How sustainable solutions are empowering semiconductor technology?

The Indian semiconductor industry is poised to register significant growth in the near future. Finding the applications in a wide gamut of industries ranging from electronics, telecommunications, industrial automation, automobiles, IT sector, etc., there has been a surge in the demand for semiconductors in recent years. 

In addition to this, semiconductors are invariably sought in data centers to empower the processing, storage, and networking capabilities of large amounts of data. 

Understanding that the country is actively undergoing a digital transformation where a huge amount of data is consumed every day, it necessitates efficient storage and management of incoming data deluge. From binge-watching on OTT platforms to online shopping, and conducting virtual classes, data is being generated at an exponential rate in the contemporary digital age. 

At the same time, organizations are also heavily relying on cloud-based services to enable the smooth functioning of various business processes. Owing to this, the reports estimate the Indian semiconductor industry to bolster at a phenomenal rate reaching approximately $60 billion industry by 2026, and consequently, $100 billion market by 2030. 

Gauging the huge opportunity residing in the industry, even the government has undertaken initiatives like the Indian Semiconductor Mission under which it is gearing up to launch three new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country. But, in the pursuit, the industry players should be cognizant of the imminent threat looming around the industry to fortify the growth prospects of the sector. 

Risk of corrosion

Here, it is important to understand that in the presence of air contaminants in the form of corrosive and toxic gases, semiconductors constantly run the risk of corrosion. The probability of corrosion is further amplified due to miniaturized electronics, which are susceptible to micro-corrosion and e-corrosion. 

Understanding that corrosion is highly responsible for breakdown of machines, additional maintenance, and costly repairs of the semiconductors, it can jeopardize the growth of the industry. In addition to this, accounting for faulty operations, it raises reliability issues and severely affects the longevity of the sensitive processes. 

To curb the damaging effect of air contaminants, deploying quality air solutions can immensely help protect the integrity of the semiconductors and at the same time maximize the output of the processes. 

In the pursuit to achieve the highest quality air, installing advanced gas phase filtration systems (GPF) can play a crucial role in resisting the contamination of semiconductors. Here, employing datacenter air purifier (DAP)/ control room air purifier comes handy in eliminating corrosive gases by checking the air contaminants from entering the premises. 

The purifiers are well equipped with revolutionary macro-porous desiccant-formed honeycomb matrix filter that comes with high bulk density, structural strength, and adsorption capacity.    

For further strengthening the protection against contaminants, compact dehumidifiers come to the rescue for inhibiting condensation on the equipment. It comes with the ability to maintain humidity at optimum levels and in the process also removes the excess moisture from the air.

Furthermore, to protect the semiconductors completely, installing customised pressurization units in facilities where semiconductors are kept, can prevent ingress of outside air into the room by creating positive pressure within the facility. 

With India aspirational about positioning the country as the semiconductor powerhouse across the globe, it is important to equally focus on strengthening the infrastructure for the semiconductor industry while embarking on expansion plans. Safeguarding the semiconductors from air contaminants can go a long way in contributing to the resilience of the industry which in turn can bolster the growth prospects in years to come. 

-- Dr. Vijay Chaudhry, President, Bry-Air.