Solutions Treatment Technologies Semiconductor PFAS Treatment

Semiconductor PFAS Treatment

Automated manufacturing equipment assembling electronic circuit boards.

Technician performing hands-on operation, calibration, and maintenance of modular water treatment equipment to ensure reliable system performance and treatment efficiency.

INTRO

Eliminate PFAS Risk Without Slowing Chip Production

PFAS remains essential to many semiconductor manufacturing processes, but rising global scrutiny is turning wastewater treatment into a critical operational priority. Onterris helps semiconductor manufacturers manage PFAS in complex wastewater streams with proven solutions that support compliance, reduce waste and protect production performance.

In high-purity manufacturing environments, treatment systems must do more than remove contaminants. They need to integrate cleanly into existing operations, perform reliably under variable conditions and support long-term sustainability goals without adding unnecessary burden. That is where Onterris brings value

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why it matters

PFAS plays a critical role across chip production

Semiconductor manufacturing depends on PFAS because of its chemical stability, thermal resistance, low surface energy and ability to perform under extreme process conditions. These characteristics make PFAS difficult to replace in many fab applications.

PFAS is commonly used in:

Photolithography, where surfactants and additives in photoresists support adhesion, durability and defect-free pattern transfer, while helping prevent fine-pattern collapse during rinsing
Wet chemistry and etching, where PFAS functions as a wetting agent and process aid in aggressive chemical environments
Heat transfer fluids and vapor phase soldering, where thermal stability and consistent heat transfer are essential to process control
Equipment lubricants and infrastructure, including vacuum pump lubricants, fluoropolymer-coated pipes, valves and gaskets designed to resist corrosion and chemical attack
Chip packaging, where PFAS can contribute heat stability, low moisture absorption and long-term device protection

Because practical alternatives are still limited in many of these applications, effective PFAS treatment has become essential for fabs facing stricter discharge expectations.

Maintain production continuity in high-performance fab environments
Reduce lifecycle cost, waste volume and disposal burden
Support compliance with tightening global PFAS discharge limits
Protect water resources, surrounding communities and brand reputation
Strengthen ESG performance with a more sustainable treatment approach

The compliance challenge is growing

PFAS is often described as a forever chemical because it does not readily break down in the environment. Regulatory bodies across the U.S., Europe and Asia are continuing to tighten discharge requirements, increasing pressure on semiconductor manufacturers to control PFAS in wastewater more effectively.

For fabs, the challenge is not only meeting lower discharge limits. It is doing so while maintaining throughput, minimizing operational disruption and managing the cost and waste burden associated with treatment. Conventional approaches are often not enough, especially in dilute rinse waters, mixed process effluents and variable wastewater profiles.

Proven PFAS treatment for semiconductor wastewater

Achieve high-performance PFAS removal

Reduce lifecycle cost and waste

Improve treatment of dilute streams

Integrate treatment without disrupting fab operations

Environmental compliance and treatment experts reviewing PFAS wastewater treatment operations, discussing performance data, regulatory requirements, and optimization strategies to support effective contaminant management.

Our Capabilities

Technical capabilities for PFAS treatment selection and implementation

Bench-Scale Treatability Testing

Bench-scale testing helps determine PFAS treatability, evaluate wastewater chemistry and compare technology options before full-scale implementation. This reduces uncertainty early in the process and supports more informed treatment decisions.

Pilot Testing

Pilot testing validates treatment performance under real operating conditions, helping facilities assess removal efficiency, operating requirements and system integration before permanent deployment.

Regenerable Ion Exchange

Our regenerable ion exchange technology is designed for broad-spectrum PFAS removal across complex semiconductor wastewater streams, combining strong treatment performance with lower waste and improved lifecycle economics.

Foam Fractionation

Foam fractionation offers an effective way to concentrate PFAS from dilute streams such as rinse waters, improving separation efficiency and supporting optimized treatment train design.

Modular System Integration

Modular treatment systems allow faster deployment and easier integration into existing fab infrastructure, supporting operational flexibility while minimizing disruption to production.

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Article

5 min read

Dave Kempisty, PhD, PE

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Advanced treatment technology and scaled approaches are enabling industrial operators to address PFAS, reducing risk while aligning with evolving regulatory expectations