Mobile Cleanroom Solution Empowers Chemtrade’s Electronic Grade Sulfuric Acid Production

In the realm of electronic-grade sulfuric acid production, where precision and purity are non- negotiable, Chemtrade Refinery Services Inc. (“Chemtrade”) embarked on a strategic expansion journey at their Cairo, Ohio facility.

Ontario, Canada

The Challenge of Purity

The production of UltraPure Sulfuric Acid is an exacting process intolerant of airborne impurities. As the semiconductor industry advances, so does the demand for this chemical. This prompted Chemtrade to expand its production capabilities in Cairo, Ohio, ensuring they meet the stringent purity requirements of the electronic-grade sulfuric acid market.

In the realm of electronic-grade sulfuric acid production, where precision and purity are non- negotiable, Chemtrade Refinery Services Inc. (“Chemtrade”) embarked on a strategic expansion journey at their Cairo, Ohio facility. Their goal was not just to meet the growing demand for this indispensable chemical but to stay ahead of it. In recognition of the surging demand for UltraPure Sulfuric Acid, vital to the semiconductor industry, Chemtrade turned to Modular Devices, experts in mobile cleanrooms, to design and construct a custom, prefabricated ISO Class 4 trace metals mobile cleanroom. This article explores the partnership between Chemtrade and Modular Devices, showcasing how their collaboration is shaping the future of UltraPure Sulfuric Acid manufacturing.

The Semiconductor Boom: Fueling Demand for UltraPure Sulfuric Acid

The electronic-grade sulfuric acid market is on a remarkable trajectory. Recent market research predicts that it will grow from 300 million in 2019 to 415 million by 2024, driven by the thriving semiconductor sector. With increasing demand for electronic devices, particularly in developing Elevating Purity: Modular Devices’ Mobile Cleanroom Solution Empowers Chemtrade’s Electronic Grade Sulfuric Acid Production Cleanroom being built in Modular Devices’ 107,000 sq. ft. facility economies within the APAC region, and a strategic shift of major electronics manufacturers towards this region, the market’s expansion is inevitable. This growth is especially significant in the semiconductor fabrication sector, where the need for UltraPure Sulfuric Acid is skyrocketing.

Chris Patterson, Vice President, Cleanrooms at Modular Devices, emphasized the exceptional collaboration between Chemtrade and Modular Devices, saying, “The experience of working with Chemtrade on this project has been exceptional. The confidence Chemtrade has placed in Modular Devices to deliver their trace-metals mobile cleanroom for the Cairo, Ohio facility speaks volumes about our team and in-house capabilities.”

Ontario, Canada

The Mobile Cleanroom Solution

Modular Devices’ solution was cutting-edge. The prefabricated mobile cleanroom delivers ISO Class 4 level air purification, ensuring an environment free from airborne impurities. The Key Features of Modular Devices’ Prefabricated, Trace Metals, ISO 4 Cleanroom Include:

• Three sections connected on-site to form the complete cleanroom complex.

• Two units create the ISO Class 4 clean area.

• One unit houses the mechanical systems.

• The prefabricated design allows for a simple installation and can be operational within a day of delivery.

• Ceiling-mounted Ultra-low Penetration Air (ULPA) filtration covers 60% of the clean areas’ ceiling.

• ULPA filtration removes 99.999% of airborne particles down to 0.12 microns.

• The cleanroom areas experience more than 300 air changes per hour—or five per minute!

• The pre-engineered cleanroom is delivered to exacting standards in a fraction of the time of a traditional design-build project.

Modular Devices: The Choice for Cleanroom Excellence In a strategic move, Chemtrade selected Modular Devices, experts in mobile cleanrooms, to design and construct a custom, prefabricated ISO Class 4 trace metals mobile cleanroom. The goal was to create an environment where purity reigns supreme, and the production process remains free from even the slightest contaminants. Renowned for its design and build skills in constructing cleanrooms, Modular Devices eagerly accepted the challenge.

The Prefabricated Trace Metals Mobile Cleanroom

The cleanroom complex, a testament to innovation and adaptability, consists of three separate units. These units are assembled on-site to form the complete cleanroom complex. Two units are dedicated to creating the ISO Class 4 cleanroom areas, while the third houses the critical mechanical systems. This design approach ensures efficient construction and facilitates future adaptability—an essential feature in an industry that evolves rapidly.

A Future of Cleaner, More Precise Semiconductor Production

The partnership between Chemtrade and Modular Devices serves as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the world of mobile cleanrooms. By addressing the unique challenges of UltraPure Sulfuric Acid production for the semiconductor industry, they have set a high standard for precision, purity, and operational efficiency. As the demand for UltraPure Sulfuric Acid continues to rise in the semiconductor sector, Chemtrade’s expansion, supported by Modular Devices’ mobile cleanroom solution, positions them to lead the way in meeting the stringent requirements of this dynamic industry. In an era where precision is paramount, this partnership is a beacon of excellence in manufacturing and technological advancement. It paves the way for a future of cleaner, more precise semiconductor production, ensuring that the semiconductor industry continues to thrive with the utmost purity. Modular Devices’ mobile cleanroom solution is not just a technological innovation; it’s a promise of a purer future.

“The experience of working with Chemtrade on this project has been exceptional. The confidence Chemtrade has placed in Modular Devices to deliver their trace-metals mobile cleanroom for the Cairo, Ohio facility speaks volumes about our team and in-house capabilities.”
Chris Patterson
Vice President, Cleanrooms at Modular Devices

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Modular Devices serves teams with short or long-term mobile imaging or mobile cleanroom needs. Both brands serve customers with the Modular Devices philosophy: to be the problem-solving partner.