CleanRooms articles from December 2003

CleanRooms archives from December 2003

Stuck in the EH&S spotlight.(News)
December 1, 2003... The U.S. semiconductor industry contends that the health of its workers--and the planet--is a top priority. So what are SIA, SEMI and Sematech doing about environmental health and safety (EH&S)? And is it enough? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

CleanRooms East/PDA SciTech Summit sessions designed to create interaction.(Clean Zone)
December 1, 2003... ORLANDO. FLA. -- E-mail, interactive Web sites and instant messaging have forever changed the way we communicate, and in turn, these pervasive media have changed the landscape of technical conference design forever. "Attendees are...

Jurors to determine whether cleanrooms caused cancer; IBM, National Semiconductor find themselves back under the hot lights, with several hundred cases waiting in the wings.(News)(International Business Machine)
December 1, 2003... SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- The case against Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM Corp. and various chemical manufacturers finally got underway in early November after some difficulty in empanelling an impartial jury. Over the next several months, jurors will...

Is the upturn here at last? Chip makers are building fabs, and that's just one positive sign.(News)
December 1, 2003... SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. -- Samsung is doing it. So is Micron Technologies. The same goes for Powerchip and Elpida. In fact, several chip and micro-electronics manufacturers are building fabs, and that's just one sign that things are looking up...

Plume problem remains under investigation.(News)
December 1, 2003... ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- Tom Mehl is trying to sell his house, but finding a buyer has been tough for the simple reason that he lives in the "area of vapor contamination" created by plume that is emanating from a nearby IBM Corp. plant. While...

New gate materials enable higher performing transistors.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... SANTA CLARA, CALIF. -- The days of Moore's Law with silicon dioxide are numbered. That's the consensus among researchers at Intel Corp., who have discovered two new materials they say will allow some of the most serious obstacles in chip...

Time for finding solutions, not taking sides.(Viewpoint)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... The semiconductor industry is no stranger to severe allegations and drawn out legal battles concerning the issue of environmental health and safety (EH&S). These concerns have followed the industry since its inception and will continue to ride...

CC manufacturers: it's time to debunk myths of doing business in China.(News)(CleanRooms China)
December 1, 2003... ANAHEIM, CALIF -- Countless manufacturing jobs are continually lost to China, where salaries pale in comparison to those of American workers. And while that alarms many in the United States, the shift by life sciences, chip and microelectronics...

Two-part ISO Biocontamination control standard unveiled.(News)(International Organization for Standardization)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... GENEVA -- Five down, five to go. That's how Richard Matthews, chairman of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 209 (ISO/TC209), summed up the release of ISO 14698, Cleanrooms and associated...

Particles.(News)(Aerotech Filtration Inc)
December 1, 2003... Malaysia makeover SINGAPORE -- Sunningdale Precision Industries Ltd said it is setting up a manufacturing plant with ISO Class 4 cleanroom facilities at its subsidiary, SDP Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The plant...

Barrier film minimizes drug contamination.(News)
December 1, 2003... SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- Interaction between parenteral drug products and the packaging continues to be a critical issue, especially since validation and risk-based approaches are top priorities on the Food and Drug Administration's agenda for...

High profile fear factors.(On the Beat)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Every day, there seems to be a new federal strategy or tip on how to combat terrorism. In fact, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, of Northampton, Mass., recently reported on a 90-minute workshop in City Hall that teaches pet guardians, meat...

Trend toward cleaner auto facilities is accelerating.(Cleanexchange)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Congratulations on your recent article, "Cleaning up automotive manufacturing" in Cleanrooms magazine (October, pg. 12). As a cleanroom HVAC professional in the Detroit metropolitan area who has been designing semiconductor, pharmaceutical...

Cleanroom particle sources part II: electrical discharges.(Electronics)
December 1, 2003... This month's column continues the discussion initiated last month concerning the somewhat subtle sources that can generate objectionable aerosol particles in cleanroom operations. In November, the highlighted particle source was gas to...

Contemplate the complete cost of pharmaceutical development.(Life Sciences)
December 1, 2003... Newspaper headlines read healthcare costs are out of control while Americans are asking how drug companies can sell drugs cheaper outside the United States. The answer is a complex matrix of factors relating to the total cost of...

Particle removal mechanisms: the rest of the story.(Setting the Standard)
December 1, 2003... Back in September, we examined how filters work and learned to recite the filtration mantra of interception, impaction and diffusion. We illustrated that particle removal by interception occurs when a section of a particle "runs into" a filter...

Stuck in the EH & S spotlight; The U.S. semiconductor industry contends that the health of its workers--and the planet--is a top priority. So what are SIA, SEMI and Sematech doing about environmental health and safety (EH&S)? And is it enough?(Special Report )(Environmental Health and Safety, Semiconductor Industry Association, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International)
December 1, 2003... For a high-profile industry that gets its share of criticism on the environmental health and safety (EH&S) front, the semiconductor community has, for the past 12 years, operated under a self-imposed safety standard called SEMI S2. ...

Adjustable clean-air environment.(Inventor's Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The enclosures or minienvironments have adjustable clean-gas flow mechanisms, as well as other methods of enclosed pressure differential distribution technology to provide isolation of materials from airborne micro-particulate contamination....

Frameless cleanroom door.(Inventor's Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The invention is a stud component (A) for a cleanroom wall system that, in addition to supporting wall panels (B) also suspends a pivoting door (C), eliminating the need for a separate, standard doorframe. The free edge (D) of the door,...

Air barrier.(Inventor's Corner)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The air barrier system allows the isolation of a central volume or one volume from another without the use of physical barriers. Vortices are formed within ducts (A, B) at opposite ends, or ends of the isolated area (C). Air (D) funneled by...

Solid-state lighting: the dawn of a new day? Forward-thinking cleanroom engineers contend that LEDs are poised to run fluorescents out of Dodge.(Advanced Illumination)(light emitting diode)
December 1, 2003... The automobile replacing the horse and buggy; the electric light bulb replacing the oil lamp; digital replacing analog. Some contamination-control industry watchdogs believe the inevitable transition from fluorescent and incandescent lamps to...

Cost-effective fab-capacity expansion; compared to fab expansion via new cleanroom construction, a SMIF upgrade may prove to be the lowest risk with the shortest time to project completion.(The Evolving Fab)(standard mechanical interface fab)
December 1, 2003... With the semiconductor industry upturns and downturns occurring more frequently, capacity planning becomes a difficult task. Greenfield expansions can take 18 months or more to put capacity in place, and fab expansions can take up to 12 months....

Glove boxes & isolators.(Product Spotlight)
December 1, 2003... Small volume biodecontamination unit The VHP M100 vaporized hydrogen peroxide system is a small, modular unit designed for integration with isolators, small sealed enclosures, and small pass-through rooms. Features, according to the...

Low-noise blower.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The precision-balanced TCD Blower air-moving package features high performance and smoothness by combining the efficiency of the TEK backward-curved airfoil wheel with high-efficiency NEMA frame motors. According to the manufacturer, the blower...

Dry chemical filters.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Purafilter-CG and the Purafilter-FFU use a patented dry-chemical media to target specific groups of gases in specific areas of cleanrooms. The Purafilter-CG works in recirculation air applications, and the Purafilter-FFU can be incorporated...

Ionizer controller.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Series 3300 ionizer controller controls either a multi-fan ionizer (two- or three-fan) or multiple single-fan ionizers. The product offers data output as a standard feature to report any alarm condition to the Series 6000 or Series 400...

Disposable filter.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... Designed with an improved membrane-pleating method, QuickChange ATM reportedly provides 40 percent improvement in membrane surface area compared to QuickChange ATX filters, leading to a higher flow rate that aids in the recirculation and...

Cartridge, PES filters.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Multilayer Durapore 0.45-[micro]m/0.22-[micro]m cartridge filters are intended for pharmaceutical and biological liquid applications requiring high protein recovery and extended throughput. The multi-membrane construction provides a filter...

Modular Conveyor.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... Based on a building-block concept of high-impact, interchangeable plastic modules, accessories, and components, the ISO Class 3-approved DynaCon Modular Conveyor system provides cleanroom and associated controlled environments with flexibility...

Piping and fusion package.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The PFA FuseBond System features repeatable high-strength PFA welds, low-weld bead profile and documentation of all welding parameters. Ideally suited for high-purity chemical and abrasive slurry applications in the semiconductor market, the...

Six life lessons for cleanroom owners.(Unfiltered)
December 1, 2003... The other day, I had the dubious pleasure of sitting across the table from the owner of a newly built contamination-controlled life sciences facility. The pleasure was dubious because the critical laboratories of this facility have remained...

NitroPlex[TM]--zero tolerance moisture control.
December 1, 2003... NitroPlex[TM] Humidity Control System Configured for multiplexed RH control and datalogging of a 20-chamber desiccator - Ref. No. 110327. Shown with optional SmartPlex[TM] hand-held computer and software. Terra's NitroPlex[TM]...

Compare Terra's designs and fabrication techniques.
December 1, 2003... Full Plenum Chambers--Uniform Gas Distribution Terra precision-manufactures plenum panels on CNC machines to assure perfect fit and precise hole placement. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Compare! Terra's perforated plenum chambers...

SmartDesiccator[TM] benchtop storage system.
December 1, 2003... * Automates dry benchtop storage to eliminate moisture-related degradation and optimize yields * First-of-its-kind gas control system conserves nitrogen! * Fully integrated turnkey system takes 30 seconds to install Cat. # ...

NitroPlex[TM] humidity control system.
December 1, 2003... Increased Efficiency Lowers Recovery Time, Increases Yields The NitroPlex[TM] system provides state-of-the-art automated humidity control to guarantee the integrity of stored components. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each...

NitroPlex[TM] ordering information.(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... You can convert any of Terra's standard desiccators into a NitroPlex[TM] System simply by adding an "NP" to the part number. Then, order one NitroPlex[TM] module (Cat. No. 1911-31A) for each desiccator chamber and one turnkey installation...

SmartPlex[TM] hand-held monitor/display computer & software.
December 1, 2003... Includes software package customized for the specified NitroPlex[TM] desiccator configuration. Provides easy-view monitoring of humidity level, humidity set point, and alarm status in each desiccator chamber. Simplifies programming of separate...

DesiCart[TM] low humidity transport carts.
December 1, 2003... These mobile storage carts transport components from one location to another while maintaining critical low-humidity and low-particle conditions. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each houses a hermetically sealed desiccator storage chamber,...

Low-humidity mini-environment desiccator storage system.(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... (please turn the page for ordering information) * Dual Purge[TM] System * Maintains positive internal pressure * Provides low and high purge to save [N.sub.2] * Blocks out contamination and moisture * Activates alarm if...

Series 100-300 Stainless Steel Desiccators.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... Terra manufactures several lines of stainless steel desiccators, for applications ranging from benchtop storage to multiplexed humidity control. All feature the one-piece gaskets and locking LiftLatches for superior service life and sealing...

Series 400 Stainless Steel Desiccators.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... The Series 400 Stainless Steel Desiccator provides the optimal clean, low-humidity environment for sensitive parts. Available in many chamber configurations, it includes front and rear static-dissipative PVC viewing windows for full...

Kiticcator[TM] kitting tray desiccator.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... This desiccator provides organized, space-efficient storage of kitting trays (tote boxes) in a clean, dry, static-safe environment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Electropolished stainless steel wire racks are designed specifically for secure...

Tape-and-Reel[TM] Desiccator.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... Terra's Tape-and-Reel[TM] Desiccator gives you the optimal storage environment for semiconductor component reels. Mix and match reels of several sizes in one easy-access cabinet that conserves space. Adjustable stainless steel racks safely...

Wafer Box Desiccator.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... These desiccators are designed specifically to maximize storage efficiency of standard lot boxes used for 200mm and 300mm wafers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They feature the same advanced technology features of standard Terra desiccators,...

Portable Desiccators.(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... * A convenient, contamination-free, economical carrying container for moisture-sensitive devices * Stackable design permits space-saving storage * Optional quick-connect and Automatic RB[R] (Relief/Bleed) Valve allow nitrogen purge for...

Faraccator[TM] static-safe desiccators.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... These desiccators employ a Faraday-cage design that completely shields stored parts against electrostatic charges. Static-dissipative PVC construction controls surface charges and the particles they attract (acrylic models also available). ...

DesiTray[TM] Renewable drying system.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... * Ideal for low-humidity storage or drying in facilities with no nitrogen source * Versatile trays fit inside most standard Terra desiccator chambers * Maintains humidity level down to 5% RH * Renewable silica gel or molecular...

Environmental control systems: turn to page 2 for an application overview!(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... A. NitroPlex[TM] Multiplexed Humidity Controller See page 6. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] B. Desiccator Dual Purge[TM] System Provides variable-flow gas purge to block out moisture and contaminants. Switches to high-flow purge to...

Automated stockers: Storage Retrieval Systems.
December 1, 2003... Your competitive edge! Terra Universal builds Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems around the unique requirements of the critical environment industries. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

General purpose storage cabinets.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... * Economical storage cabinets are ideal for many laboratory, cleanroom and stockroom applications * HEPA-filter/blower option provides a continuous downstream of particle-free air for contamination control * Select acrylic for full...

From InterMetro racks and shelving.(Buyers Guide)
December 1, 2003... A. Super Adjustable[TM] Wire Shelves With this unique adjustable system you'll never have to make do with anything less than the optimal storage solution! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just lift the release on...

Mobile storage cabinet.
December 1, 2003... * Secure, mobile storage for tools, components and supplies * Drawers feature greaseless ball bearing Delrin slides for clean operation * Each drawer supports up to 40 lbs. when fully extended * Includes non-marking, 5" -diameter...

From Eagle racks and shelving.
December 1, 2003... D. Economical Cleanroom Shelving from Eagle Wire shelving uses four truss wires for greater strength. Posts allow shelf height to be adjusted at 1" increments. Both wire and solid shelving manufactured with cleanroom-compatible materials....

Cleanroom and wafer fab carts.
December 1, 2003... A. Computer Cart This easy-to-clean, all-electropolished stainless steel cart features a retractable keyboard tray, CPU support, and locking safety casters. Cat. # $/Each 9600-19 1,572.00 B. "Dead Man" Cart ...

Garment and supplies cabinets.(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... Now in Stainless Steel and Cleanroom Laminate Designs * Clean, organized storage of cleanroom garments, tools, wipes, and other materials [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * HEPA filter/blower option removes 99.99% of all contaminants 0.3...

Garment Racks.(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... A/B. UltraClean[TM] Cylinder Tube Garment Racks Made of high-grade electropolished stainless steel, these racks feature sloping 1 1/2"-diameter cylindrical tube frames that are easy to wipe down. Fixed position design keeps garments firmly...

More storage solutions--from the expert in critical environments.
December 1, 2003... Caption: Electropolished Stainless Steel Cabinets, No. 9600-21 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Adjustable Shelves, Heavy-Duty Casters, No. 9600-22 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: No. 9600-37 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Garb and parts dispensers; space-saving convenience!(Illustration)
December 1, 2003... These handy dispensers save space and organize gloves, safety glasses, wipers, hats, and other garb. They're perfect benchtop storage bins for small parts used in cleanroom processing. Select clear acrylic or static-dissipative PVC, which...

MSG 2004: serving the global contamination control market.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... Welcome to the 2004 edition of the CleanRooms Master Source Guide--the contamination control market's most comprehensive, interactive buying directory. Year after year the CleanRooms Master Source Guide continues to prove itself as the...

Seeing dots: navigating your way through the Matrix.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... We've received favorable response over the years to the CleanRooms Master Source Guide's Dot Matrix design. In an effort to make the Matrix even more reader-friendly, we've designed a vertical supplier listing, making supplier identification...

AdvanceTEC is with you every step of the way.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 485 Southlake Boulevard Southport Corporate Center Richmond, Virginia 23226 804.378.1550 phone 804.378.4055 fax www.AdvanceTECllc.com ...

The Biotest HYCON[R] system for: environmental monitoring.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... BIOTEST DIAGNOSTICS CORPORATION 66 Ford Road, Suite 220 Denville, New Jersey 07834 Phone: 973.625.1300 Phone: 800.522.0090 Fax: 973.625.5882 www.BiotestUSA.com CUSTOMER SERVICE/SALES Phone: 973.625.1300 ...

99% perfect: do you know what's about to step into your Cleanroom?(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... DYCEM .83 Gilbane St. Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 738-4420 (800) 458-0060 Fax: (401) 739-9634 e-mail: info@dycemusa.com KEY PERSONNEL Mark Dalziel, Managing Director Thomas R. Mulligan, President American...

Contamination control products from ITW ALMA.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... ITW ALMA 8125 Cobb Center Drive Kennesaw, GA 30125-4386 Tel: 678-819-1408 Customer Service: (800) 444-ALMA (USA) Fax: 770-420-8046 E-Mail: info@almainc.com Website: www.almainc.com EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST ...

We know your reputation relies on superior products. So does ours.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... ITW TEXWIPE 650 East Crescent Avenue Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 Tel: 201-327-9100 Customer Service: 1 (800) TEXWIPE, ext. 120 Fax: 201-327-0809 E-mail: info@texwipe.com Website: www.texwipe.com ...

How sensitive are you about Particle counting?(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... OFFICE LOCATIONS: UNITED STATES Tel: (408) 945-5905 Fax: (408) 942-1032 Email: info@golighthouse.com SINGAPORE Tel: (65) 6749-6576 Fax: (65) 6749-6876 Email: singapore@golighthouse.com TAIWAN Tel:...

Introducing the Asepti-Cleanse[R]: hands-free dispenser.(Master Source Guide 2004)
December 1, 2003... VELTEK ASSOCIATES, INC. 1039 West Bridge Street Phoenixville, PA 19460-4218 (610) 983-4949 Toll Free: 1-888-4-STERILE (888) 478-3745 Fax (610) 983-9494 http:\\www.sterile.com E-mail: vai@sterile.com NUMBER...

Apparel.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Aprons Beard guards Boots Breath control shields Caps Coveralls Face masks Finger cots Frocks Garments Glove liners Gloves Goggles (safety) Hoods Labcoats Material...

Components, engineering & rooms.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Air, blower/filter modules Ceiling Chemical adsorbers Communication systems Containment rooms Diffusers Doors, ducts (exhaust air) Exhaust, fans Filter media Filter modules Filters Fire...

Equipment.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Acid baths Air blowers (ionizing) Air guns Cleaning equipment (precision) Compressors Conveyor systems Dehumidifiers Desiccator cabinets Environmental test chambers Garment cleaning equipment Glove...

Cleanroom furniture.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Benches Cabinets Carts Chairs Garment racks Lockers Receptacles (waste) Shelving [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shelving (Open wire) Stools Tables Tables (vibration isolation) Advance Tabco...

Monitors & instruments.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Aerosol, air Alarms Charge plate monitors Facility monitoring systems Filter test systems Fume hood velocity controls & monitors Leak detectors Meters Microbial samplers Particle counters Particle...

Services.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Air flow analysis Architectural design Certification Cleanroom moving Consulting Contamination analysis Conventional cleanroom construction Custom-built equipment Electrical Electropolishing ...

Supplies.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Bags Bottles Boxes Buckets Cleaning Clip boards Disinfectant solutions/germicides Dispensers Dust removers, floor Finishes/waxes/sealers Hand cleaner/conditioners Labels Mat frames ...

Water, Chemical & Gas systems and equipment.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Chemicals Chemicals (sterile) Filter Filters Fittings Flowmeters Gas Gases Heaters (ultrapure fluids) Piping Pressure gauges Regulators Sight gauges Storage tanks Submicron...

Distributors.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... A comparative dot chart of major contamination control product distributors (page 74) followed by a comprehensive listing (page 76). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A I S Cleanroom Products Ltd 44-1634-719422 www.aisltd.co.uk ACM...

Excerpts from "a glossary of terms and definitions relating to contamination control"; --IEST-RD-CC011.2.(Master Source Guide 2004)(Glossary)
December 1, 2003... The terms and definitions included in this document generally have distinctive meanings within the context of contamination control. Terms having a more generic nature are not included in this document; their definitions as found in the...

Company directory.(A-D)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... A I S Cleanroom Products Ltd Unit 33 Riverside, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, UK ME2-4DP; 44-1634-719422, FAX: 44-1634-290269, E-Mail: sales@aisltd.co.uk, Web site: www.aisltd.co.uk Employees: 35 Yr. Founded: 1983 Man Dir,...

Company directory.(E-M)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... Eagle Group Eagle MHC Div, 100 Industrial Blvd, Clayton, DE 19938-8990; 302-653-3000, FAX: 302-653-3036, E-Mail: answers@eaglegrp.com, Web site: www.eaglegrp.com Employees: 500 Yr. Founded: 1986 Dir of Sls, Scott Pelton; Cleanroom...

Company directory.(N-Z)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... National Bulk Equipment Inc 12838 Stainless Dr, Holland, MI 49424; 616-399-2220, FAX: 616-399-7365, E-Mail: sales@nbe-inc.com, Web site: www.nbe-inc.com Employees: 70 Yr. Founded: 1976 National Instrument Co 4119 Fordleigh Rd,...