Patent ID: 8161985
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: B08B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for cleaning and drying articles selected from a group containing semiconductor wafers, containers for transporting semiconductor wafers, LCD substrates and photomasks, comprising: a closed treatment chamber adapted to accommodate the articles while they are cleaned, and adapted to accommodate a gaseous medium, a rotor being arranged in the treatment chamber for rotatably holding the articles while they are cleaned and dried, at least one spray nozzle arranged in the treatment chamber for spraying a cleaning or rinsing liquid onto the articles, a condensation dryer arranged in the treatment chamber for drying the articles, the condensation dryer being adapted to condense and extract from the gaseous medium moisture from the articles that is absorbed by the gaseous medium while it is circulated as a closed-loop gas flow within the treatment chamber, and a spray-protection wall arranged between the rotor and the condensation dryer in order to prevent cleaning or rinsing liquid from being splashed against the condensation dryer.