Keeping ahead of particles

by Laureen Belleville

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Simply put, particle counters are used for certifying cleanrooms and cleanroom devices. Detecting and reducing particle contamination are critical concerns in many industries. In fact, particle contamination is believed to be responsible for more than 80 percent of the product yield loss in the semiconductor industry.

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Some experts have concluded that every decade demands an order of magnitude increase in cleanliness. Today 0.1-micron detectability is required, whereas 1 micron was sufficient a few years ago. Clearly, the need for closer and more thorough monitoring of smaller sizes is increasing. Concurrently, because the monitoring techniques are inevitably more complex, the cost of maintaining controls can skyrocket.


Depending on the application, users can choose from small, handheld portable instruments or larger wall-mounted systems that are capable of collecting samples from different locations simultaneously. Contact the companies in this month’s chart for more details.
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Products range from small, handheld, single-port units to large, multi-port, multi-channel systems. They can be battery powered or remotely operated and can be specified for air, gas, liquid or chemicals. It is also important to know how the results are presented and how they can be interpreted. Therefore, it is imperative that users understand what products are available and which ones are most appropriate for their application.

DISTRIBUTORS OF PARTICLE COUNTERS
The following companies distribute particle counters:

  • Liberty Industries: East Berlin, CT, Ph: (860) 828-6361, Fax: (860) 828-8878, www.Liberty-Ind.com
  • MGN International Inc.: Vista, CA, Ph: (760) 599-2626, Fax: (760) 599-2631, www.mgnintl.com
  • MGN International New England: Smithfield, RI, Ph: (401) 349-0429, Fax: (401) 349-0429, www.mgnintl.com
  • Micro Equipment Company: Beaverton, OR Ph: (503) 533-0719, Fax: (503) 439-8257
  • Response Rentals: Ph: (800) 242-3910, Fax: (716) 424-2166, www.responserentals.com
  • Terra Universal: Anaheim, CA, Ph: (714) 526-0100, Fax: (714) 992-2179, www.TerraUniversal.com
  • Ultrapure Technology: Suwanee, GA, Ph: (800) 932-0309, Fax: (770) 932-0809, www.ultrapuretechnology.com
  • VWR: West Chester; PA, Ph: (610) 429-2858, Fax: (610) 918-0310, www.vwrsp.com
  • Weaver Technologies: Tigard, OR, Ph: (503) 639-9796, Fax: (503) 684-0325, www.weavertech.com

Manufacturers of Particle Counters
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Manufacturers of Particle Counters (con't)
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Manufacturers of Particle Counters (con't)
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