Patent ID: 6183147
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G03D

Abstract:
A process solution supply system for supplying a process solution to a processing unit for processing a substrate, selected from the group consisting of a semiconductor wafer and an LCD substrate, the system comprising:a process solution supply source from which the process solution is supplied;a plurality of intermediate storage mechanisms each for temporarily storing the process solution supplied from the process solution supply source and for supplying the process solution with predetermined pressure applied thereto, wherein each of said intermediate storage mechanisms includesa vessel which has an introduction port and a discharge port for the process solution, and is configured to store the process solution supplied through the introduction port and discharge the process solution to the processing unit, anda compressing member which is arranged inside the vessel to be located between the process solution and a fluid, and is configured to permit pressure of the fluid to act on the process solution;a fluid supply mechanism for supplying each of the intermediate storage mechanisms with the fluid which serves to actuate the intermediate storage mechanisms;switching valves for selectively switching flows of the process solution, which is supplied from the process solution supply source to the processing unit through the intermediate storage mechanisms; anda switching valve control device configured to control the switching valves to switch flows of the process solution such that the process solution is continuously supplied to the processing unit.