Dear BNC Users,

After further investigation of the ultrapure water system by Birck’s engineering team, the UPW system is operational.  The failure of the system was a result of a failed membrane housing, allowing UPW water to come into contact with electrical systems.  This failure was not associated with the current Birck cleanroom modernization project. 

The UPW system has been running for a couple of hours, allowing us time for the cleanroom humidity to stabilize.  All cleanroom ambient conditions are back under control and ultrapure water is available for all wet processes and fume hoods.

We are sorry for the interruption.

Best Regards,

Birck Engineering Team

From: Voorhis, Mark L.
Sent: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 6:34 AM
To: bnc-facility-notice@ecn.purdue.edu
Subject: RE: UltraPure Water System Down

Dear BNC Users,

Last night the Ultra-Pure water system appears to have failed again.  There is no Ultra-pure water flow or cleanroom humidity control that requires ultra-water to operate.  The cleanroom relative humidity levels are at ~37% with a setpoint of 45%.  

It is unclear when the ultra-pure water system will be operational.  We are waiting for the system to be evaluated further.

Regards,

From: Bnc-facility-notice <bnc-facility-notice-bounces@ecn.purdue.edu> On Behalf Of Voorhis, Mark L.
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2024 8:35 PM
To: bnc-facility-notice@ecn.purdue.edu
Subject: Re: [Bnc-facility-notice] UltraPure Water System Down

Dear Birck Users,

The UPW system is operational and all building ambient conditions are back to normal.  BRK engineering quickly responded to evaluate, and address needed repairs to critical components for the ultra-pure water system.  The ultra-pure water quality is not meeting specification but should improve over time.

Thank you for your patience during this ultra-pure water interruption.

Regards,

From: Bnc-facility-notice <bnc-facility-notice-bounces@ecn.purdue.edu> On Behalf Of Reger, Ronald K
Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2024 6:03 PM
To: bnc-all@ecn.purdue.edu; 'bnc-facility-notice@ecn.purdue.edu' <bnc-facility-notice@ecn.purdue.edu>
Subject: [Bnc-facility-notice] UltraPure Water System Down

Dear Birck Users,

The UPW experienced a significant leak in one of the de-gas membrane housings and leaked water onto the subfab floor.  The system is totally shut down until engineering can evaluate the situation and provide the appropriate recovery.  Humidification of the cleanroom uses UPW but with current weather conditions we don’t believe this will be a significant issue. 

We will keep you notified of progress, but it may be down until at least Monday afternoon and perhaps beyond that. 

Thank you for your patience as we work through this issue.

Ron