As users
demand ever-smaller smartphones and better televisions, semiconductor
manufacturing plants are tasked with developing new products faster and using
new materials. Key to the continued success of the semiconductor industry are
inert gases, which include nitrogen and argon. When used safely, both
nitrogen and argon play a number of important roles within the
semiconductor plant. Yet, these gases poses a health hazard for
employees if a leak occurs.
How and
Why Nitrogen is used in Semiconductor Manufacturing Plants
Nitrogen is
used throughout the manufacturing process, from purging pumps to abatement.
Nitrogen is also used in the process, especially now that fab size is growing.
In a modern semiconductor manufacturing plant, as much as 50,000 cubic meters
of nitrogen gas are used every hour.
To meet this
demand, semiconductor manufacturing plants are installing nitrogen generators
onsite. Generators mean a cheap, efficient, and always-ready supply of nitrogen
gas to supply production.
As long as
nitrogen gas is stored safely in the generator and used properly, there is no
health risk. Yet if the generator or supply lines develop a leak, nitrogen gas
can escape and deplete oxygen in the environment. Since nitrogen gas is both
odorless and colorless, there is no way that staff can monitor their
risk.
Along with
nitrogen, argon gas is used in semiconductor manufacturing, most notable as a
sputtering gas. Like nitrogen, argon gas depletes oxygen from the environment.
Like nitrogen, the gas has no color or odor. In a closed area, the gas can
deplete oxygen and cause respiratory problems and eventual suffocation.
How an
Oxygen Analyzer Can Protect Staff Working in a Semiconductor Manufacturing
Plant
If either
nitrogen or argon were to leak into the plant, these inert gases would begin to
deplete the levels of oxygen in the air. OSHA sets the oxygen threshold
at 19.5 percent or less oxygen in the air. If oxygen levels fall
below this, staff could suffer.
When oxygen
levels fall to OSHA's threshold, staff may show signs of confusion or
fatigue. Since there are no warning signs that something is wrong, staff
can fall unconscious before they can escape the oxygen deficient environment.
Once unconscious, they asphyxiate.
It is
critical for any workplace that uses these inert gases, including semiconductor
plants, to monitor levels of oxygen in the air and alert workers if the ambient
oxygen levels fall to the OSHA threshold.
By
installing an oxygen monitor and an oxygen analyzer anywhere inert gases are
used, manufacturers can protect the safety of their workers through continual
oxygen monitoring and fast alert if oxygen levels fall. A wall-mounted oxygen
monitor scans the atmosphere and measures the amount of oxygen from 0 to 25
percent, well above the safety threshold. As long as there is enough
oxygen in the air -- which there will be as long as there is no inert gas leak
-- the oxygen monitor will remain silent.
When oxygen
levels fall to the OSHA threshold, the oxygen monitor will flash lights and
sound an alarm, providing instant notification to workers. Staff can take
notice and evacuate before negative health outcomes occur.
An oxygen
analyzer measures the level of oxygen present in gas produced via nitrogen
generator to ensure the purity of the gas for use in manufacturing. Oxygen
analyzers are ideal for low level analysis and can measure from 0 to 1,000 ppm.
Workers can check oxygen levels at a glance and ensure the nitrogen generator
is working properly. When combined with the oxygen monitor for safety, the
oxygen analyzer streamlines and safeguards the semiconductor manufacturing
process.
PureAire offers
industry leading oxygen monitors and oxygen analyzers that can last for up to
10 years after installation with no maintenance needed. These products offer
worker protection and peace of mind for manufacturers who want to remain
cutting edge in their industry. Learn more about PureAire's products
at https://www.pureairemonitoring.com.
