Managing Nitrogen Costs in Semiconductor Production

Why is nitrogen used in semi-conductor production?

Nitrogen is used in semiconductor production as a purging gas to remove oxygen and moisture from processing equipment and chambers during the manufacturing process. This is important because oxygen and moisture can cause contamination and degrade the quality of the semiconductor material, leading to lower yields and reduced performance of the final product. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is relatively cheap and readily available, making it a popular choice for purging in the semiconductor industry. By removing oxygen and moisture, nitrogen helps to maintain the clean, dry environment necessary for high-quality semiconductor production.

A nitrogen generator in the production facility can help manage nitrogen costs in several ways, including:

Cost-effective: Nitrogen generators produce nitrogen in-house, reducing the need to purchase nitrogen from suppliers and reducing delivery costs.
Reduced waste: In-house nitrogen generation eliminates the need to dispose of nitrogen gas cylinder waste, reducing costs associated with cylinder disposal.
Efficient use: Nitrogen generators provide a consistent and efficient supply of nitrogen, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Lower maintenance: Nitrogen generators typically have lower maintenance costs compared to traditional nitrogen supply methods, reducing overall cost of ownership.
Scalable: Nitrogen generators can be scaled to meet changing production demands, reducing the need to purchase excess nitrogen from suppliers and reducing costs.

There are several nitrogen systems that are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing, including:

Nitrogen Generation Systems: In-house nitrogen generation systems produce nitrogen from compressed air, providing a continuous supply of nitrogen with low impurities.
Nitrogen Gas Cylinders: Nitrogen gas cylinders provide a portable and convenient source of nitrogen for small scale or temporary use.
Nitrogen Gas Blenders: Nitrogen gas blenders are used to control the nitrogen/air mix, providing an adjustable and consistent supply of nitrogen for the soldering process.
Nitrogen Delivery Systems: Nitrogen delivery systems provide a controlled flow of nitrogen to the soldering equipment, ensuring proper atmosphere control.

What is the benefit of using nitrogen versus air in soldering processes?

Reduced oxidation: Nitrogen creates an inert environment that reduces oxidation of metal surfaces during the soldering process, improving the quality and reliability of the solder joint.
Increased productivity: Nitrogen can increase the speed of the soldering process, leading to increased productivity.
Enhanced process control: Nitrogen can help regulate temperature, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
Improved aesthetics: Nitrogen can help prevent discoloration of the solder joint, providing a better cosmetic appearance.

About NOVAIR

Worldwide leading manufacturer of in-house gas production systems, NOVAIR is the founder of the Green Oxygen concept and the vision that decentralized in-house medical oxygen production with the only low-carbon way to supply oxygen to hospitals. With over 45 years of experience manufacturing high-quality medical and industrial gas generating equipment, and with high-tech R&D centers in France, USA and Italy, NOVAIR definitively leads the world in innovative in-house gas production by adsorption systems.

Headquartered in France, NOVAIR operates in over 150 countries and has installed thousands of gas generators around the planet, supplying daily life-saving medical oxygen to hundreds of thousands of patients the world over. NOVAIR also provides industrial oxygen and nitrogen that enhances the effectiveness of scores of industries through a broad range of applications and market segments.