Globalfoundries’ new fab to Use GE's water purification system
Ultrapure water system will filter millions of gallons of water per day for semicon manufacturing
GE has signed a contract to supply an ultrapure water system to Globalfoundries’ new semiconductor manufacturing facility currently under construction at the Luther Forest Technology Campus in Saratoga County, NY.
GE will design, supply and install an advanced ultrapure water system for the new US$4.6bn computer chip factory called Fab 8. The new facility is the largest economic development project now underway in the US and is expected to be the largest and most advanced semiconductor fab in the world upon completion in late 2012.
“Reliable, long-term production of ultrapure water will play a vital role in the successful operations of our new Fab 8 facility,” said Norm Armour, vice president and general manager of Fab 8, Globalfoundries. ‘We chose GE based on its extensive experience and ability to provide ongoing reliable technical and field support.’
GE's ultrapure water system will filter millions of gallons of water per day to be used in the semiconductor manufacturing process. It will significantly reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
During the production cycle, a wafer comes into contact with ultrapure water more than 35 times and any disruption of service or "out-of-spec" water can compromise the wafers and even result in loss of product.
“We are excited to support Globalfoundries goals to make its Fab 8 chip fabrication plant as energy and water efficient as possible to help reduce the plant's operational costs,” said Jeff Connelly, vice president, engineered systems – water and process technologies for GE Power & Water. “The project illustrates the demand for ultrapure water systems in the semiconductor industry, which has some of the manufacturing sector's most stringent quality requirements when it comes to industrial water usage.”
GE's ultrapure water system consists of a series of water treatment technologies, pumps, storage tanks, ultraviolet sterilisers, ozone generators, ion exchange, an ultrafiltration system and a gas transfer membrane system, as well as commissioning and operations and maintenance.
