Apparatus and method for minimizing the generation of particles in ultrapure liquids
First Claim
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1. A method of minimizing particle generation during handling of ultra pure liquids, the method comprising:
- introducing a liquid into a container; and
controlling an air-liquid interface to minimize an amount of particles generated in the liquid.
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Abstract
A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. A method of minimizing particle generation during handling of ultra pure liquids, the method comprising:
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introducing a liquid into a container; and controlling an air-liquid interface to minimize an amount of particles generated in the liquid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of minimizing particle generation during handling of ultra pure liquids, the method comprising:
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introducing a liquid into a container; and controlling an air-liquid interface to minimize an amount of particles generated in the liquid; wherein controlling the air-liquid interface to minimize the amount of particles generated in the liquid comprises; controlling the air liquid interface to achieve a particle concentration of less than about 2 particles per milliliter for particles having a size of about 0.2 microns; providing a liner inside a rigid container; collapsing the liner to remove any air in the liner; and filling the collapsed liner with the ultra pure liquid; wherein collapsing the liner comprises; pressurizing an intermediate area between the liner and the rigid container to collapse the liner; and venting the liner to allow air inside the liner to exit as the liner is collapsed; wherein filling the collapsed liner comprises; supplying the liner with liquid; and venting the intermediate area as the liner fills with liquid.
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14. A method of minimizing particle generation in ultra pure liquids during handling of the liquid, the method comprising:
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transferring a liquid having an initial particle concentration, from a first location to a second location; and controlling an air-liquid interface during transfer so that a final particle concentration of the liquid when the liquid is in the second location is not substantially greater than the initial particle concentration. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A method of minimizing particle generation in ultra pure liquids during handling of the liquid, the method comprising:
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transferring a liquid having an initial particle concentration, from a first location to a second location; and controlling an air-liquid interface during transfer so that a final particle concentration of the liquid when the liquid is in the second location is not substantially greater than the initial particle concentration; wherein transferring the liquid from a first location to a second location comprises filling a first container from a liquid source, wherein the first container comprises a liner disposed within a rigid container; wherein the liquid in the first container after filling thereof has a particle concentration of less than about 2 particles per milliliter for particles at 0.2 micron size; wherein controlling the air-liquid interface comprises; collapsing the liner to remove air in the liner; and filling the collapsed liner with liquid by supplying the liner with liquid from the liquid source and venting an intermediate area located between the liner and the rigid container as the liner fills with liquid. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44)
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45. A method of minimizing particle generation in ultra pure liquids during handling thereof, the method comprising:
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providing a liquid; introducing the liquid to a predetermined location; and controlling an air-liquid interface to control particle level in the liquid.
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Specification