How MWTS is Transforming the Semicon Industry
Industry statistics indicate that creating an integrated circuit on a 300 mm wafer requires approximately 8400 liters of water in total, of which 5700 liters is ultra-pure water. In the fast-paced world of semiconductor manufacturing, every drop counts. A large fabrication facility (Fab) that processes say, 40,000 wafers a month, can use up to 18.16 MLD of water, this equates to the annual water consumption of a city of 60,000 people.
With stringent quality standards and environmental regulations, water management is crucial for sustainable operations of Semicon Industry. Murugappa Water Technologies (MWTS) is leading the charge in revolutionizing water treatment solutions for the semiconductor industry, driving innovation and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Understanding the Semicon Industry’s Water Challenges
According to the recently published research from GWI WaterData, CAPEX on water and wastewater treatment in the semiconductor industry is set to boom over the next five years, growing from $2,344.6 million in 2020 to $3,266.1 million in 2025. Within the microelectronics industry, compared to flat panel display and photovoltaic manufacturing, leading semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs) require ever-increasing qualities of ultrapure water for each new generation of device they manufacture.
Semiconductor manufacturing processes require large quantities of ultra-pure water for various critical applications, including wafer cleaning, chemical mixing, and cooling systems. However, the semiconductor industry also generates significant wastewater containing a range of harmful contaminants including arsenic, antimony, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrofluoric acid etc. (which are used for fabrication purposes). Managing this wastewater while ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards is a major challenge for semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. This is where MWTS comes into picture with the Revolution and Disruption(R&D).
Water is central to the semiconductor manufacturing process – ultrapure water (UPW) is used to rinse wafers, dilute chemicals and cool semiconductor manufacturing tools. The manufacturing of an IC requires 500-600 process steps, of which appx. 30% of the steps are cleaning operations. The device performance, reliability and product yield of silicon circuits are critically affected by the presence of chemical contaminants and particulate impurities on the wafer surface. Effective techniques for cleaning silicon wafers before thermal treatments such as oxidation, after patterning by etching, after ion implantation, and before and after film deposition are often mandatory.
There is no standard treatment train for wastewater treatment and reuse at fabs – it varies depending on the manufacturing process as well as local discharge regulations. Some of the challenges that the industry is facing include scaling of fluoride treatment systems, removal of residual hydrogen peroxide and treatment of organics such as azoles and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To increase water reuse rates and wastewater treatment efficiency, the semiconductor industries with the help of MWTS is moving to segregating wastewater into more streams and treating those streams separately to reduce the size and complexity of each water treatment system and to avoid overloading its capacity.
MWTS has set up treatment systems that can target specific contaminants very effectively are in demand. The use of sensors (monitoring and digital analytics solutions) in the drain streams present another opportunity that can allow for additional segregation and diversion of streams for appropriate treatment. Our solution helps to maintain water reuse to maintain production levels as it remains the top priority for the manufacturers, we also ensure there is zero liquid discharge (ZLD) after treating the wastewater.
In addition to facilitating water reuse, some fabs are already reclaiming a range of resources from their effluent, with common targets including metals and chemicals. TSMC and Intel, Both companies are recovering ammonium sulphate to reduce nitrogen concentrations in wastewater, with Intel recycling the compound to a fertilizer manufacturer from its Oregon and Arizona sites since 2013.
MWTS: Pioneering Sustainable Water Solutions
MWTS recognizes the unique water management challenges faced by the semiconductor industry and offers cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet its specific needs. Leveraging decades of experience and expertise in water treatment technologies, MWTS develops custom-designed systems that enable semiconductor manufacturers to optimize water usage, reduce operating costs, and achieve regulatory compliance.
Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
MWTS employs a range of advanced water treatment technologies to address the complex water quality requirements of the semiconductor industry. MWTS’ comprehensive portfolio of solutions ensures the efficient removal of contaminants, delivering ultra-pure water that meets the stringent standards of semiconductor manufacturing.
Environmental Sustainability
In addition to ensuring water quality and regulatory compliance, MWTS is committed to environmental sustainability. By implementing innovative water reuse and recycling strategies, MWTS helps semiconductor manufacturers minimize water consumption and reduce wastewater discharge, contributing to significant cost savings and environmental stewardship.
Driving Industry Transformation
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve and expand, the demand for reliable and sustainable water management solutions will only grow. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, MWTS is poised to lead the industry’s transformation, driving positive change and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for semiconductor manufacturing.
Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future with Nature Restorative Methods
In the dynamic and demanding world of semiconductor manufacturing, water management plays a critical role in driving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. Murugappa Water Technologies is at the forefront of this industry-wide transformation, empowering semiconductor manufacturers with innovative water treatment solutions that deliver tangible results with technologies that restore the nature in its own form. With MWTS as a trusted partner, semiconductor companies can navigate the complexities of water management with confidence, knowing they have the support and expertise needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
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