AWN Recycling System Design

SSOE was selected by a semiconductor manufacturer to generate specifications and design for a new Acid Waste Neutralization (AWN) system that would allow the client to reclaim and reuse materials that would otherwise be classified as hazardous waste. The client in particular relied on SSOE to provide a sophisticated understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, and acid waste neutralization systems to identify the technical requirements for the AWN, meet the client’s goals for recycle, and determine the ways it would fit into the existing material flows within the facility.

Defining the Problem
SSOE mapped the existing material flows and generated a sampling plan to collect water quality data from the system as it currently exists. Samples were taken from the RODI feed water, Gray Water / DI reclaim, RODI effluent, ROR tank effluent, FAC / EDI / CDO scrubber blowdown, cooling tower blowdown, HFW effluent, Fab effluent, AWN effluent to the wastewater treatment plant, and BGW effluent to the AWN. The test results indicated what specific mitigation strategies would be needed (e.g., addition of water softener, advanced filtration and RO) and at what points.

Articulating Solutions
Based on how SSOE articulated the results of the sample study, the client was confident in moving forward with vendor selection and constructability evaluation. SSOE managed this vendor selection on the client’s
behalf, at the client’s request. The sample study were used to provide vendors with equipment performance specifications and solicit bids. Results from the top three bids were then brought to a construction partner
for early-project cost estimating and implementation / constructability review. The client was empowered to make a quick and confident decision based on a clear understanding of each option, including performance, cost to install and operate, and other trade-offs.

Implementation Support
Next steps for this project include programming and detailed design for the selected AWN solution, equipment, and installation support.