as smartphones, refrigerators, computers, televisions, washing machines, dryers, and digital cameras.
There are different stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process. The main process where nitrogen gas is used is during the purging stage.
In order to remove oxygen from manufacturing equipment and semiconductor wafers, gaseous nitrogen is passed via pipes and channels. Surfaces that have undergone nitrogen purging will remain free of various gaseous and liquid impurities (water vapor, oxygen, particulates), which could harm the crafting operations.
Applications of Nitrogen Generators in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Nitrogen is applied at different stages of semiconductor manufacturing. It is used during the deposition, purging, and for chamber clearance. Each of the applications will be discussed below.
Deposition
Dry and inert nitrogen gas is applied during the deposition stage to produce high-quality contaminant free semiconductors. Substrate and gaseous reactants combine during deposition in a reaction chamber at a high temperature. This creates thin film layers that build up over time; the procedure is repeated until the desired thickness is reached. Maintaining an inert atmosphere with nitrogen gas is critical to this process.
Nitrogen Purging
Nitrogen purging is a crucial step in the production of semiconductors. It assists in preventing oxidation and water vapour-induced damage. At this point, nitrogen gas is used to purge the production system of undesired gases and other ambient pollutants. Nitrogen has the ability to successfully replace oxygen and other pro-oxidative gases in industrial processes without causing chemical reactions with the substrates because of its inert characteristics.
Chamber Clearance on a Regular Basis
Nitrogen gas is also employed to get rid of excess material accumulated throughout all production cycles. These unwanted materials within and on the electric components can cause damaged devices.
Purging Idle Equipment Continuously
Nitrogen also prevents the initiation of pyrophoric reactions in the presence of oxygen in idle equipment. In this process, nitrogen is passed via all channels and pipelines to displace oxygen from contaminating production equipment.
Benefits of Nitrogen Generators for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Below are the benefits of having a nitrogen generator for semiconductor manufacturing:
Easy Installation
Nitrogen generators are easy to install. Advanced Gas Technologies will not only sell the best nitrogen generators for your needs, we will also ensure they are properly installed and maintained. So, you don’t have to worry about installation and proper maintenance.
Lower Operational Costs
Onsite nitrogen generators are very efficient and allow your operation to produce their own nitrogen onsite at the lowest possible cost. They’re designed for 24/7 operation. Not only will your nitrogen costs be lower, onsite nitrogen generators eliminate the need to spend time and money ordering and transporting nitrogen gas tanks or bulk liquid nitrogen.
Low Maintenance Required
Maintaining a nitrogen generator is easy. Typically only routine filter maintenance is required and there are no significant maintenance requirements until after 30,000 – 40,000 operating hours when switching valves require maintenance. Even at this maintenance interval installing new valve kits are simple and inexpensive.
Enhances Worker Safety
Every company strives to ensure that its employees are safe, and this is why installing an onsite nitrogen generator is the way to go. Rest assured that your employees will not be harmed in the process of handling nitrogen cylinders or liquid nitrogen dewars, dealing with leaking tanks, or being exposed to liquid nitrogen during delivery as an onsite nitrogen generator eliminates all these requirements.
Continuous Supply
An onsite nitrogen generating system produces a steady flow of nitrogen gas at the nitrogen purity your operation requires 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Contact Advanced Gas Technologies for Highly Efficient Nitrogen Generating Systems
Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. handles sales, installation, and maintenance of industrial gas generating systems, standard industrial compressor systems, and engineered compressor systems.
We specialize in nitrogen generators and oxygen generators that can be used for food and beverage packaging, coffee packaging, metal fabrication and laser cutting, electronics manufacturing as well as many other industrial applications.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of using nitrogen generating systems for semiconductor manufacturing.