To meet the growing demands of these cutting-edge sectors, Veolia offers customized, high-performance purification systems that save natural resources.
Ultrapure water (UPW) plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries, two key sectors helping to shape a healthier, more interconnected future. In a context where product quality and purity are paramount, the use of ultrapure water is a must for these cutting-edge sectors.
The stakes are many: compliance with stringent regulations, increased productivity, protection of product quality and the environment, preservation of water resources.
For the pharmaceutical industry, ultrapure water is indispensable, notably for the formulation of certain drugs (injectable solutions, eye drops, etc.) and for research and analysis activities, while for microelectronics, it is essential at various stages of the manufacturing process (etching and rinsing of photoresins, use as a solvent, etc.), as well as in the prevention of component contamination.
The growth of these sectors of activity has led to an increase in demand for very high purity water. To meet the specific needs of these particularly sensitive industries, Veolia is developing customized purification systems that combine performance, reliability and the preservation of natural resources.
Ultrapure water: properties and uses
Ultrapure water, a true technological feat, is the result of an advanced purification process that eliminates virtually all impurities. It is characterized by extremely low electrical conductivity and the total absence of organic and inorganic contaminants. Its production involves rigorous filtration, demineralization and disinfection stages. Its storage and distribution require special precautions. At Veolia, we have mastered this crucial technology for many industrial sectors, including electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Main characteristics of ultrapure water:
- Neutral pH;
- Resistivity greater than or equal to 18.2 MΩ.cm;
- Total organic carbon (TOC) content less than 10 ppb (parts per billion);
- Microorganisms: less than 10 CFU/ml;
- Total absence of endotoxins.
For the pharmaceutical industry
In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, ultrapure water is a major strategic element. Its production and use raise complex challenges, from maintaining a high degree of purity to complying with extremely strict regulations imposed by health authorities. Manufacturers must constantly innovate to optimize production costs and environmental sustainability, while guaranteeing consistent quality for critical applications:
- Manufacturing of drugs and vaccines;
- Cell and tissue culture;
- Laboratory analysis and quality control testing;
- Equipment cleaning and sterilization.
For the microelectronics industry
Like the life sciences industries, microelectronics — especially semiconductor production — is also critically dependent on its supply of ultrapure water, with similar challenges in terms of quality, reliability, cost and compliance with stringent regulations. There are, however, a few differences. In particular, the volumes required are often much greater, and while the pharmaceutical industry is particularly sensitive to microbiological contamination, microelectronics is mainly concerned with avoiding the presence of mineral impurities.
Ultrapure water is used at various stages of the manufacturing process:
- Surface cleaning of silicon wafers;
- Preparation of various chemical solutions used in the manufacturing process;
- Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP);
- Cooling systems;
- Air humidification;
- Preparation of etching solutions;
- Equipment cleaning;
- Testing and quality control.
Our solutions for ultrapure water production
Managing ultrapure water resources involves rigorous monitoring, cutting-edge technologies and extensive staff training. Mastering these aspects is crucial to ensuring product integrity, research reliability and, ultimately, competitiveness in sectors where precision and quality are paramount.
Optimizing product quality, achieving significant cost savings and strengthening environmental compliance are the key objectives of our solutions. Our comprehensive offering includes a variety of equipment, filtration systems, membrane technologies, chemicals and services, enabling us to design and implement integrated ultrapure water production facilities adapted to various water sources.
Consistent quality is ensured by state-of-the-art analytical instruments, capable of detecting minute concentrations, in the ppb range, for a wide spectrum of parameters, including total organic carbon (TOC).
Our approach, based on an in-depth understanding of your economic and environmental challenges, enables us to design customized ultrapure water solutions that:
- Ensure large-scale production of water of consistent quality, tailored to your needs;
- Provide rapid analysis and real-time control of water production;
- Optimize resource utilization and integrate easily with existing infrastructures;
- Minimize operational, maintenance and overhead costs;
- Guarantee compliance with current standards and optimize management of fluids and chemicals;
- Closely monitor TOC and boron levels to maximize production efficiency.
Production ultrapure water:
As an industrial customer, what are the benefits for you?
- You benefit from personalized advice and support, taking into account all your constraints, including legal and regulatory ones (maintaining your license to operate);
- You access to the best technologies available on the market;
- We guarantee a solution that meets your exact requirements in terms of purity, quantity and reliability;
- You benefit from non-negotiable safety requirements.
Nous l’avons fait !
Switzerland
Since 2001, we have been working with a leader in the pharmaceutical industry to optimize its operations in Basel. Our mission includes the supply and management of various types of water, including ultrapure water. We also supply drinking, industrial and demineralized water. In 2014, our partnership was extended to fifteen European sites, always including water management as a key service.
Singapore
STMicroelectronics, a major player in 12-inch wafer production in Singapore, was facing growing demand in the semiconductor industry. To meet this demand, the company needed a new water treatment plant capable of supplying reliable ultrapure water, essential for the quality of 200 mm wafers. The project was completed in just four months, from contract award to water certification. It included the design, construction and commissioning of a new ultrapure water treatment plant, with a capacity of 160 m3/h.
Singapore
Soitec, a leader in semiconductors, undertook an upgrade of its existing plant to achieve ultrapure water quality, meeting stringent manufacturing requirements. The project also included recovering metals from wastewater streams to reclaim water for reuse applications. The main challenges faced were the limited space available for new equipment and the need to avoid disruptions to the plant's manufacturing activities during work on the water system. By utilizing the existing pre-treatment equipment, Soitec saved substantial CO2 emissions and reduced its carbon footprint compared to building an entirely new UPW system and distribution loop. The company implemented water-saving measures by recycling the reverse osmosis reject water. Additionally, Soitec employed mobile systems for resin regeneration to reduce onsite chemical and water usage.