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Mykrolis introduces photochemical membrane Massachusetts-based Mykrolis Corporation has introduced a new photochemical membrane (PCM) which, it claims, has an advanced adsorption mechanism that is designed to reduce onwafer defects in photochemical processes. According to the company, which supplies components and subsystems to the semiconductor industry, the new ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, surfacemodified membrane reduces these defects by efficiently removing particles in photolithography applications. With a rating of 0.02 µm, it also offers high retention and efficiently removes defect-causing microbubbles that are created in top antireflective coating applications. The hydrophilic surface modification reduces nucleation sites for micro-bubble formation by eliminating hydrophobic spots on the membrane. It also significantly reduces micro-bridge defects caused by molecular impurities, such as 193 nm photoresist residue, for which an adsorption mechanism is required. Mykrolis says that the membrane product provides chemical manufacturers and end-users with a unique adsorption mechanism that is not offered by other membranes. Furthermore, it has been specifically designed to be chemically resistant, allowing it to withstand long-term exposure to solvents, acids and molecular impurities that are not efficiently retained by sieving. The PCM membrane is compatible with a variety of Mykrolis device types, including manifolds and two-stage dispensing systems, and is available in both disposable and cartridge filter configurations. Contact: Mykrolis Corporation, 129 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821, USA. Tel: +1 978 436 6500, Fax: +1 978 436 6734, www.mykrolis.com
Singapore builds sea-water purifying plant Singapore has begun construction of its first sea-water purification plant, according to a report from the AFP news agency. Set to be one of the largest in Asia, the move will help Singapore reduce its dependence on imported water from Malaysia. Furthermore, it marks the first time that the large supply of sea water surrounding the island is being used by private houses and industry, says the report. Hyflux Ltd, a local water treatment company, has been contracted to build the plant. It claims that production will meet 10% of the island’s daily water requirements. When completed by the end of 2005, the plant – which will cost just under US$120 million – will generated 114 million litres (30 million gallons) of potable water every day using membrane technology to filter salt and other impurities from the sea water. The report says that Singapore’s daily water consumption of around 1.14 billion litres (300 million gallons) is expected to grow by onethird in 10 years. The country is under pressure to increase its selfsufficiency, because one water supply agreement with Malaysia will expire in 2011 and another in 2061, and they are unlikely to be renewed because of a dispute over pricing, according to the AFP report. During February 2003 Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong launched the country’s bid to make recycled water a key source with the opening of two plants to treat wastewater flushed from sewers and sinks. City planners are calling the recycled product ‘NEWater’. Contact: Hyflux Group, 40 Changi South Street, 1 Singapore 486764. Tel: +65 6214 0777, Fax: +65 6214 1211, www.hyflux.com
Cuno posts record results Connecticut-based Cuno Inc has reported record results for its
fourth quarter and full twelvemonth period of fiscal 2003. Cuno’s results for the final quarter include sales of US$77.5 million, up 15% from the $67.5 million reported for the equivalent period in 2002. Net income for the fourth quarter rose by 19% to $7.6 million from $6.4 million recorded for the corresponding period a year earlier. For the full year, sales totalled a record $288.2 million, up 12% on 2002, while net income rose 17% to reach $26.8 million. ‘Our strong business mix and international scope enabled us to achieve record financial results in the fourth quarter, despite sluggish conditions in certain Fluid Processing market segments in the US,’ says Mark Kachur, the company’s chairman/CEO. Kachur says that sales were led by strong growth in the company’s Healthcare and Potable Water businesses. Particularly strong growth was achieved in Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Contact: Cuno Inc, 400 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450, USA. Tel: +1 203 237 5541, Fax: +1 203 238 8977, www.cuno.com
UK researchers develop MF technology Scientists at Loughborough University in the UK have developed microfiltration (MF) technology for separating water from substances such as oil. Together with a team of researchers, Dr Richard Holdich and Dr Iain Cumming have developed a new filtration system which they say could be used on offshore oil rigs to vastly reduce the amount of oil discharged into oceans around the world. The filter design uses microfiltration media that are similar to very fine sieves. There is no internal deposition of solids, and the pressure required to pass liquids through the media is low. In conventional microfilters, deposition of particles within the matrix of the filter leads to longterm membrane fouling and low
Membrane Technology March 2004