Cost Effective Process Control Lab Setup

Fluoride-ion cleaning, using Hydrogen Fluoride gas as the active agent, is rapidly becoming established as a cost effective method to prepare nickel and cobalt based superalloys for braze repair. Background and comparative information on the four basic processes currently in use are discussed. The latest process using hydrogen fluoride gas directly is described in detail including the methods used for precise process control and safe handling of the HF input gas, as well as the off-gas fluoride compounds. Alloys successfully prepared for braze repair are listed. Other uses for the process and potential uses for the manufacture of new components are suggested.

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Inspection and Metrology Solutions from TSV through Reveal for High Volume Manufacturing

International Symposium on Microelectronics ◽

10.4071/isom-2013-wa52 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 (1) ◽

pp. 000558-000563 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Russ Dudley ◽

David Marx ◽

Rajiv Roy ◽

David Grant ◽

Matt Wilson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Process Control ◽

Cost Effective ◽

High Volume ◽

Solution Set ◽

Inspection System ◽

3D Measurement ◽

Specific Solution ◽

Cu Pillar ◽

Small Pitch ◽

2D And 3D

As the industry is investigating more cost-effective and reliable Cu Pillar Bumping as well as TSV, a key enabler is process control through inspection and metrology. In working with the industry, Rudolph has developed a suite of solutions that incorporate inspection, metrology and software enabling rapid yield ramp. The solution set applies to via etch, CMP, RDL, micro-bumping and all the way to Chip on Wafer mount and post-saw. As an example, within the TSV process a challenging inspection is that of detecting defects after CMP and nail reveal. The bonded wafers are warped, there are no alignment fiducials and the resolution requirement is high. Rudolph has developed a specific solution designed to address the nail reveal defectivity issue as well as metrology sensors to measure the nail height. Micro Pillar bumps and C4 bumps are the main bump geometries used in 3D packages as their small pitch and size allow the required number of I/Os. Rudolph will discuss an inspection system that incorporates multiple metrology sensors to provide complete 2D and 3D measurement and inspection solutions.

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Developing a Robust Sampling and Measuring Unit for At-Line NIR Analysis of Esters

Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

10.1255/jnirs.108 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 149-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

S.C.C. Wiedemann ◽

W.G. Hansen ◽

V.A.L. Wortel ◽

J.W.J. Gielen

Keyword(s):

Process Control ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Continuous Process ◽

Nir Spectroscopy ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Laboratory Equipment ◽

Technical Problems ◽

Plant Environment ◽

Fixed Path ◽

Measuring Unit

The use of Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy as a tool for routine chemical process control has often revealed the differences between laboratory and process analysers. In-line applications are usually preferable because they can be integrated easily with the control system for direct monitoring. However, for some special applications, inherent technical problems brought by in-line measurement have still not been solved in practice. At-line analyses on the plant site can then be the first step towards continuous process control. In addition to a reliable spectrometer, these types of application demand accessories rugged enough to be used in a plant environment. The analysis procedure must also be operator-friendly. However, up to now, most of the commercial NIR sampling accessories have been developed for laboratory equipment and still require analytical skills to operate them. A sampling unit for transmittance NIR measurement of esters has been constructed using commercially available parts, making it a cost-effective device. Inspired from the “flow cell” used for in-line applications, the normal cleaning procedure between two analyses uses the sample to be measured itself. It does not require additional solvents, thereby reducing significantly chemical handling and waste disposal. Cross-contamination has been extensively tested, using esters of various viscosity. As indicated by all results, the sampling and measuring unit presented in this paper simplifies both analysis and maintenance procedures and is thus especially well-suited to a factory environment. Last but not least, with its fixed path length and its accurate temperature control, it has proven to be a valuable tool for research studies.

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Functional Approach Leads to Successful ICA across 124 Water and 389 Wastewater Treatment Works

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1993.0644 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 28 (11-12) ◽

pp. 37-43

Author(s):

M. J. Parker ◽

R. J. Casey ◽

L. K. Reynolds ◽

R. R. de Vries ◽

T. M. Brueck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Process Control ◽

Customer Service ◽

Control Strategy ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Functional Approach ◽

Director General ◽

Functional Requirements ◽

Systems Research ◽

And Control

Thames Water Utilities Limited operates a complex network of 124 water and 389 wastewater treatment works. Regulatory requirements are driving a massive capital programme of more than ₤2 Billion over 5 years to improve performance of these facilities. Improvements are planned, engineered, and operated by a variety of internal and external groups and individuals. Shareholders are demanding profitability and the Director General is pushing for improvements to customer service. To achieve its objectives, Thames has developed an instrumentation, control and automation (ICA) systems master plan. The plan is based on the utility s water and wastewater functional requirements. The functional approach is applied to the large number of diverse facilities by grouping facilities and processes into classifications. The approach is used throughout the plan. Each process and its associated process control strategy are clearly defined to ensure consistency and the cost-effective implementation of instrumentation and control across Thames. The functional approach was developed for each process control strategy using a series of structured workshops to achieve consensus and company-wide acceptance. Each department of the utility was involved in the workshops (including engineering, operations, maintenance, management systems, research and development, operational science). Top management sponsored the planning effort and committed to making the plan a reality.

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