Advancing the science of ultra low-level TOC
measurement in microelectronics applications
Overview
The Sievers* 500 RLe On-Line TOC Analyzer is the
semiconductor industry’s only on-line, reagentless TOC
analyzer capable of accurately detecting problematic
compounds such as urea, trimethylamine (TMA),
organic acids and organic bases.
An on-line Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer should
be as simple as possible, but not so simple that it
exposes the fabrication operations to unacceptable
risks associated with undetected organic transients.
Recently the leading global semiconductor immersion
tool manufacturer has required all TOC measurements
of the water feeding their tools to include the accurate
measurement of organic nitrogen compounds in the
ultrapure water (UPW).1 Some brands of TOC analyzers
are simply not able to measure commonly present
organic nitrogen compounds such as urea or TMA in
the UPW.
measures them to meet this new TOC performance
requirement.
1,2
The 500 RLe accurately and reproducibly
showed that 91% of all the Instrument-to-Instrument
TOC readings were within ± 0.05 ppb C. Additionally
44,272 LOD analyses were performed on the same ve
analyzers, and 98% of the time the TOC LOD was less
than 0.02 ppb C (see Figures 3 and 4). It is notable that
this performance is achieved automatically without
the need to do manual re-calibration operations or
to send the analyzer osite for special calibrations, as
often required by other TOC sensors.
e
Design enhancements allow the 500 RL
on higher conductivity waters than the PPT while still
delivering the same analytical performance. As a result,
the 500 RLe oers greater versatility and reliability.
Specic attention has been paid to performance on
low dissolved oxygen (DO) water systems, resolving
TOC recovery issues that are problematic for other
reagentless TOC analyzers.
to operate
The 500 RLe uses GE Analytical Instruments’ proprietary
membrane conductometric technology, delivering ultra
low-level accuracy and reliability by eliminating false
positive and false negative readings associated with
other simplied TOC technologies (see Figures 1 and 2).
The 500 RLe automatically exhibits the best-inclass Instrument-to-Instrument matching and the
lowest Limit of Detection (LOD) for reagentless
online semiconductor UPW TOC analyzers. Five
500 RLe Analyzers were placed on the same major
semiconductor companies’ 0.3 ppb C UPW and data
was collected for two months. The large data set
Applications
Microelectronics Ultrapure Process Waters
The 500 RLe Analyzer’s remarkable Instrumentto-Instrument matching allows you to condently
compare TOC results between dierent water loops
in your factory and around the world. The very high
sensitivity, as demonstrated by the LOD, allows you to
see the smallest change in your system before it gets
out of control.
For the most advanced state-of-the-art chip
manufacturing facilities’ requirements, there is never
a question about unmeasured organics that may be
Figure 1. Recovery comparison of Sievers and other brands
aecting the lithography or another critical process.
Because you are measuring all the organics with the
500 RLe, your facilities engineers are given the best tool
to optimize their processes. The top semiconductor
companies in the world accept no other options for
their critical UPW TOC measurements.
Low DO / Hydrogenated Water Applications
Low DO and hydrogenated water systems are becoming
more common in microelectronics applications. Low DO
systems present a signicant challenge to reagentless
TOC analyzers because all reagentless TOC analyzers
rely on the process water as a source of oxygen for fully
oxidizing the organics in the sample.
In low DO systems, there is insucient oxygen available
to facilitate full oxidation, resulting in articially low TOC
results. If a contamination event occurs, the lack of
oxygen may prevent complete oxidation of the organics.
Consequently, most analyzers will show little or no change
in the TOC value. Only the Sievers 500 RLe incorporates
trace oxygen addition to ensure fully oxidized organics in
low DO and hydrogenated water systems. This gives you
the ability to see important changes in your water system
that other analyzers completely miss (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Recovery graph for TOC injections
Robust Method
TOC Recovery
The 500 RLe has been extensively tested to demonstrate
comparability to the Sievers PPT Analyzer as well as
superior performance relative to competitive TOC
technologies.
of the 500 RLe in normal and Low DO systems, compared
to the PPT and alternative TOC technologies.
Risk of Simplied TOC Methods
Can you trust the TOC results from your analyzer
to provide your fabrication engineers with the best
measurement tools? Simplied TOC methods used in
other TOC analyzers expose the water system and fab
to contamination risks from compounds that these
simplied technologies can not detect. In numerous
published studies and technical papers,
simplied TOC analyzers have been demonstrated
to be incapable of reliable performance in waters
containing even the simplest organic compounds —
compounds known to exist in UPW systems, introduced
through the feed waters, resins, system materials,
and production processes. The Sievers membrane
technology dramatically enhances the ability to detect
and manage variations in TOC contamination that
can go unnoticed and uncontrolled with older, more
simplied TOC sensors.
1,2,3
Figures 1 and 2 show the performance
1,2,3
these
91% of Measurements are within± 0.05 ppb C
5 Separate 500 RLe On-line TOC Analyzers- Matching on Same 0.3 ppb C UPW
Data Collected for 2 Months n = 155,925 data points
25%
20%
15%
10%
% of Total Readings
5%
14%
0%
DifferenceCumulative
100%
99%
96%
91%
79%
62%
47%
34%
Instrument-to-Instrument Matching (ppb C)
100%
100%
120%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
98% of LODs are Less that 0.02 ppb C
Five Each On-line 500 RLe TOC Analyzers- Same UPW-32 Days
LODs Calculated Using a 10 PT Moving Average N = 44,272 Separate LOD Analyses
Figure 3. Instrument-to-Instrument study results proving the
± 0.05 ppb C match between ve analyzers
Key Features
Economical Designs
The 500 RLe comes in two models to meet your needs. The
500 RLe with Standard iOS (Integrated On-Line Sampling
System) utilizes the familiar Sievers sample inlet device,
allowing for on-site calibration and running standards
and grab samples. The 500 RLe Base Model utilizes a
simplied sample inlet block, facilitating continuous online operation. On-site calibration may be performed
using an optional iOS accessory. The 500 RLe Base Model
is cost-competitive with even the simplest TOC sensors,
while still providing superior analytical performance and
optional on-site calibration.
Higher Conductivity Limits
The 500 RLe incorporates design elements from the
Sievers 800 and 900 Series that enable reagentless
TOC measurement in waters up to 25 μS/cm at neutral
pH. Equally as important, this design enhancement
means that upsets and abnormal uctuations in UPW
system conductivity from plant transients do not aect
analytical performance.
Figure 4. LOD study results proving the 0.03 limit of detection
for multiple 500 RL
e
Analyzers
the lowest detection limit of any TOC analyzer on the
market — 0.03 ppb — and provides the condence
that all organics are being fully recovered regardless
of chemical composition. The automated advanced
TOC zero function provides world class Instrumentto-Instrument matching of ± 0.05 ppb C, allowing you
to compare critical dierences between water loops
at your site or on the other side of the world. The
combination of analytical sensitivity, Instrument-toInstrument matching, robustness, and stable sub-ppb
performance provides condence that critical UPW
and fabrication processes are controllable and that
even the most subtle trends can be closely monitored
to protect your manufacturing processes.
References
1
Godec, Richard D., “Monitoring and Controlling UPW Organic Nitrogen Contamination to Improve Immersion Photolithography Process Control.” Presented
at ULTRAPURE WATER Conference, Portland, OR, November 2011, Tall Oaks
Publishing, Inc.
2
Godec, Richard D., ”The Performance Comparison of Ultrapure Water TOC
Analyzers using an Automated Standard Addition Apparatus.” Published and
copyrighted by Semiconductor Pure Water and Chemical Conference, 2000
Proceedings.
3
Kauman, Jon S.,Ph.D., “Validating On-Line TOC Analyzers for Real-Time
Release.” Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Nov/Dec 2006.
Sensitivity, Accuracy, Instrument-to-Instrument
Matching, and Stability
With microelectronic TOC limits being driven ever lower,
it is critical that TOC analyzers operate accurately
and reliably at sub-ppb levels. The 500 RLe achieves
System Specications**
Total Organic Carbon
Range 0.03 to 2,500 ppb as C
Accuracy
Precision < 1% RSD or 0.03 ppb as C, whichever is greater
pH Range 5.5 to 8.0 in order to meet accuracy specication
Maximum Sample Conductivity 25 µS/cm at neutral pH
Analysis Modes On-Line, On-Line Averaged, On-Line Timed
Analysis Time Continuous mode: 6 minutes
Average and timed modes: 0.5, 1, 4, 8, or 24 hours
External Flow Rate Minimum 50 mL/min
Sample Temperature 1° C to 95° C (34° F to 203° F)
Sample Pressure Up to 100 psig
Interferences Insensitive to organic heteroatoms and measures organic nitrogen
Calibration Stability Typically stable for 12 months
Display Readout 3 signicant digits
Instrument
Power 100–240 ±10% VAC, 50 W, 50/60 Hz
Normal Operating Environment Intended for indoor use only
Ambient Temperature 10° C to 40° C (50° F to 104° F)
Maximum Relative Humidity Up to 95%, noncondensing
Maximum Altitude 2,300 m (7,546 ft)
Inputs One isolated binary input
Outputs Three isolated 4-20 mA outputs, one Serial (RS-232), one USB
port, one parallel printer port, four alarm outputs, and one
Ethernet port
Installation/Overvoltage Category II (protects against transients present in Category II power)
Safety Certications ETL, CE
Pollution Degree 2 (normally only non-conductive pollution)
Display Backlit Quarter-VGA touchscreen display
Dimensions H: 41.9 cm (16.5 in); W: 48.3 cm (19 in); D: 27.4 cm (10.8 in)
Weight 16.9 kg (37.2 lb)
IP Rating Environmental enclosure: IP 45
Consumables
UV Lamp 6 months
Pump Tubing (with pump heads) 12 months
DI Water Cartridge Typically 24 months (depends on water quality)
Inline lter Replace as needed (depends on water quality)
DI Water Level Rell As needed (check when replacing other items)
± 0.1 ppb or ± 5% of measurement, whichever is greater
*Trademark of General Electric Company; may be registered in one or more countries.
**Stated analytical performance is achievable under controlled conditions that minimize operator and standards errors.
The Sievers 500 RL TOC Analyzers are protected by one or more of the following US and foreign patents: US 8,003,048; US 5,976,468; US 5,837,203; US 5,443,991; EP
0897530; FR 0897530; GB 0897530; DE 69702516.0-08. Other patents pending.
For more information, visit www.geinstruments.com. Find a sales partner near you through the “Contact Us” Section.
The Americas
GE Analytical Instruments
6060 Spine Road
Boulder, CO 80301-3687 USA
T +1 800 255 6964
T +1 303 444 2009
F +1 303 527 1797
geai@ge.com
www.geinstruments.com
Europe/Middle East/Africa
GE Analytical Instruments
Unit 3, Mercury Way
Urmston, Manchester
UK M41 7LY
T +44 (0) 161 864 6800
F +44 (0) 161 864 6829
geai.europe@ge.com
GE Analytical Instruments
7/F, Building 2, No. 5 Hua Tuo Rd
ZhangJiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong
Shanghai, China 201203
T +(8621) 38777775
F +(8621) 38777469
geai.asia@ge.com
300 00165 Rev E
ISO
9001:2008
QUALITY
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
MC12-043
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.