Patent ID: 8097179
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: B01D,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of abating an etch gas product generated from an etch apparatus, comprising: (a) placing said etch apparatus in fluid communication with an apparatus which includes (i) an enclosure which defines an interior void, (ii) a first partition having a first orifice defined therein, said first partition being positioned within said interior void of said enclosure such that (A) said first partition divides said interior void into a first chamber and a second chamber and (B) said first orifice is in fluid communication with said first chamber and said second chamber, (iii) a gas connector which has (A) a passageway defined therethrough, said passageway having an inlet and an outlet and being in direct fluid communication with said first chamber of said interior void and (B) a gas port in fluid communication with said passageway, (iv) a gas dispenser in direct fluid communication with said second chamber of said interior void, (v) an exit port in fluid communication with said interior void of said enclosure, (vi) a gas source containing a gas, said gas source being in fluid communication with said gas port of said gas connector such that said gas contained by said gas source is advanced into said passageway of said gas connector, and (vii) a humidified gas source for providing a humidified gas, said humidified gas source being in fluid communication with said gas dispenser such that said humidified gas is advanced into said gas dispenser and directly into said second chamber of said interior void; (b) advancing said etch gas product into said passageway of said gas connector; (c) advancing said gas from said gas source into said passageway of said gas connector at the same time said etch gas product is being advanced into said passageway; and (d) advancing said humidified gas from said humidified gas source into said second chamber of said interior void.