Humidity control in semiconductor & PCB manufacturing

Humidity control in the production of semiconductors is used to prevent the build-up of static electricity, prevent dimensional changes from occurring on the surface of the silicon wafer and cool the manufacturing environment.

Any uncontrolled electrical static discharge that occurs during production can damage the surface of the semiconductors and significantly lower production yields. The manufacturing process generates heat and this in-turn dries the air. As dry air promotes static build-up, humidifiers are used to control the atmosphere to around 55% relative humidity (%rH). This encourages the static to naturally dissipate removing the risk of damage to the surface of the semiconductor.

However, the printed surfaces of the silicon wafer are also very sensitive to moisture. The conductive tracts on the surface can distort during manufacturing if exposed to incorrect humidity levels. Extremely close control of humidity to ±0.1°C dew point over any 40 minute period is required. Any variation greater than this and the conductive tracts will be damaged and the semiconductor ruined.

Resistive seam humidifiers such as the Condair RS can provide this precise level of control while cold water humidifiers also offer the additional benefit of evaporative cooling. This helps lower the ambient temperature during manufacturing and reduces the required cooling, saving energy and lowering costs.

Get free expert advice on humidity control in cleanroom environments

Benefits of Condair humidity control in the semi-conductor industry include:

  • Humidification and dehumidification from a single supplier
  • Comprehensive product range to precisely meet customers' requirements
  • Extensive expertise around the world with many leading semi-conductor and PCB manufacturers
  • Ability to provide innovative custom solutions for unique processes
  • Low maintenance and low energy solutions for reduced on-going costs
  • Comprehensive service of advice, design, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares supply

Our clients include:

  • - LAM Research
  • - STMicroelectronics
  • - Intel
  • - National Semiconductor
  • - II-VI Incorporated
  • - Samsung Electronics
  • - Onsemi
  • - Plessey
  • - LG Electronics

Humidification & drying specialists

Condair offers expertise in both humidification and dehumidification. A comprehensive range and the ability to deliver custom solutions means we can meet the needs of any project.
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PODCAST:  CLEANROOM HUMIDITY CONTROL

Learn how to manage humidity in tightly controlled areas.

Parmeshwari Tea Company

Ajay Dhandharia

Managing Partner

“After installing the JetSpray system we observed that any level of humidity required is constantly achievable without condensation or water getting deposited on the floor or over the machine. With improved humidity conditions, teas became brighter, blacker with better bloom and improved density.”

Aston Martin

Alan Darrock

“We need a reliable, effective humidification system to ensure that we can achieve the utmost finish to our cars. Since the new equipment was installed we have seen improvement in the quality of the paint finish, and our workforce now keep the doors closed. We have been more than pleased with the service and skill that Condair offers and will be using them in other production areas.”

Konvekta

Amir Ibrahimagic

Group Business Development Manager

“Konvekta has standardised its exhaust air cooling systems on the Condair ME humidifier as its evaporative cooling solution. The reliability of the unit is second-to-none. It incorporates the highest quality components that give utmost longevity and performance to our clients. Alongside the product’s USPs, Condair is also a very solutions-oriented partner. As a Konvekta energy recovery system is always custom designed for a client’s needs, it’s vital for us to have flexible design support from our evaporative cooling supplier.”

Weatherite Group

Andy Lewis

Technical Manager

“Weatherite only uses the highest quality components in its HVAC solutions, and this includes Condair’s evaporative humidifier. It certainly delivered on our specific requirements for operation, control and hygiene management, and we’ve been very pleased with the support offered by Condair in connection with this successful project.”

Jydsk Aluminium Industri

Bo Thornvig Jensen

Teknisk direktør

“We invested in an adiabatic cooling system and reduced our electricity consumption for cooling by 90%.”

John Watson & Co

Chris Fyfe

Quality Assurance Manager

“When paper loses moisture, ink will not adhere properly, which could cause a problem for our printing company whose reputation for quality is high. Not only has the JetSpray been proven in our industry, it is also uncomplicated, energy efficient and extremely hygienic in operation.

Due to the conditions in our print room, the humidifier has been running 99% of the day since installation, keeping RH at a perfect 50%.”

HMF Group

Christian Myrhøj

Produktionschef i maleafdelingen

“We have no problems with painting since we got the Condair humidification system. Our production quality is always consistent and the error rate is minimal. The energy savings on ventilation was a welcome side benefit.”

Steinway

Craig Terry

UK Managing Director

“Dryness is the enemy of pianos so humidity is really important. We need 40% to 50% humidity all the time to protect the wood, whether they’re in the showroom or the workshop. Condair’s units are ideal for the job. And because we rely so heavily on the reliability of the humidifiers, we also contracted with Condair to service the humidifiers at regular intervals.

Would I recommend Condair? Oh yes, they’ve supplied great service.”

ZSL London Zoo

Dave Clarke

Head of Invertebrates

“Having worked with Condair since 2008, we now rely on their steam humidifiers, which we find both efficient and easy to use. They are particularly important for our irreplaceable populations of endangered species, for example our Polynesian tree snails, many of which are now sadly extinct in the wild.”

Sporting Edge UK Ltd

Dave Vincent

Managing Director

“Sporting Edge produce the most advanced environmental chambers in the world and it’s vital all parts of our system offer consistent reliability and performance. This is why we have standardised our humidity control using the Condair RS steam humidifier.

It provides us with a dependable, controllable product that will happily work with standard mains water. We also love the self de-scaling feature.”

T Clarke

Doug Lumb

Project Engineer

“The Condair DC 50W dehumidifier was actually chosen by our designers, as it fitted the bill perfectly for the environment. The unit size was based on the quantities of kit hung in the room to dry when the firefighters return to the Centre at the end of their training exercises.

It’s a reliable product and currently operating at the station just as expected, plus installation was really simple and didn’t take long at all, so all very good.

I would definitely specify Condair dehumidifiers for future projects.”

Bunkermuseum Hanstholm

Erik Ansø

Museumsforvalter

“The noise level is now so low that you can talk normally in the ventilation room even though both the ventilation and a dehumidifier are running, which was one of the criteria. You certainly couldn't do that before, and it's worked out well in a concrete bunker.”

BluePrint AG

Gerhard Meier

Geschäftsführer

“With Condair Systems, we reliably guarantee optimum humidity, which ensures greater quality and standardisation.”

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