Patent ID: 8034167
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: G03F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A buffer tank for use in a liquid treatment apparatus applying a liquid treatment to a substrate surface by supplying thereto a treating liquid from a nozzle, said buffer tank being provided in a flow path of said treating liquid from a supply tank of said liquid to said nozzle, said buffer tank comprising: an inlet port for introducing said treating liquid supplied from said supply tank into a buffer tank body; a first accumulation region in said buffer tank body for holding said treating liquid introduced into said buffer tank body; a first vent port for discharging bubbles accumulated in said first accumulation region; a filter causing said treating liquid in said first accumulation region to pass therethrough, said filter filtering said treating liquid; a supplying port for supplying said treating liquid filtered with said filter to said nozzle; a gas/liquid separation part configured to separate bubbles passed through said filter from said treating liquid by using a difference of specific gravity between said treating liquid and said bubbles; a second vent port for discharging said bubbles separated in said gas/liquid separation part; and a compartment member dividing an inner space inside said buffer tank body into said first accumulation region and further a second accumulation region, said filter being provided in a part of said compartment member so as to provide a flow path of said treating liquid from said first accumulation region to said second accumulation region.