An alternative to large glass bottles and other traditional systems that store and dispense photolithography chemicals, ATMI worked with Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI), to create BrightPak systems.
The BrightPak package is designed to dispense liquids using pressure (direct or indirect) or pump systems, helping eliminate the sources of bubble formation and particle defects caused by pump and vacuum delivery containers. Drive gas can be applied between the rigid liner and the bottle. Once in this space, the pressure from the gas squeezes the rigid liner causing it to collapse and force the chemical out of the bottle. The system dispenses the chemical through a sealed pathway from the liner to the dispense tool. It also protects the chemical contents from external contamination. The rigid liner eventually collapses fully and ensures optimal dispense results.
The BrightPak system’s primary components are created from two separate preforms. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preform is used to blowmold a bottle with a capacity of 4.6 liters. The second preform is made from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and is used to create the rigid, three-dimensional collapsible interior “liner” which holds the chemicals.
The interior rigid liner collapses at low pressure without tearing, is compatible with a variety of chemicals, and dispenses 99% of the product. The bottle around withstands six times the dispensing pressure (greater than 90 lbs./sq. in.) to provide an additional safety cushion.
The system withstands shipping and storage conditions down to -20°F and also blocks out 99.9% of light from 190-425 nanometers, which is in the ultraviolet (UV)-to-visible range.
The two-piece assembly fits into a third component— a blow-molded, full-body PET “base cup.” Because the PET bottle has structural panels which make labeling challenging, the textured full body cup facilitates branding options and also provides a stable base for the bottle’s slightly-rounded bottom. Its amber color provides another layer of UV and shipping protection.
The BrightPak technology offers users multiple benefits, including approximately 21% additional volume compared to the typical one-gallon glass bottle used in lithography applications today. (Glass typically has thicker sidewalls and often a longer neck, which negatively impact fill volume.) The higher fill volume is possible without impacting labeling surface, the handle location or the physical dimension of storage and usage locations.
Additional advantages include chemical protection from environmental factors, as well as accidents, and operator errors. Unlike glass bottles, the BrightPak system is made from shatter-resistant plastic resins minimizing the chance of chemical spills and production shutdowns. Filled BrightPak containers have successfully passed drop tests ranging between 4 and 8 ft., according to the company. The system also reduces the amount of chemical residuals requiring disposal.
