A VALVE MODULE FOR A VACUUM PUMPING SYSTEM

A valve module for a vacuum pumping system, comprising: a plurality of inlets for receiving a fluid; a plurality of pressure sensors, each configured to measure a fluid pressure associated with a respective inlet; a first fluid line manifold; a second fluid line manifold; a plurality of multifurcating conduits, each connecting a respective inlet to both the first and second fluid line manifolds; a plurality of valves disposed in the multifurcating conduits; and a valve controller coupled to the sensors and the valves; wherein the valve controller is configured to control, based on pressure measurements from the sensors, the valves such that a fluid flow through a multifurcating conduit is directed to either only the first fluid line manifold or only the second fluid line manifold.

FIELD

The present invention relates to valve modules for use with vacuum pumping systems, including but not limited to vacuum systems for pumping fluids from semiconductor processing tool.

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor fabrication plants fabricate integrated circuit chips. In the fabrication of such devices, wafers are processed through a number of different processing stations, including stations at which the wafer undergoes, for example, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, implant, etch and lithography processes. Many of these processes involve the use of a gaseous ambient and often require the use of high vacuum and reduced gas pressures.

Vacuum pumps are used to provide these reduced gas pressures in process chambers, provide chamber evacuation, and maintain flows of processing gases.

SUMMARY

When the pressure inside a chamber of a semiconductor processing tool is not at working vacuum, for example after a gas chamber has been vented to atmospheric pressure to enable service or maintenance, a so-called “pump-down event” is performed to establish the required reduced gas pressure in the chamber. A pump-down event involves pumping gas from the chamber so as to reduce the pressure therein to the required level.

Vacuum and abatement systems may be used to pump gas from multiple gas chambers of a semiconductor processing tool simultaneously using a common pump via a common manifold. The present inventors have realised that in such systems, because multiple chambers are fluidly connected to a common manifold, performing a pump-down event for one of those chambers may affect the conditions within others of those chambers. For example, a pump-down event performed on one chamber may cause highly undesirable fluctuations in other chambers connected to the same manifold.

Aspects of the present invention provide a valve module for controlling fluid from multiple chambers of a semiconductor processing tool in such a way that these deficiencies are reduced or eliminated.

In a first aspect, there is provided a valve module for a vacuum pumping system. The valve module comprises: a plurality of inlets, each inlet of the plurality of inlets being configured to receive a pumped fluid; a plurality of pressure sensors, each pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors being configured to measure a pressure of a fluid associated with a respective one of the plurality of inlets; a first fluid line manifold; a second fluid line manifold; a plurality of multifurcating conduits, wherein each multifurcating conduit fluidly connects a respective inlet to both of the first fluid line manifold and the second fluid line manifold; a plurality of valves, where a respective one or more valves of the plurality of valves is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of multifurcating conduits; and a valve controller operatively coupled to the plurality of pressure sensors and the plurality of valves; wherein the controller is configured to control, based on pressure measurements received from the plurality of pressure sensors, the plurality of valves such that each of the one or more valves disposed in a respective multifurcating conduit selectably directs a fluid flow through that multifurcating conduit to either only the first fluid line manifold or only the second fluid line manifold.

Each of the multifurcating conduits may comprise a first branch and a second branch, the first branch being fluidly connected to the first fluid line manifold and the second branch being fluidly connected to the second fluid line manifold. Each of the one or more valves disposed in a respective multifurcating conduit may comprise a first valve disposed in the first branch of that multifurcating conduit, and a second valve disposed in the second branch of that multifurcating conduit.

The plurality of pressure sensors may comprise a first pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of a fluid associated with a first inlet of the plurality of inlets, the first inlet being an inlet of a first multifurcating conduit of the plurality of multifurcating conduits. The valve controller may be configured to, responsive to pressure measurements received from the first pressure sensor fulfilling one or more first criteria, control the one or more valves disposed in the first multifurcating conduit to direct fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the second fluid line manifold. The one or more first criteria may consist of one or more criteria selected from the group of criteria consisting of: the measured pressure exceeding a first threshold value; the measured pressure exceeding the first threshold value for at least a first time period; a rate of increase of the measured pressure exceeding a second threshold value; and a rate of increase of the measured pressure exceeding the second threshold value for at least a second time period. The valve controller may be configured to, responsive to pressure measurements received from the first pressure sensor fulfilling one or more second criteria, controlling the one or more valves disposed in the first multifurcating conduit to direct fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the first fluid line manifold. The one or more second criteria may consist of one or more criteria selected from the group of criteria consisting of: the measured pressure being less than or equal to a third threshold value; the measured pressure being less than the third threshold value for at least a third time period; a rate of decrease of the measured pressure exceeding a fourth threshold value; a rate of decrease of the measured pressure exceeding the fourth threshold value for at least a fourth time period; a predefined time period elapsing.

At least the plurality of inlets, the first fluid line manifold, the second fluid line manifold, the plurality of multifurcating conduits, the plurality of valves, and the valve controller may be configured as a single integrated unit and housed in a frame.

The valve module may further comprise a plurality of further valves, wherein, for each valve of the plurality of valves, a respective pair of further valves is disposed either side of that valve. The further valves may be manually operated valves.

The valve module may further comprise a gas inlet for receiving a gas for purging one or more of the multifurcating conduits and/or actuating one or more of the valves.

In a further aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a semiconductor processing tool comprising a plurality of processing chambers; the valve module of any preceding aspect, wherein each inlet of the plurality of inlets is fluidly coupled to a respective processing chamber of the plurality of processing chambers; and one or more vacuum pumps operating coupled to the first fluid line manifold and the second fluid line manifold.

The system may further comprise cooling apparatus for providing a cooling fluid to one or more of the processing chambers, wherein the valve module is disposed on top of the cooling apparatus.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method for valve module for a vacuum pumping system, the valve module comprising: receiving, at each inlet of a plurality of inlets, a respective pumped fluid, each inlet being an inlet to a respective multifurcating conduit of a plurality of multifurcating conduits, each multifurcating conduit fluidly connecting a respective inlet to both of a first fluid line manifold and a second fluid line manifold; measuring, by one or more pressure sensors of a plurality of pressure sensors, a pressure of a respective one of the pumped fluids; and controlling, by a controller, based the one or more measured pressures, one or more valves of a plurality of valves, the one or more valves being disposed in a first multifurcating conduit of the plurality of multifurcating conduits; wherein the controlling the one or more valves selectably directs a fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to either only the first fluid line manifold or only the second fluid line manifold.

The method may further comprise measuring, by a first pressure sensor of a plurality of pressure sensors, a pressure of a pumped fluid in the first multifurcating conduit, and, responsive to pressure measurements received from the first pressure sensor fulfilling one or more first criteria, controlling the one or more valves disposed in the first multifurcating conduit to direct fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the second fluid line manifold and preventing fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the first fluid line manifold. The method may further comprise, thereafter, responsive to pressure measurements received from the first pressure sensor fulfilling one or more second criteria, controlling the one or more valves disposed in the first multifurcating conduit to prevent fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the second fluid line manifold, and subsequently direct fluid flow through the first multifurcating conduit to the first fluid line manifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a semiconductor fabrication facility100, in accordance with an embodiment.

The semiconductor fabrication facility100comprises a semiconductor processing tool102, a valve module104, and a plurality of vacuum pumps106.

The semiconductor processing tool102comprises a plurality of process chambers108in which semiconductor wafers undergo respective processes. Examples of such processes include, but are not limited to, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, implant, etch and lithography processes.

The plurality of vacuum pumps106are configured to pump fluids (i.e. process gases) out of the process chambers108of the semiconductor processing tool102via the valve module104.

The valve module104comprises a plurality of inlets110, a plurality of multifurcating conduits112, a first fluid line manifold114, and a second fluid line manifold116.

Each of the inlets110is fluidly connected to a respective process chamber108, such that a pumped fluid may be received from that process chamber108.

Each multifurcating conduit112fluidly connects a respective inlet110to both of the first fluid line manifold114and the second fluid line manifold116. More specially, in this embodiment, the multifurcating conduits112are bifurcating conduits comprising respective first and second branches118,120. The first branch118of each multifurcating conduit112fluidly connects the respective inlet110to the first fluid line manifold114. The second branch120of each multifurcating conduit112fluidly connects the respective inlet110to the second fluid line manifold116.

The valve module104further comprises a plurality of pressure sensors122. Each pressure sensor122is operatively coupled to a respective inlet110, or to a respective multifurcating conduit112at or proximate to an inlet110.

Each pressure sensor122is configured to measure a pressure associated with a respective process chamber108. In particular, each pressure sensor122is configured to measure a pressure of a process gas that is being pumped out of a respective process chamber108. It is preferable that the pressure sensors122are located as close as possible to the outlets of the process chambers108.

The valve module104further comprises a plurality of gate valves, and more specifically a plurality of first gate valves124and a plurality of second gate valves126. In this embodiment, the first gate valves124and the second gate valves126are pneumatic valves.

Each of the first gate valves124is disposed on a respective one of the first branches118, and is configured to control the flow of fluid therethrough.

Each of the second gate valves126is disposed on a respective one of the second branches120, and is configured to control the flow of fluid therethrough.

The valve module104further comprises a valve controller128.

The valve controller128is operatively coupled, via wired or wireless connections (not shown), to each of the plurality of pressure sensors122such that pressure measurements taken by the plurality of pressure sensors122may be received by the valve controller128.

The valve controller128is further operatively coupled, via respective pneumatic lines (not shown), to each of the first gate valves124and each of the of second gate valves126.

As described in more detail later below with reference toFIG.3, the valve controller128is configured to control operation of the first and second gate valves124,126, based on the pressure measurements received from the pressure sensors122. The valve controller128is configured to control operation of the first and second gate valves124,126by transferring pneumatic fluid thereto via the pneumatic lines.

The valve module104further comprises a plurality of manual valves (i.e. valve that are configured to be operated manually by a human operator), and more specifically a plurality of first manual valves130, a plurality of second manual valves132, and a plurality of third manual valves134.

In this embodiment, each first manual valve130is disposed on a respective multifurcating conduit112between the pressure sensor122of that multifurcating conduit112and the point at which that multifurcating conduit112bifurcates.

In this embodiment, each second manual valve132is disposed on a respective first branch118of a multifurcating conduit112between the first gate valve124of that multifurcating conduit112and the first fluid line manifold114.

In this embodiment, each third manual valve134is disposed on a respective second branch120of a multifurcating conduit112between the second gate valve126of that multifurcating conduit112and the second fluid line manifold116.

Thus, in this embodiment, each of the first and second gate valves124,126is disposed between a respective pair of manual valves130-134. In particular, each first gate valve124is disposed between a first manual valve130and a second manual valve132. Also, each second gate valve126is disposed between a first manual valve130and a third manual valve134.

In this embodiment, the first fluid line manifold114is a manifold via which process gases are pumped from process chambers108in which semiconductor fabrication processes are being conducted. The first fluid line manifold114may be considered to be a “process gas line”. The second fluid line manifold116may be considered to be a “pump-down gas line”. The fluid line manifolds114and116are suitably sized for the gas flow and vacuum requirements.

A pump-down event may be performed to evacuate gas from one or more of the process chambers108, which may be at atmospheric pressure, to reduce the pressure therein to a level suitable for a semiconductor fabrication process. The gases evacuated from a gas chamber during pump-down are, for convenience, hereinafter referred to as pump-down gases. In this embodiment, the second fluid line manifold116is a manifold via which pump-down gases are pumped out of the process chambers108.

Apparatus, including the valve controller128, for implementing the above arrangement, and performing the method steps to be described below, may be provided by configuring or adapting any suitable apparatus, for example one or more computers or other processing apparatus or processors, and/or providing additional modules. The apparatus may comprise a computer, a network of computers, or one or more processors, for implementing instructions and using data, including instructions and data in the form of a computer program or plurality of computer programs stored in or on a machine readable storage medium such as computer memory, a computer disk, ROM, PROM etc., or any combination of these or other storage media.

FIG.2is a schematic illustration, not to scale, showing a perspective view of the valve module104.

In this embodiment, certain components of the valve module104, including, for example, at least the inlets110, the multifurcating conduits112, the first fluid line manifold114, the second fluid line manifold116, the gate valves124,126, the valve controller128, and the manual valves130,132,134are configured or arranged as a single, integrated unit, hereinafter referred to a the “first integrated unit”. These components are housed in a common frame200. The frame200may be made of steel.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensors122are also comprised in the first integrated unit, and may be housed in the frame200. However, in some embodiments, the pressure sensors122are separate to the first integrated unit. For example, the pressure sensors122may be configured or arranged as a separate, second integrated unit that may be coupled to the first integrated unit, e.g. to the top of the first integrated unit. The second integrated unit comprising the pressure sensors122may be coupled between the process chambers108and the inlets110of the first integrated unit.

FIG.3is a process flow chart showing certain steps of a process300of pumping gas in the semiconductor fabrication facility100.

It should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in the flowchart ofFIG.3and described below may be omitted or such process steps may be performed in differing order to that presented below and shown inFIG.3. Furthermore, although all the process steps have, for convenience and ease of understanding, been depicted as discrete temporally-sequential steps, nevertheless some of the process steps may in fact be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping to some extent temporally.

At step s302, semiconductor fabrication processes are performed in the process chambers108. These semiconductor fabrication processes generate process gases.

In this embodiment, at this stage, the first gate valves124are open and the second gate valves126are closed. Also, all of the manual valves130-134are open.

At step s304, the vacuum pump106coupled to the first fluid line manifold114pumps the generated process gases out of the process chambers108via the valve module104. In particular, in this embodiment, processes gases are pumped from each process chamber108and through, in turn, the inlet110coupled thereto, the first branch118of the multifurcating conduits112coupled thereto (including through the first gate valve124disposed thereon), and the first fluid line manifold114.

At step s306, the pressure sensors122measure pressures associated with the process chambers108. In particular, each pressure sensor122measures a pressure of a process gas that is being pumped through a respective inlet110. In this embodiment, the pressure sensors122measure the pressures substantially continuously.

At step s308, the pressure sensors122send the measured pressure values to the valve controller128. The valve controller128processes the received measured pressure values substantially continuously.

At step s310, one of the process chambers108(hereinafter referred to as “the first process chamber108” for convenience) is shut down for inspection, servicing, repair, or maintenance. In this embodiment, the shutting down the first process chamber108comprises stopping pumping gas from the first process chamber108. In this embodiment, this may be achieved by the operator closing an isolating valve in inlet110associated with the first process chamber108. In this embodiment, the shutting down the first process chamber108further comprises increasing the pressure in the first process chamber108to approximately atmospheric pressure. This may be achieved by opening a valve coupled to the first process chamber108, thereby allowing air to enter into the first process chamber108.

At step s312, a human operator performs an inspection, servicing, repair, or maintenance operation on the first process chamber108.

Following the inspection, servicing, repair, or maintenance operation, a low gas pressure environment is to be re-established in the first process chamber108such that semiconductor fabrication processes may be performed therein.

Accordingly, at step s314, the isolating valve associated with the first process chamber108is reopened, thereby allowing gases to be pumped from the first process chamber108.

This pumping of gases from the first process chamber108at step s314is a pump-down event.

At step s316, the valve controller128, processing the measured pressure values received from the pressure sensors122, determines that a pump-down event is occurring.

In particular, in this embodiment, the valve controller128determines that a pump-down event is occurring for the first process chamber108in response to the measured pressure associated with the first process chamber108exceeding a first threshold value and/or a calculated rate of increase of the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108exceeding a second threshold value.

The first threshold value may be any appropriate threshold valve. The second threshold value may be any appropriate threshold valve.

In some embodiments, the valve controller128determines that the pump-down event is occurring for the first process chamber108in response to the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108exceeding the first threshold value for at least a first time period. The first time period may be any appropriate time period.

In some embodiments, the valve controller128determines that the pump-down event is occurring for the first process chamber108in response to the calculated rate of increase of the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108exceeding the second threshold value for at least a second time period. The second time period may be any appropriate time period.

At step s318, responsive to detecting the pump-down event for the first process chamber108, the valve controller128controls the first gate valve124associated with the first process chamber108to close. Thus, gas flow from the first process chamber108to the first fluid line manifold114is prevented or opposed.

In this embodiment, the valve controller128conveys pneumatic fluid (e.g. nitrogen) to the first gate valve124thereby to control the first gate valve124.

At step s320, following closure of the first gate valve124, the valve controller128controls the second gate valve126associated with the first process chamber108to open. Thus, gas flow from the first process chamber108to the second fluid line manifold116is permitted.

In this embodiment, the valve controller128conveys pneumatic fluid to the second gate valve126thereby to control the second gate valve126.

At step s322, the vacuum pump106coupled to the second fluid line manifold116pumps the pump-down gas out of the first process chamber108via the valve module104. In particular, in this embodiment, pump-down gas is pumped from the first process chamber108and through, in turn, the inlet110coupled thereto, the second branch120of the multifurcating conduits112coupled thereto (including through the open second gate valve126disposed thereon), and the second fluid line manifold116.

Thus, pump-down gas is pumped out of the first process chamber108thereby to establish a low gas pressure or vacuum environment therein.

At step s324, the valve controller128, processing the measured pressure values received from the pressure sensors122, determines that the pump-down event has ended.

In particular, in this embodiment, the valve controller128determines that a pump-down event for the first process chamber108has ended in response to the measured pressure associated with the first process chamber108being less than or equal to a third threshold value and/or a calculated rate of decrease of the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108being more than or equal to a second fourth value. Alternatively, a pump-down event is ended after it has been running for a predefined time period.

The third threshold value may be any appropriate threshold value. In some embodiments, the third threshold value is equal to, or less than, the first threshold value.

The fourth threshold value may be any appropriate threshold valve. In some embodiments, the fourth threshold value is equal to, or less than, the second threshold value.

In some embodiments, the valve controller128determines that the pump-down event for the first process chamber108has ended in response to the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108being less than or equal to the third threshold value for at least a third time period. The third time period may be any appropriate time period.

In some embodiments, the valve controller128determines that the pump-down event for the first process chamber108has ended in response to the calculated rate of decrease of the measured pressure associated with first process chamber108being more than or equal to the fourth threshold value for at least a fourth time period. The fourth time period may be any appropriate time period.

At step s326, responsive to detecting the pump-down event for the first process chamber108has ended, the valve controller128controls the second gate valve126associated with the first process chamber108to close. Thus, gas flow from the first process chamber108to the second fluid line manifold116is prevented or opposed.

At step s328, following closure of the second gate valve126, the valve controller128controls the first gate valve124associated with the first process chamber108to open. Thus, gas flow from the first process chamber108to the first fluid line manifold114is permitted.

At step s330, semiconductor fabrication processes may be performed in the first process chambers108. These semiconductor fabrication processes generate process gases.

At step s332, the vacuum pump106coupled to the first fluid line manifold114pumps the generated process gases out of the first process chamber108via the valve module104.

Thus, a process300of pumping gas in the semiconductor fabrication facility100is provided.

The above-described system and method advantageously tends to reduce or eliminate pump-down events detrimentally affecting the conditions within parallel gas chambers. This tends to be achieved by pumping pump-down gases to a separate manifold that is different to that which process gases are pumped to.

Advantageously, pump-down events, and the ending of pump-down events, tend to be detected and mitigated against automatically.

Advantageously, the above-described valve module may be integrated in-line with horizontal manifolds connecting the semiconductor processing tool to the vacuum pumps.

Advantageously, the above-described valve module tends to be robust. The vacuum module may be fully assembled, leak checked, and pre-tested, for example, off-site prior to delivery to a semiconductor fabrication facility, or on-site when delivered. This tends to simplify the installation process and reduce installation time.

Advantageously, the above-described valve module tends to be modular and scalable.

Advantageously, the components in the gas streams of the valve module tend to be easy to service, repair or replace. For example, each gate valve can be isolated from fluid flow by closing the manual valve upstream and downstream of that gate valve, allowing a human operator to service, repair or replace the gate valve.

Advantageously, the status and operating condition of the system tends to be easily monitorable, for example, either via a Human Machine Interface of the valve module, or remotely.

Advantageously, each valve module in a system tends to be easily controllable by a system controller, for example using a communication protocol such as EtherCAT or ethernet.

Advantageously, the above-described valve module allows for multiple mounting options. For example, the valve module may be suspended from a ceiling of a semiconductor fabrication facility, which provides a benefit of not consuming floor space. Alternatively, the valve module can be mounted in a floor-standing frame or on top of other equipment.

What will now be described is an embodiment in which the valve module is mounted on top of other equipment, specifically cooling apparatus for controlling the temperature of the process chambers of the semiconductor processing tool.

FIG.4is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a system400in which two valve modules104are mounted on top of a plurality of cooling apparatuses402. The cooling apparatuses402are typically referred to as “chiller racks” or “chillers”.

The system400comprises six cooling apparatuses402, two valve modules104, a power source404, and a pneumatic source406.

In this embodiment, the valve modules104may be substantially identical to those described above with reference toFIGS.1and2. Each valve module104is configured to receive a respective plurality of pumped fluid flows from process chambers108fluidly coupled thereto.

Each cooling apparatus402is fluidly coupled to a respective process chamber108. Each cooling apparatus402is configured to supply a flow of a cooling fluid to the respective process chamber108to which it is coupled. The cooling fluid may be used in the process chambers108for controlling temperature.

In this embodiment, the valve modules104and the cooling apparatuses402are arranged in a stacked configuration. More specifically, each valve module is disposed on top of three of the cooling apparatuses402, which themselves are positioned adjacent to one another, e.g. in a side-by-side configuration.

Advantageously, the stacked arrangement provides a reduced footprint within a semiconductor fabrication facility.

Furthermore, the stacked arrangement tends to facilitate coupling of the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104to the process chambers108. For example, the stacked arrangement tends to allow for closer positioning of the cooling apparatuses402and/or the valve modules104with respect to the process chambers108, thereby reducing conduit lengths and, consequently, installation time and difficulty. In addition, the likelihood of leakage from or damage to conduits may be reduced due to their reduced lengths.

In this embodiment, the power source404is electrically coupled to each of the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104. The power source404is configured to supply electrical power to each of the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104. Accordingly, the power source404may be considered to be a common power source.

Advantageously, use of a common power source for the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104facilitates installation and tends to provide for reduced footprint and cabling.

In this embodiment, the pneumatic source406is fluidly coupled, via one or more conduits, to each of the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104. The pneumatic source406is configured to supply a pneumatic fluid to each of the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104. Accordingly, the pneumatic source406may be considered to be a common pneumatic source. The pneumatic fluid may be any appropriate type of gas including, but not limited to, nitrogen gas, or CDA (Clean Dry Air).

Advantageously, use of a common pneumatic source406for the cooling apparatuses402and the valve modules104facilitates installation and tends to provide for reduced footprint and pneumatic fluid conduit length.

In this embodiment, in the valve modules104, the pneumatic fluid received from the pneumatic source406may be used to actuate valves of the valve modules104. More specifically, the valve controller128of a valve module104may be configured to convey the pneumatic fluid, via respective pneumatic lines, to each of the first gate valves124and each of the of second gate valves126, thereby to actuate the first and second gate valves124,126. Thus, the pneumatic fluid may be considered to be a “valve control fluid”.

In this embodiment, in the valve modules104, the pneumatic fluid received from the pneumatic source406may be used to perform a purge process, to purge a portion of one or more of the multifurcating conduits112. More specifically, a manual operator is able to convey the pneumatic fluid into each of the multifurcating conduits112via a respective purge port in each of the multifurcating conduits112. The pneumatic fluid may be forced through at least a portion of a multifurcating conduit112thereby to purge the at least a portion of a multifurcating conduit112. The pneumatic fluid may exit a multifurcating conduit112via the first fluid line manifold114and/or the second fluid line manifold116. Thus, the pneumatic fluid may be considered to be a “purge fluid”. Purging may typically be performed prior to maintaining or servicing the valve module104, e.g. replacing first gate valve124and/or second gate valve126. Advantageously, a first gate valve124and/or a second gate valve126may be isolated from the rest of the system by closing the first manual valve130, the second manual valve132, and the third manual valve134.

In this embodiment, the purge ports in the valve modules104may be used to perform a leak test on one or more of the multifurcating conduits112. More specifically, a valve module104may further comprise means for detecting a leak from the multifurcating conduits112using the purge ports, or a human operator may detect the presence of a leak using appropriate sensing equipment attached to the purge ports.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, there are six cooling apparatuses402and two valve modules104. However, in other embodiments, the system may comprise a different number of cooling apparatuses and/or a different number of valve modules.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, each of the valve modules104is mounted on top of three cooling apparatuses402. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the valve modules may be mounted on top of a different number of cooling apparatuses. In some embodiments, one or more cooling apparatuses are mounted on top of one or more valve modules or other equipment.

In the above embodiments, the valve module is implemented in a semiconductor fabrication facility for routing pumped process gases. However, in other embodiments, the valve module may be implemented in a different system and be used for routing a different type of fluid.

In the above embodiments, there is a single semiconductor processing tool which comprises six gas chambers. However, in other embodiments, there is more than one semiconductor processing tool. One or more of the semiconductor processing tool may comprise a different number of gas chambers, other than six.

In the above embodiments, there is either a single valve module, or in the embodiment ofFIG.4, two valve modules. However, in other embodiments, there may be a different number of valve modules.

In the above embodiments, a valve module comprises six inlets and six multifurcating conduits. However, in other embodiments, the valve module comprises a different number of inlets and multifurcating conduits other than six.

In the above embodiments, each multifurcating conduit comprises two gate valves, one on each branch. However, in other embodiments, a multifurcating conduit comprises a different number of gate valves other than two. In some embodiments, a multifurcating conduit comprises a single valve (e.g. a three-way valve) operable to direct fluid flow along a select branch on the multifurcating conduit. In some embodiments, multiple gate valves are arranged along each branch. In some embodiments, a multifurcating conduit comprises more than two branches, each of which may include a respective one or more gate valves.

In the above embodiments, each multifurcating conduit comprises three manual valves. However, in other embodiments, a multifurcating conduit comprises a different number of manual valves other than three. For example, in some embodiments, the manual valve may be omitted. In some embodiments, a multifurcating conduit comprises more than three manual valves arranged along the multifurcating conduit in any appropriate way.