Helping Samsung Save Water and Improve Operations in Texas
Aug 2, 2018 2:00 PM ET
Campaign:
2017 CSR Report
August 2, 2018 /3BL Media/ - At its plant in Austin, Texas, Samsung produces chips that go into mobile devices. Precise temperature and humidity control are essential to the fabrication of semiconductors, which is why these facilities have large chiller operations. They also consume significant amounts of Ultra Pure Water (UPW) and generate substantial wastewater.
High-volume water consumption can present significant challenges in water-stressed areas such as Austin, Texas, where Samsung operates one of North America’s largest chip fabrication plants. It has 45,000 tons of chilling capacity and 34 chillers connected to two cooling towers. The challenge for this technology provider: To ensure reliable production climate control while reducing the plant’s water footprint and protecting its assets. That’s why Samsung called on Ecolab to help the plant dramatically reduce its water use, control corrosion and microbial growth, and optimize its operations. Working with Ecolab, Samsung saved 73.8 million gallons of water, equivalent to the drinking water needs of more than 255,000 people, as well as $1.6 million in reduced maintenance and equipment replacement costs. Given its location in a water-scarce region, the Samsung facility had to increase operational reliability while optimizing water use. To support those goals, Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, conducted a detailed analysis and implemented its 3D TRASAR™ Technology. The solution provided:- Real-time notification of changing conditions
- Detailed modeling and optimization of water sources so the facility managers could better understand the impact of improved flow management of the different streams
- 24/7 automation to enable immediate response to scaling or corrosion
- Technology to identify and control Key Process Indicators (KPIs) to minimize the risk of downtime or disruptions
