Flow rate measurement of gaseous nitrogen *
* in the manufacturing process for semi-conductors
Flow rate measurement of ultra pure nitrogen on the production line for semi-conductors. Ultra pure nitrogen is used to remove impurities following the silicon etching process performed on high frequency integrated circuits intended for telephone applications.
The measurements must be performed with a maximum pressure of 7 bars, at a maximum gross flow rate of 5m3/hr. To adapt quickly to the gas network to be measured, “Swagelock” quick-fit connections are used. This measurement must have a minimum loss of pressure and present no risk whatsoever in terms of contamination of the gas.
| Minisonic II converter | Pipe-spool measurement |
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| Minisonic II converter | Custom-made for the client, it consists of a stainless steel body with an inner diameter of ¾”, in which 500KHz probes are inserted. |
Fitting in reflex configuration enables the acoustic path to be increased whilst minimising the straight lengths, which means that greater accuracy can be achieved, complying with the specifications of the customer (see COFRAC results below).
Results of the COFRAC calibration tests performed at CETIAT
| Qmr (kg/s) | ρ (kg/m3) | Qvr (dm3/h) | Qvd (dm3/h) | % error | Upstream absolute pressure (Pa) |
| 2,049e-3 | 7,036 | 1048,4 | 1047 | -0,1 | 597251 |
| 2,066e-3 | 7,033 | 1057,5 | 1056 | -0,1 | 597123 |
| 3,933e-3 | 7,027 | 2015 | 2011 | -0,2 | 596623 |
| 3,961e-3 | 7,025 | 2030 | 2036 | 0,3 | 596349 |
| 6,867e-3 | 7,010 | 3527 | 3533 | 0,2 | 595108 |
| 6,926e-3 | 7,015 | 3554 | 3546 | -0,2 | 595688 |
| 9,630e-3 | 6,997 | 4955 | 4978 | 0,5 | 593988 |
| 9,678e-3 | 7,001 | 4977 | 4974 | -0,1 | 594588 |
Key:
Qmr: reference mass flow
p: density
Qvr: reference volumetric flow
Qvd: flow meter volumetric flow
The mechanical study, Ultraflux’s expertise in hydraulics and the care taken in producing the sleeve ensured that there was virtually no loss of pressure.
