Monitoring Solutions for Semiconductor HEPA/ULPA Rooms

Semiconductor Fab with HEPA/ULPA Room Highlighted

A semiconductor transistor is a part with specific electronic properties that allow it to serve as a component in microchips and modern electronics like phones, laptops, and more. As these components are small and require precise manufacturing methods, there are facilities dedicated to their manufacture.

These facilities consist of several levels including air handlers and scrubbers for exhaust, HEPA room, fab cleanroom, and subfab areas. The control of differential pressure within the facility is essential for the safety of both equipment and personnel.

Semiconductor Fab with HEPA/ULPA Room Highlighted
Semiconductor Fab HEPA/ULPA Room

The HEPA/ULPA rooms are found in the space above a semiconductor cleanroom. This area has filtration equipment that removes particulates from the outside environment. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and/or an ULPA (ultra low particulate air) filter is used to trap small contaminants and prevent them from entering the fab cleanroom area. The fab cleanroom has to be free of particulates, as it is where semiconductor devices such as microscopic transistors are manufactured. Something as small as a molecule from a fragrance can destroy one of these transistors, making proper filtration an essential part of the semiconductor fabrication process.  Continue reading “Monitoring Solutions for Semiconductor HEPA/ULPA Rooms”

Importance of Monitoring IAQ During Wildland Fire Season

wildfireThis June has seen record-breaking wildfires in Canada, with many fires still raging across the provinces and territories. The blaze, which has resulted in many individuals being forced from their homes and is expected to continue throughout the 2023 wildland fire season (canada.ca), has also brought with it thick smoke/smog for Canada’s USA neighbors.  Continue reading “Importance of Monitoring IAQ During Wildland Fire Season”

Product Highlight: Series MSX Pro Magnesense® Differential Pressure Transmitter

The Dwyer team recently released the Series MSX Pro Magnesense® Differential Pressure Transmitter, which meets stringent industry standards with innovative global product design. This series is ideal for monitoring building control applications, and also utilizes enhanced accuracy and stability for use in high performance, critical environments. Continue reading “Product Highlight: Series MSX Pro Magnesense® Differential Pressure Transmitter”

Downdraft Table Applications

Downdraft Table Application

There are many manufacturing processes that require human operators to perform tasks, which can create hazardous levels of particulate, fumes, gases, vapors, and mists. A few of these processes include: welding, sanding, grinding, brazing, laser cutting, tempering, and quenching. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulatory requirements to reduce worker’s exposure to these hazards, which can cause respiratory and other health issues. Downdraft tables are workstations designed to better protect the operators who perform these tasks, in a bench top setting, by removing the hazardous material that laden the air from the worker’s breathing zone. Continue reading “Downdraft Table Applications”

How to Program a Switch for Manual Reset

Compact Low Differential Pressure Switch with Manual Reset, Series 1900MR

Several applications require manual reset switches, which are switches that need to be physically reset by an individual for a process to continue or restart. A manual reset is often needed when an area has to be inspected prior to equipment restart. This can help to ensure the safety/inspection of both equipment and other individuals in the area.

Some switches have a mechanical manual reset (such as the Dwyer Series 1900, 1831, and 1800). However, there may be a need to have a manual reset for applications beyond what these switches are designed for. If a pump is allowed to run with a clogged filter, for example, this may severely damage the pump. Continue reading “How to Program a Switch for Manual Reset”