Substrate processing apparatus and method for detecting clogging of exhaust pipe in substrate processing apparatus

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus including a chamber, a first measuring unit, an exhaust pipe, a regulation valve, an opening degree detection unit, a valve controller, and a clogging detection unit. The chamber accommodates therein a substrate to be processed by using a processing fluid. The first measuring unit measures an internal pressure of the chamber. An exhaust from the chamber flows through the exhaust pipe. The regulation valve regulates an exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe. The opening degree detection unit detects a valve opening degree of the regulation valve. The valve controller controls the valve opening degree of the regulation valve based on a measurement result of the first measuring unit to keep the internal pressure within a specified range. The clogging detection unit detects clogging of the exhaust pipe based on the valve opening degree detected by the opening degree detection unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-136669 filed on Jul. 8, 2015 with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a substrate processing apparatus and a method for detecting clogging of an exhaust pipe in the substrate processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a substrate processing apparatus has been known which performs various processings on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or a compound semiconductor wafer) by using a processing fluid such as, for example, an alkaline processing liquid or an acid processing liquid (see, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-099582).

In the conventional technology, the substrate is accommodated in a chamber to be subject to various processings, and an exhaust pipe is connected to the chamber so as to exhaust the atmosphere of the chamber therethrough.

However, the exhaust flowing through the exhaust pipe may contain components of the processing fluid, and in this case, a product (e.g., a crystal) may be attached to the exhaust pipe thereby causing clogging of the exhaust pipe such as, for example, a reduction of a flow path cross-sectional area of the exhaust pipe. Thus, in the conventional technology, a cleaning processing is periodically performed to wash off the product by supplying a cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe.

SUMMARY

A substrate processing apparatus according to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment includes a chamber, a first measuring unit, an exhaust pipe, a regulation valve, an opening degree detection unit, a valve controller, and a clogging detection unit. The chamber accommodates therein a substrate to be processed by using a processing fluid. The first measuring unit measures an internal pressure of the chamber. The exhaust pipe is connected to the chamber, and an exhaust from the chamber flows through the exhaust pipe. The regulation valve is provided in the exhaust pipe and regulates an exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe. The opening degree detection unit detects a valve opening degree of the regulation valve. The valve controller controls the valve opening degree of the regulation valve based on a result of the measurement of the first measuring unit to keep the internal pressure within a specified range. The clogging detection unit detects clogging of the exhaust pipe based on the valve opening degree detected by the opening degree detection unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the above-described conventional technology, even though the cleaning processing was periodically performed, the occurrence of clogging itself in the exhaust pipe could not be found out. Thus, a technique capable of detecting an occurrence of clogging in the exhaust pipe has been demanded.

An object of an aspect of an exemplary embodiment is to provide a substrate processing apparatus in which an occurrence of clogging in an exhaust pipe can be detected, and a method for detecting clogging of an exhaust pipe in the substrate processing apparatus.

A substrate processing apparatus according to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment includes a chamber, a first measuring unit, an exhaust pipe, a regulation valve, an opening degree detection unit, a valve controller, and a clogging detection unit. The chamber accommodates therein a substrate to be processed by using a processing fluid. The first measuring unit measures an internal pressure of the chamber. The exhaust pipe is connected to the chamber, and an exhaust from the chamber flows through the exhaust pipe. The regulation valve is provided in the exhaust pipe and regulates an exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe. The opening degree detection unit detects a valve opening degree of the regulation valve. The valve controller controls the valve opening degree of the regulation valve based on a result of the measurement of the first measuring unit to keep the internal pressure within a specified range. The clogging detection unit detects clogging of the exhaust pipe based on the valve opening degree detected by the opening degree detection unit.

The substrate processing apparatus further includes a cleaning liquid supply unit configured to supply a cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe, and a cleaning controller configured to control the cleaning liquid supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe when clogging of the exhaust pipe is detected by the clogging detection unit.

The substrate processing apparatus further includes a second measuring unit provided at an upstream side of the exhaust pipe in an exhaust flow direction in comparison with the regulation valve and configured to measure a pressure of the exhaust pipe. The clogging detection unit specifies a clogging occurring site in the exhaust pipe based on the pressure of the exhaust pipe measured by the second measuring unit.

The clogging detection unit specifies that the clogging occurring site is a site of the upstream side in the exhaust flow direction in comparison with the second measuring unit when the pressure of the exhaust pipe measured by the second measuring unit has decreased to be lower than a preset pressure, and specifies that the clogging occurring site is a site of a downstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit when the pressure of the exhaust pipe has increased to be higher than the preset pressure.

The exhaust pipe is disposed such that the site of the downstream side in the exhaust flow direction is positioned vertically above the site of the upstream side, and an upstream cleaning liquid supply unit is provided at the upstream side of the exhaust pipe in comparison with the second measuring unit to supply the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe.

The substrate processing apparatus further includes a substrate holding mechanism disposed within the chamber and configured to hold a substrate, a recovery cup disposed to surround the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism and configured to recover a drainage in a substrate processing, a recovery cup exhaust pipe connected to the recovery cup to allow an exhaust from the recovery cup to flow therethrough, and which joins with the exhaust pipe at the downstream side in the exhaust flow direction, and a third measuring unit provided in the recovery cup exhaust pipe and configured to measure a pressure of the recovery cup exhaust pipe. The clogging detection unit specifies which one of the exhaust pipe and the recovery cup exhaust pipe is the clogging occurring site, based on the pressure of the exhaust pipe measured by the second measuring unit and the pressure of the recovery cup exhaust pipe measured by the third measuring unit.

Provided is a method for detecting clogging of an exhaust pipe in a substrate processing apparatus including: a chamber configured to accommodate therein a substrate to be processed by using a processing fluid; a first measuring unit configured to measure an internal pressure of the chamber; an exhaust pipe connected to the chamber to allow exhaust from the chamber to flow therethrough; a regulation valve provided in the exhaust pipe and configured to regulate an exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe; an opening degree detection unit configured to detect a valve opening degree of the regulation valve; a valve controller configured to control the valve opening degree of the regulation valve; and a clogging detection unit configured to detect clogging of the exhaust pipe. The method includes: measuring an internal pressure of the chamber by the first measuring unit; detecting a valve opening degree of a regulation valve by the opening degree detection unit; controlling the valve opening degree of the regulation valve by the valve controller based on a measurement result in the internal pressure measuring step to keep the internal pressure within a specified range; and detecting clogging of the exhaust pipe by the clogging detection unit based on the valve opening degree detected by the opening degree detecting step.

The substrate processing apparatus further includes a cleaning liquid supply unit configured to supply a cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe, and a cleaning controller configured to control the cleaning liquid supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe. The above-described method further includes supplying the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe from the cleaning liquid supply unit when clogging of the exhaust pipe is detected by the clogging detection unit.

In the above-described method, the substrate processing apparatus further includes a second measuring unit provided at an upstream side of the exhaust pipe in an exhaust flow direction in comparison with the regulation valve and configured to measure a pressure of the exhaust pipe, and the clogging detection unit specifies a clogging occurring site in the exhaust pipe based on the pressure of the exhaust pipe measured by the second measuring unit.

According to the aspect of the exemplary embodiment, in the substrate processing apparatus, the occurrence of clogging in the exhaust pipe may be detected.

Hereinafter, detailed descriptions will be made on exemplary embodiments of the substrate processing apparatus and the method for detecting clogging of an exhaust pipe in the substrate processing apparatus according to the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

<1. Configuration of Substrate Processing System According to First Exemplary Embodiment>

FIG. 1is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a substrate processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the following, in order to clarify the positional relationship, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis which are orthogonal to each other will be defined. The positive Z-axis direction will be regarded as a vertically upward direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a substrate processing system1includes a carry-in/out station2and a processing station3. The carry-in/out station2and the processing station3are provided adjacent to each other.

The carry-in/out station2is provided with a carrier placing section11and a transfer section12. In the carrier placing section11, a plurality of carriers C are placed to accommodate a plurality of substrates, i.e., semiconductor wafers (hereinafter, “wafers W”) in the present exemplary embodiment, horizontally.

The transfer section12is provided adjacent to the carrier placing section11, and provided with a substrate transfer device13and a delivery unit14therein. The substrate transfer device13is provided with a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold the wafer W. Further, the substrate transfer device13is movable horizontally and vertically and pivotable around a vertical axis. The substrate transfer device13transfers the wafers W between the carriers C and the delivery unit14by using the wafer holding mechanism.

The processing station3is provided adjacent to the transfer section12. The processing station3is provided with a transfer section15and a plurality of processing units16. The plurality of processing units16are arranged at both sides of the transfer section15.

The transfer section15is provided with a substrate transfer device17therein. The substrate transfer device17is provided with a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold the wafer W. Further, the substrate transfer device17is movable horizontally and vertically and pivotable around a vertical axis. The substrate transfer device17transfers the wafers W between the delivery unit14and the processing units16by using the wafer holding mechanism.

The processing units16perform a predetermined substrate processing on the wafers W transferred by the substrate transfer device17.

Further, the substrate processing system1is provided with a control device4. The control device4is, for example, a computer, and includes a control unit18and a storage unit19. The storage unit19stores a program that controls various processings performed in the liquid processing system1. The control unit18controls the operations of the liquid processing system1by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit19.

Further, the program may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and installed from the recording medium to the storage unit19of the control device4. The computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, a hard disc (HD), a flexible disc (FD), a compact disc (CD), a magnet optical disc (MO), or a memory card.

In the substrate processing system1configured as described above, the substrate transfer device13of the carry-in/out station2first takes out a wafer W from a carrier C placed in the carrier placing section11, and then, places the taken wafer W on the transfer unit14. The wafer W placed on the transfer unit14is taken out from the transfer unit14by the substrate transfer device17of the processing station3, and carried into a processing unit16.

The wafer W carried into the processing unit16is processed by the processing unit16, and then, carried out from the processing unit16and placed on the delivery unit14by the substrate transfer device17. After the processing of placing the wafer W on the delivery unit14, the wafer W returns to the carrier C of the carrier placing section11by the substrate transfer device13.

Next, a schematic configuration of the processing unit16of the substrate processing system1will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of the processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the processing unit16is provided with a chamber20, a substrate holding mechanism30, a processing fluid supply unit40, and a recovery cup50.

The chamber20accommodates the substrate holding mechanism30, the processing fluid supply unit40, and the recovery cup50. A fan filter unit (FFU)21is provided on the ceiling of the chamber20. The FFU21forms a downflow within the chamber20.

The substrate holding mechanism30is provided with a holding unit31, a support unit32, and a driving unit33. The holding unit31holds the wafer W horizontally. The support unit32is a vertically extending member, and has a base end portion supported rotatably by the driving unit33and a tip end portion supporting the holding unit31horizontally. The driving unit33rotates the support unit32around the vertical axis. The substrate holding mechanism30rotates the support unit32by using the driving unit33, so that the holding unit31supported by the support unit32is rotated, and hence, the wafer W held in the holding unit31is rotated.

The processing fluid supply unit40supplies a processing fluid onto the wafer W. The processing fluid supply unit40is connected to a processing fluid supply source70.

The recovery cup50is disposed to surround the holding unit31, and collects the processing liquid scattered from the wafer W by the rotation of the holding unit31. A drain port51is formed on the bottom of the recovery cup50, and the processing liquid collected by the recovery cup50is discharged from the drain port51to the outside of the processing unit16. Further, an exhaust port52is formed on the bottom of the recovery cup50to discharge a gas supplied from the FFU21to the outside of the processing unit16.

<2. Specific Configuration of Processing Unit>

Next, the configuration of the processing unit16will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary specific configuration of the processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, an inert gas supply source23is connected to the FFU21through a valve22. The FFU21feeds an inert gas (e.g., N2gas) supplied from the inert gas supply source23into the chamber20. In addition, the FFU21may feed air cleaned by an ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter into the chamber20.

A holding member311is provided on the top surface of the holding unit31provided in the substrate holding mechanism30to hold the wafer W from the lateral side of the wafer W. The wafer W is horizontally held by the holding member311in a state of being slightly spaced apart from the top surface of the holding unit31.

The processing fluid supply unit40includes a nozzle41, an arm42that supports the nozzle41horizontally, and a pivoting and lifting mechanism43that pivots and lifts the arm42. One end of a pipe (not illustrated) is connected to the nozzle41, and the other end thereof is branched into a plurality of pipes. An alkali-based processing liquid supply source70a,an acid-based processing liquid supply source70b, an organic-based processing liquid supply source70c,and a DIW supply source70dare connected to the ends of the branched pipes, respectively. Further, valves60ato60dare provided between the respective supply sources70ato70dand the nozzle41.

The processing fluid supply unit40supplies an alkali-based processing liquid, an acid-based processing liquid, an organic-based processing liquid, and DIW (room-temperature pure water) supplied from the supply sources70ato70d, respectively, onto a surface (a surface to be processed) of the wafer W from the nozzle41. As described above, the chamber20accommodates therein the wafer W which is processed by using various kinds of processing liquids.

In the present exemplary embodiment, SC1 (a mixed solution of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and water) is used as the alkali-based processing liquid, hydrofluoric acid (HF) is used as the acid-based processing liquid, and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is used as the organic-based processing liquid. In addition, the acid-based processing liquid, the alkali-based processing liquid, and the organic-based processing liquid are not limited to those described above.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the alkali-based processing liquid, the acid-based processing liquid, and the organic-based processing liquid, and the DIW are supplied from the single nozzle41, but the processing fluid supply unit40may be provided with a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the processing liquids, respectively.

In addition, the processing unit16further includes a recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80. The recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80is used for a cup cleaning processing of cleaning the inner wall of the recovery cup50.

The recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80includes a nozzle81, an arm82that supports the nozzle81, and a pivoting and lifting mechanism83that pivots and lifts the arm82. The nozzle81is connected to a DIW supply source70ethrough a valve60e.This recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80ejects DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70eas a cleaning liquid toward the inner wall of the recovery cup50from the nozzle81so as to clean the recovery cup50.

In addition, the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80is configured to also supply the DIW to an exhaust port52of the recovery cup50. The recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80is also used for a processing of cleaning an exhaust pipe100or a recovery cup exhaust pipe110by supplying the DIW to the exhaust port52, and this will be described later.

Subsequently, the exhaust of the processing unit16will be described. An exhaust port24is formed at the bottom portion of the chamber20to discharge the atmosphere within the chamber20to the outside of the processing unit16. The exhaust pipe100is connected to the exhaust port24of the chamber20, and the exhaust from the chamber20flows through the exhaust pipe100.

In addition, the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is connected to the exhaust port52of the recovery cup50, and the exhaust from the recovery cup50flows through the recovery cup exhaust pipe110. Specifically, one end of the recovery cup exhaust pipe100at the upstream side is connected to the exhaust port52, and the other end thereof at the downstream side is connected to the exhaust pipe100. That is, the recovery cup exhaust pipe110joins with the exhaust pipe100at the downstream side in the exhaust direction.

In addition, in the descriptions herein, terms such as, for example, “upstream” and “downstream” mean “upstream” and “downstream” in the flow direction of the exhaust discharged from, for example, the chamber20or the recovery cup50.

In the processing unit16according to the present exemplary embodiment, a processing on the wafer W is performed by using a processing fluid such as, for example, the above-described acid processing liquid or alkaline processing liquid. When such a processing is performed within the chamber20of the processing unit16, the exhaust flowing through the exhaust pipe100or the recovery cup exhaust pipe110may contain, for example, components of the processing fluid.

When the exhaust contains components of the processing fluid, a product A such as, for example, a crystal may be produced and attached to, for example, the exhaust pipe100. In addition, inFIG. 3, the product attached to the exhaust pipe100is represented by a reference symbol A and exaggeratively illustrated for the convenience of understanding.

When the product A is attached to the exhaust pipe100, clogging such as, for example, a reduction of the flow path cross-sectional area occurs. Hence, the conventional technology implements a removal of the product A by periodically supplying a cleaning liquid to, for example, the exhaust pipe100.

However, in the conventional technology, even though the cleaning processing was periodically performed, the occurrence of clogging itself in the exhaust pipe100could not be found out. Further, since the cleaning was performed even when the product A was absent, the consumption of the cleaning liquid may increase, and a reduction of throughput may be caused by an increase of processing time.

Thus, the substrate processing system1according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured such that the occurrence of clogging in the exhaust pipe100can be detected. Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the substrate processing system1is configured such that a cleaning processing is performed when clogging in the exhaust pipe100is detected, thereby, suppressing the increase of the cleaning liquid consumption or the reduction of throughput. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described in detail.

FIG. 4is a view illustrating an exhaust path of the processing unit16. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the processing station3of the substrate processing system1includes the above-described exhaust pipe100and recovery cup exhaust pipe110, a main exhaust pipe120, and an exhaust switch unit200.

The main exhaust pipe120includes a plurality of individual exhaust pipes121to123, and exhausting is performed for the respective kinds of the processing fluids. Specifically, an alkali-based exhaust discharged from the processing unit16in the use of SC1, an acid-based exhaust discharged from the processing unit16in the use of HF, and an organic-based exhaust discharged from the processing unit16in the use of IPA are required to be discharged individually in view of, for example, suppression of an exhaust pipe contamination. Hence, in the substrate processing system1according to the present exemplary embodiment, exhaust paths are provided for the alkali-based exhaust, the acid-based exhaust, and the organic-based exhaust, respectively.

Specifically, in the main exhaust pipe120, the individual exhaust pipe121is an exhaust pipe through which the alkali-based exhaust flows, the individual exhaust pipe122is an exhaust pipe through which the acid-based exhaust flows, and the individual exhaust pipe123is an exhaust pipe through which the organic-based exhaust flows. Exhaust mechanisms131to133are provided in the individual exhaust pipes121to123, respectively. As the exhaust mechanisms131to133, suction devices such as, for example, pumps may be used. In addition, the individual exhaust pipes121to123according to the present exemplary embodiment are arranged such that at least portions thereof are positioned vertically above the processing unit16.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the substrate processing system1is provided with the exhaust mechanisms131to133. However, the substrate processing system1is not limited thereto. That is, the substrate processing system1may be configured such that exhaust mechanisms (not illustrated) are installed in a plant where the substrate processing system1is to be provided, and the individual exhaust pipes121to123are connected to the exhaust mechanisms.

The exhaust pipe100is disposed to guide the exhaust from the processing unit16to the main exhaust pipe120. Specifically, the exhaust pipe100includes a descending portion100athat extends downwardly from the exhaust port24of the chamber20of the processing unit (seeFIG. 3), a horizontal portion100bthat is provided at the downstream side of the descending portion100aand extends horizontally, and an ascending portion100cthat is provided at the downstream side of the horizontal portion100band extends vertically upwardly.

In addition, the downstream side of the ascending portion100cis connected to the portion of the main exhaust pipe120, which is disposed above the processing unit16, through the exhaust switch unit200. Accordingly, the exhaust pipe100is disposed such that the site of the downstream side in the exhaust flow direction is positioned vertically above the site of the upstream side. In addition, the above-described recovery cup exhaust pipe110is connected to the horizontal portion100bof the exhaust pipe100.

The exhaust switch unit200includes branched pipes that connect the downstream side of the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100to the individual exhaust pipes121to123, respectively, and valves201to203are provided in the branched pipes. Accordingly, the valves201to203are controlled by the control device4(seeFIG. 3) depending on a kind of the processing fluid being used within the processing unit16, and therefore, the alkali-based exhaust, the acid-based exhaust, and the organic-based exhaust are discharged through their corresponding individual exhaust pipes121to123. In addition, inFIG. 4, the flow of the exhaust discharged from the processing unit16is represented by a white arrow B.

In addition, a drain unit300is provided at the lowest position of the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100to discharge the liquid within the exhaust pipe100to the outside. In addition, inFIG. 4, the drain unit300and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110are represented by double lines so as to be discriminated from the exhaust pipe100. In addition, the position where the drain unit300is provided, in the exhaust pipe100, is not limited to the illustrated example and may be another position such as, for example, a midway position of the horizontal portion100bor the lowest position of the descending portion100.

The processing unit16further includes a regulation valve150, first and second measuring units161and162, an upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, and a downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280. The regulation valve150is provided in, for example, the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100. The regulation valve150is, for example, a butterfly type exhaust damper, and an opening degree thereof is controlled by the control unit18of the control device4(seeFIG. 1) so that the exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe100is regulated. This regulation of the exhaust volume will be described later.

An opening degree detection unit151is provided in the regulation valve150to detect the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150. As the opening degree detection unit151, for example, a rotary encoder may be used, and the opening degree detection unit151outputs a signal indicating the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150to the control device4.

The first measuring unit161is provided in, for example, the chamber20. The first measuring unit161always measures an internal pressure P1of the chamber20and outputs a signal indicating a measuring result to the control device4.

The second measuring unit162is provided in the exhaust pipe100. Specifically, the second measuring unit162is provided at the upstream side of the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the regulation valve150. The second measuring unit162measures a pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100, exactly, a pressure P2at a position of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the regulation valve150, and outputs a signal indicating a measurement result to the control device4. As the first and second measuring units161and162, for example, pressure sensors may be used.

The upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180is provided at the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, and supplies the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe100. Specifically, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180is provided with a nozzle181disposed at a position directed toward the inside of the exhaust pipe100. For the simplification of illustration,FIG. 4schematically represents the nozzle181in a square.

The nozzle181is connected to a DIW supply source70gthrough a valve60g.The upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180ejects the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70gas the cleaning liquid toward the inside of the exhaust pipe100from the nozzle181, so as to clean the inside of the exhaust pipe100, exactly, the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162. This processing of cleaning the exhaust pipe100will be descried later.

The downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280is provided at the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, for example, at the site of the downstream side in comparison with the regulation valve150, and supplies the cleaning liquid into the exhaust pipe100. Specifically, the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280is provided with a nozzle281disposed at a position directed toward the inside of the exhaust pipe100. For the simplification of illustration,FIG. 4schematically represents the nozzle281in a square.

The nozzle281is connected to a DIW supply source70hthrough a valve60h.The downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280ejects the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70has the cleaning liquid toward the inside of the exhaust pipe100from the nozzle281, so as to clean the inside of the exhaust pipe100, exactly, the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162. This processing of cleaning the exhaust pipe100will be descried later. In addition, the above-described recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80, upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, and downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280are an example of the cleaning liquid supply unit.

As described above, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the second measuring unit162, the regulation valve150, and the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280are provided in the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100in this order from the upstream side. In addition, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180and the second measuring unit162are required to be positioned relatively close to each other.

In the processing unit16configured as described above, for example, the regulation valve150, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280, and the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80are controlled by the control device4.

<3. Specific Configuration of Control Device>

Next, the control device4will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a block diagram of the control device4.FIG. 5represents the components required to describe the present exemplary embodiment in functional blocks and omits descriptions of common components.

In other words, each of the components illustrated inFIG. 5is functionally conceptual, and is not necessarily required to be configured physically as illustrated therein. For example, concrete forms of distribution or integration of the individual functional blocks are not limited to those illustrated, and all or some of the functional blocks may be configured to be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units depending on, for example, various loads or use conditions.

In addition, all or some of the processing functions performed in the individual functional blocks may be implemented by a processor such as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a program analyzed and executed by the processor, or by hardware using a wired logic.

First, as described above, the control device4includes the control unit18and the storage unit19(seeFIG. 1). The control unit18is, for example, a CPU, and reads and executes a program (not illustrated) stored in the storage unit19so as to function as, for example, the individual functional blocks18ato18cillustrated inFIG. 5. Subsequently, the individual functional blocks18ato18cwill be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the control unit18includes, for example, a valve controller18a,a clogging detection unit18b,and a cleaning controller18c.In addition, the storage unit19stores specified range information19a,opening degree information19b,first pressure information19c,and cleaning control information19d.

A signal, which indicates the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150detected by the opening degree detection unit151and the internal pressure P1of the chamber20measured by the first measuring unit161, is input to the valve controller18a.Then, the valve controller18aperforms a feedback control for the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150, based on the measurement result of the first measuring unit161, so as to keep the internal pressure P1of the chamber20within a specified range.

In addition, the specified range is specified in advance within a range of a negative pressure in order to suppress the atmosphere within, for example, the chamber20from being leaked to the outside, and stored as the specified range information19ain the storage unit19.

A signal, which indicates the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150and the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100measured by the second measuring unit162, is input to the clogging detection unit18b.Then, the clogging detection unit18bdetects clogging of the exhaust pipe100based on the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150and the pressure P2, and specifies a clogging occurring site when clogging is detected.

More specifically, the clogging detection unit18bdetects clogging of the exhaust pipe100when the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150becomes a preset opening degree or higher. That is, as described above, the regulation valve150is controlled to keep the internal pressure P1of the chamber20within the specified range. Thus, when a product A is attached to, for example, the exhaust pipe100so that the flow path cross-sectional area is reduced, the volume of the exhaust flowing through the exhaust pipe100is reduced. Then, in the regulation valve150, the valve body is controlled in a direction that the valve body is opened, that is, the valve body is controlled to increase the valve opening degree, in order to keep the internal pressure P1of the chamber20.

Thus, in the clogging detection unit18baccording to the present exemplary embodiment, when the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150increases to become the preset opening degree or higher, it is estimated that a product A is being attached to the inside of the exhaust pipe100, and clogging is detected. As described above, in the clogging detection unit18baccording to the present exemplary embodiment, the occurrence of clogging in, for example, the exhaust pipe100may be easily detected based on the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150. Further, even when a product A is attached to, for example, the exhaust pipe100, the internal pressure P1of the chamber20is kept within the specified range, and hence, the processing of the wafer W is not affected.

In addition, the above-described preset opening degree is set to a valve opening degree obtained through a test which conducts a feedback control of the regulation valve150in a state in which clogging occurs in, for example, the exhaust pipe100. The set valve opening degree is stored as the opening degree information19bin the storage unit19.

In the above descriptions, as the condition for the clogging detection by the clogging detection unit18, clogging is detected in the case where the valve opening degree becomes the preset opening degree or higher. However, the condition is not limited thereto. That is, clogging may be detected in other cases such as, for example, in a case where the valve opening degree is beyond the preset opening degree range or in a case where the variation width or rate of the valve opening degree is equal to or larger than a preset value.

Subsequently, specifying the clogging occurring site as performed by the clogging detection unit18bwill be described with reference toFIG. 4as well. Based on the variation of the pressure P2as the measurement result of the second measuring unit162, the clogging detection unit18bspecifies whether the clogging occurring site in the exhaust pipe100is the site of the upstream side or the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

Specifically, once the clogging detection unit18bdetects the clogging of the exhaust pipe100when the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150becomes the preset opening degree or higher, the clogging detection unit18b,then, measures the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100by the second measuring unit162.

Then, when the measured pressure P2has decreased to be lower than a first preset pressure, the clogging detection unit18bestimates that the decrease is attributed to the reduction of the flow path cross-sectional area in the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, and specifies that the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

In addition, the first pressure is set to a value of the pressure P2measured when no clogging occurs in the exhaust pipe100, and the first set pressure is stored in advance as the first pressure information19cin the storage unit19.

Meanwhile, when the measured pressure P2has increased to be higher than the first pressure, the clogging detection unit18bestimates that the increase is attributed to the reduction of the flow path cross-sectional area in the site of the downstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, and specifies that the clogging occurring site is the site of the downstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

As described above, in the clogging detection unit18baccording to the present exemplary embodiment, the clogging occurring site may be easily specified based on the measurement result of the second measuring unit162. Specifically, in the clogging detection unit18baccording to the present exemplary embodiment, it may be easily specified whether the clogging occurring site is the upstream side or the downstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, by determining whether the pressure P2as the measurement result of the second measuring unit162has decreased to be lower than the first pressure.

In addition, the substrate processing system1includes a notification unit210, and when clogging is detected, the clogging detection unit18bnotifies a user of the clogging through the notification unit210. As the notification unit210, for example, a display or a buzzer may be used, and when clogging is detected, for example, displaying or buzzer sounding which indicates the occurrence of the clogging is performed.

Subsequently, the cleaning processing for the exhaust pipe100or the recovery cup exhaust pipe110will be described. When the clogging detection unit18bdetects clogging and specifies the clogging occurring site, the clogging detection unit18boutputs, to the cleaning controller18c,a signal indicating a clogging state such as, for example, the specified clogging occurring site, the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150, or the pressure P2.

When the signal indicating the clogging state is input, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing according to the clogging state. Specifically, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing according to the cleaning control information19dstored in the storage unit19. In addition, the cleaning control information19dis information that associates the clogging occurring site with one of the cleaning liquid supply units80,180, and280which may appropriately clean the clogging occurring site.

For example, when the clogging occurring site is the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing by using the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180and the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80.

That is, the cleaning controller18copens the valve60gand the valve60e(seeFIG. 4) at a preset time. As a result, as represented by a solid line arrow D1inFIG. 4, the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70gis ejected from the nozzle181to be introduced into the exhaust pipe100. Further, as represented by a dashed line arrow D2inFIG. 4, the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70eis ejected from the nozzle81to be introduced into the exhaust pipe100through the recovery cup exhaust pipe110. In addition, it is assumed that the nozzle81is controlled in advance by the cleaning controller18cto be directed toward the exhaust port52of the recovery cup50(seeFIG. 3).

Accordingly, while washing off the product A attached to the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162or the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, the DIW is discharged to the outside through the drain unit300so that the product A in, for example, the exhaust pipe100may be removed.

In addition, for example, when the clogging occurring site is the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing by using the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280.

That is, the cleaning controller18copens the valve60hat a preset time. As a result, as represented by an alternate long and short dashed line arrow D3inFIG. 4, the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70his ejected from the nozzle281to be introduced into the exhaust pipe100.

Accordingly, while washing off the product A attached to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the DIW is discharged to the outside through the drain unit300so that the product A of the exhaust pipe100may be removed.

As described above, in the cleaning controller18caccording to the present exemplary embodiment, when clogging in, for example, the exhaust pipe100is detected by the clogging detection unit18b,at least one of the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280is controlled to perform the cleaning processing. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, an unnecessary cleaning processing is hardly performed so that the increase of the cleaning liquid consumption or the reduction of throughput may be suppressed.

In addition, in the cleaning controller18c,the cleaning liquid supply unit to perform the cleaning processing is switched among the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280depending on the clogging occurring site specified by the clogging detection unit18b.Therefore, it becomes possible to perform the cleaning processing only at a portion required to be subject to the cleaning processing so that the cleaning liquid consumption may be reduced, and the maintenance time is also reduced, thereby, improving the throughput.

In addition, as described above, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180is disposed relatively close to the second measuring unit162. Therefore, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180may supply the cleaning liquid over the wide range of the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, compared to a case where the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180is disposed relatively distant from the second measuring unit162, so that the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162may be effectively cleaned.

<4. Specific Operation of Substrate Processing System>

Next, the clogging detection processing performed in the above-described substrate processing system1will be described. Here, prior to describing the clogging detection processing, a series of substrate processings performed in the substrate processing system1according to the present exemplary embodiment and a feedback control of the regulation valve150will be described.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing sequence of substrate processings performed in the substrate processing system1. It is assumed that the series of substrate processings represented inFIG. 6are performed by, for example, a substrate processing performing unit (not illustrated) of the control unit18.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the control unit18first performs a first chemical liquid processing (Step S101). In the first chemical liquid processing, first, the driving unit33rotates the holding unit31so as to rotate the wafer W held in the holding unit31with a preset number of rotations. Subsequently, the control unit18causes the nozzle41of the processing fluid supply unit40to be disposed above the center of the wafer W. Thereafter, the control unit18opens the valve60aat a preset time so as to cause the SC1 supplied from the alkali-based processing liquid supply source70ato be supplied to the processing target surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41. The SC1 supplied to the wafer W is spread over the entire processing target surface of the wafer W by the centrifugal force caused from the rotation of the wafer W. As a result, the processing target surface of the wafer W is processed with the SC1.

Subsequently, the control unit18performs a first rinse processing (Step S102). In the first rinse processing, the control unit18opens the valve60dat a preset time so as to cause the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70dto be supplied to the processing target surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41. As a result, the SC1 remaining on the wafer W is washed off by the DIW.

Subsequently, the control unit18performs a second chemical liquid processing (Step S103). In the second chemical liquid processing, the control unit18opens the valve60bat a preset time so as to cause the HF supplied from the acid-based processing liquid supply source70bto be supplied to the processing target surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41. The HF supplied to the wafer W is spread over the entire processing target surface of the wafer W by the centrifugal force caused from the rotation of the wafer W. As a result, the processing target surface of the wafer W is processed with the HF.

Subsequently, the control unit18performs a second rinse processing (Step S104). In the second rinse processing, the control unit18opens the valve60dat a preset time so as to cause the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70dto be supplied to the processing target surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41. As a result, the HF remaining on the wafer W is washed off by the DIW.

Subsequently, the control unit18performs a dry processing (Step S105). In the dry processing, the control unit18opens the valve60cat a preset time so as to cause the IPA supplied from the organic-based supply source70cto be supplied to the processing target surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41. The IPA supplied to the wafer W is spread over the entire processing target surface of the wafer W by the centrifugal force caused from the rotation of the wafer W. As a result, the DIW remaining on the processing target surface of the wafer W is replaced with the IPA having higher volatility than that of the DIW. Thereafter, the control unit18dries the wafer W by accelerating the rotation speed of the wafer W to shake off the IPA on the wafer W.

In the substrate processing system1, the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150is controlled such that the internal pressure P1of the chamber20is kept within a preset specified range.FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a feedback control performed in the substrate processing system1. Here, it is assumed that the feedback control is performed in parallel with the substrate processings.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the valve controller18aof the control unit18detects the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150by using the detection unit151(Step S201). Subsequently, the valve controller18ameasures the internal pressure P1of the chamber20by the first measuring unit161(Step S202). Subsequently, the valve controller18acontrols the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150such that the internal pressure P1of the chamber20is kept within the specified range (Step S203). The processings of Step S201to S203are performed repeatedly.

Next, the clogging detection and the cleaning processing in, for example, the exhaust pipe100will be described with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing, performed in the substrate processing system1, of detecting an occurrence of clogging of, for example, the exhaust pipe100and cleaning, for example, the exhaust pipe100.

The clogging detection unit18bof the control unit18determines whether the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150is the preset opening degree or higher (Step S301). When it is determined that the valve opening degree is less than the preset opening degree (No of Step S301), the clogging detection unit18bends the current processing. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the valve opening degree is the preset opening degree or higher (Yes of Step S301), the clogging detection unit18bperforms the processing after Step S302to specify a clogging occurring site since it is estimated that clogging has occurred in, for example, the exhaust pipe100.

Specifically, the clogging detection unit18bmeasures the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100by the second measuring unit162(Step S302). Subsequently, the clogging detection unit18bdetermines whether the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100has decreased to be lower than the first pressure (Step S303).

When it is determined that the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100has decreased to be lower than the first pressure (Yes of Step S303), the clogging detection unit18bspecifies the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162as a clogging occurring site (Step S304)

Meanwhile, when it is determined that the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100has not decreased to be lower than the first pressure (No of Step S303), that is, when it is determined that the pressure P2is increasing, the clogging detection unit18bspecifies the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162as a clogging occurring site (Step S305).

Subsequently, the clogging detection unit18bnotifies a user of the clogging occurring site specified in Steps S304and S305through the notification unit210(Step S306).

Then, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing of the exhaust pipe100depending on the clogging occurring site. In addition, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing of the exhaust pipe100after the above-described substrate processings are ended, and the wafer W is carried out from the processing unit16. The timing for the cleaning processing of the exhaust pipe100is not limited thereto. That is, the feedback control, the clogging detection, and the cleaning processing may be performed, for example, during a standby time when the wafer W is not processed. In this case, the cleaning processing is performed in a case where clogging of the exhaust pipe100is detected.

When the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18coperates the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180and the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80. Accordingly, the DIW is supplied to the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162so that the exhaust pipe100is cleaned (see the arrows D1and D2ofFIG. 4).

In addition, when the clogging occurring site is the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18coperates the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280. Accordingly, the DIW is supplied to the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162so that the exhaust pipe100is cleaned (see the arrow D3ofFIG. 4).

In addition, in the above descriptions, the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280are provided, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. That is, for example, any one of or all the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180, the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280may not be provided such that the cleaning of the exhaust pipe100is performed by a user.

That is, for example, the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280may not be provided. In this case, an inspection port (not illustrated) is provided at an appropriate position of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, and the cleaning by a user is performed from the inspection port.

In addition, as described above, the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280may not be provided, and this is because the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100is disposed vertically above the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100.

That is, the product A contained in the exhaust flowing through the exhaust pipe100is attached to the exhaust pipe100at the upstream side thereof in comparison with the second measuring unit162prior to arriving at the downstream side of the measuring unit162, or drops from the ascending portion100cof the exhaust pipe100to be discharged from the drain unit300.

Hence, the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280may not be provided at the downstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162to which the product A is hardly attached. Thus, the configuration of the substrate processing system1may be simplified, and a cost reduction may be implemented.

As described above, the substrate processing system1according to the first exemplary embodiment (an example of the substrate processing apparatus) includes the first measuring unit161, the exhaust pipe100, the regulation valve150, the opening degree detection unit151, the valve controller18a,and the clogging detection unit18b. The chamber20accommodates therein the wafer W to be processed by using a processing fluid. The first measuring unit161measures the internal pressure P1of the chamber20. The exhaust pipe20is connected to the chamber20, and the exhaust from the chamber20flows through the exhaust pipe100. The regulation valve150is provided in the exhaust pipe100, and regulates the exhaust volume of the exhaust pipe100.

The opening degree detection unit151detects the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150. The valve controller18acontrols the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150based on the measurement result of the first measuring unit161so as to keep the internal pressure P1within a specified range. The clogging detection unit18bdetects clogging of the exhaust pipe100based on the valve opening degree detected by the opening degree detection unit151. Accordingly, an occurrence of clogging in the exhaust pipe100may be easily detected.

<5. Configuration of Substrate Processing System According to Second Exemplary Embodiment>

Subsequently, a substrate processing system1according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described. In the following descriptions, portions identical to the already described portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals as used for the already described portions, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

In the second exemplary embodiment, a pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is measured, and it is specified which one of the exhaust pipe100and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is the clogging occurring site, based on, for example, the measured pressure P3.

More specifically, the processing unit16according to the second exemplary embodiment further includes a chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90and a third measuring unit163as represented by an imaginary line inFIG. 3.

The chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90is used for a chamber cleaning processing of cleaning the inner wall of the chamber20. The chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90includes a nozzle91, an arm92that supports the nozzle91, and a pivoting and lifting mechanism93that pivots and lifts the arm92.

The nozzle91is connected to a DIW supply source70fthrough a valve60f. This chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90ejects DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70fas a cleaning liquid toward the inner wall of the chamber20from the nozzle91so as to clean the chamber20.

In addition, the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90is configured to also supply the DIW to the exhaust port24of the chamber20. The chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90is also used for the processing of cleaning the exhaust pipe100by supplying the DIW to the exhaust port24, and this will be described later. In addition, the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90is an example of the cleaning liquid supply unit.

The third measuring unit163is provided in the recovery cup exhaust pipe110and measures the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110. The third measuring unit163outputs a signal indicating a measurement result to the control device4. In addition, as the third measuring unit163, for example, a pressure sensor may be used.

In the processing unit16configured as described above, the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90is also controlled by the control device4. That is, as represented by an imaginary line inFIG. 5, a signal indicating the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110measured by the third measuring unit163, in addition to the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150and the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100, is input to the clogging detection unit18b.

Then, the clogging detection unit18bdetects clogging of the exhaust pipe100and specifies a clogging occurring site based on the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150and the pressures P2and P3. Specifically, as described above, when the pressure P2has decreased to be lower than the first pressure, the clogging detection unit18bspecifies that the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

Here, the “site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162” includes the exhaust pipe100and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110extending from the chamber20to the second measuring unit162.

Thus, in the clogging detection unit18baccording to the second exemplary embodiment, when it is specified that the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, it is further specified which one of the exhaust pipe100and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110extending from the chamber20to the second measuring unit162is the clogging occurring site.

Specifically, when it is specified that the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the clogging detection unit18bmeasures the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110by the third measuring unit163. Then, when the measured pressure P3has decreased to be lower than a second pressure, the clogging detection unit18bestimates that the decrease is attributed to the reduction of the flow path cross-sectional area in the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, and specifies that the clogging occurring site is the recovery cup exhaust pipe110.

In addition, the second pressure is set to a value of the pressure P3measured when no clogging occurs in the exhaust pipe100, and the second set pressure is stored in advance as the first pressure information19ein the storage unit19.

Meanwhile, when the pressure P3has not decreased to be lower than the second pressure, that is, when the pressure P3is identical or substantially identical to the second pressure or has increased, the clogging detection unit18bestimates that the flow path cross-sectional area in the exhaust pipe100extending from the chamber20to the second measuring unit162has been reduced. That is, the clogging detection unit18bspecifies that the clogging occurring site is the exhaust pipe100extending from the chamber20to the second measuring unit162, excluding the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, in the site of the upstream side in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, it may be easily specified which one of the exhaust pipe100and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is the clogging occurring site, based on the measurement result of the third measuring unit163.

For example, when the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162and is not the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing by using the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180and the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90.

That is, the cleaning controller18copens the valve60gand the valve60f(seeFIG. 4) at a preset time. As a result, as represented by the arrow D1inFIG. 4, the DIW is introduced into the exhaust pipe100, and as represented by an alternate long and two short dashed line arrow D4inFIG. 4, the DIW supplied from the DIW supply source70fis ejected from the nozzle91to be introduced into the exhaust pipe100. In addition, it is assumed that the nozzle91is controlled in advance by the cleaning controller18cto be directed toward the exhaust port24of the chamber20(seeFIG. 3).

Accordingly, while washing off the product A attached to the exhaust pipe100, the DIW is discharged to the outside through the drain unit300so that the product A of the exhaust pipe100may be removed.

In addition, for example, when it is specified that the clogging occurring site is the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing by using the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80.

That is, the cleaning controller18copens the valve60e(seeFIG. 4) at a preset time. As a result, as represented by the arrow D2inFIG. 4, the DIW is introduced into the recovery cup exhaust pipe110. In addition, it is assumed that the nozzle81is controlled in advance by the cleaning controller18cto be directed toward the exhaust port52of the recovery cup50(seeFIG. 3).

Accordingly, while washing off the product A attached to the recovery cup exhaust pipe110, the DIW is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe100and the drain unit300so that the product A of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110may be removed.

<6. Specific Operation of Substrate Processing System According to Second Exemplary Embodiment>

Next, the clogging detection and the cleaning processing in, for example, the exhaust pipe100according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing, performed in the substrate processing system1according to the second exemplary embodiment, of detecting an occurrence of clogging of, for example, the exhaust pipe100and cleaning, for example, the exhaust pipe100. InFIG. 9, since the processings of Steps S401to S403are identical to the above-described processings of S301to S303, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, when it is determined that the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100has not decreased to be lower than the first pressure (No of Step S403), the clogging detection unit18bspecifies that the clogging occurring site is the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162.

Meanwhile, when it is determined that the pressure P2of the exhaust pipe100has decreased to be lower than the first pressure (Yes of Step S403), the clogging detection unit18bsubsequently measures the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110by the third measuring unit163(Step S405).

Subsequently, the clogging detection unit18bdetermines whether the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110has decreased to be lower than the second pressure (Step S406). When it is determined that the pressure P3has not decreased to be lower than the second pressure (No of Step S406), the clogging detection unit18bspecifies that the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, excluding the recovery cup exhaust pipe110(Step S407).

Subsequently, the clogging detection unit18bnotifies a user of the clogging occurring site specified in Steps S404and S407through the notification unit210(Step S408).

Then, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing of the exhaust pipe100depending on the clogging occurring site (Step S409). Specifically, when the clogging occurring site is the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18coperates the upstream cleaning liquid supply unit180and the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90. Accordingly, the DIW is supplied to the site of the upstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162so that the exhaust pipe100is cleaned (see the arrows D1and D4ofFIG. 4).

In addition, when the clogging occurring site is the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162, the cleaning controller18coperates the downstream cleaning liquid supply unit280. Accordingly, the DIW is supplied to the site of the downstream side of the exhaust pipe100in comparison with the second measuring unit162so that the exhaust pipe100is cleaned (see the arrow D3ofFIG. 4).

Meanwhile, when it is determined that the pressure P3has decreased to be lower than the second pressure (Yes of Step S406), the clogging detection unit18bspecifies the recovery cup exhaust pipe110as the clogging occurring site (Step S410).

Subsequently, the clogging detection unit18bnotifies a user of the effect that the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is the clogging occurring site, through the notification unit210(Step S411).

Then, the cleaning controller18cperforms the cleaning processing of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110(Step S412). Specifically, the cleaning controller18coperates the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80. Accordingly, the DIW is supplied into the recovery cup exhaust pipe110so that the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is cleaned (see the arrow D2ofFIG. 4).

As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, the pressure P3of the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is measured, and it is specified which one of the exhaust pipe100and the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is the clogging occurring site, based on, for example, the measured pressure P3. Thus, when clogging occurs in, for example, the exhaust pipe100, the clogging occurring site may be easily specified.

In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, the DIW to be supplied to the exhaust pipe100or the recovery cup exhaust pipe110is ejected from the nozzle81of the recovery cup cleaning liquid supply unit80or the nozzle91of the chamber cleaning liquid supply unit90, but is not limited thereto. That is, for example, the nozzle41may be configured to move to be positioned above the exhaust port24or the exhaust port52to eject the DIW such that the DIW is supplied from the nozzle41into the exhaust pipe100or the recovery cup exhaust pipe110.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the attachment of the product A is described as an example of the clogging occurring in the exhaust pipe100, but the clogging is not limited thereto. That is, for example, a deterioration of the exhaust pipe100, a malfunction of the regulation valve150, or clogging of a filter (not illustrated) may be detected as the clogging of the exhaust pipe100.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150is detected by using the encoder as the opening degree detection unit151, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the valve opening degree may be detected based on, for example, a command value output to the regulation valve150from the valve controller18a.

In addition, the above-described cleaning control information19dmay include time for the cleaning processing. That is, since the signal indicating the clogging state includes the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150and the pressures P2and P3, time for the cleaning processing may be set depending on the extent of, for example, the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150, and the set time for the cleaning processing may be stored in advance as the cleaning control information19din the storage unit19.

Specifically, for example, when the valve opening degree of the regulation valve150is far higher than the preset opening degree, it is estimated that the amount of the product A is relatively large. Thus, the time for the cleaning processing may be set to be long. In addition, when the pressures P2and P3relatively largely fluctuate in comparison with the first and second pressures, the time for the cleaning processing may be set to be long, for the same reason as described above. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform the cleaning processing for an appropriate time period depending on the amount of the product A attached to the exhaust pipe100so that the product A may be effectively removed.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the first and second pressures are set to the values measured when no clogging occurs in the exhaust pipe100, but are not limited thereto. That is, for example, values when no clogging occurs in the exhaust pipe100may be calculated in advance through, for example, tests, and the values may be stored as the first and second pressures in the storage unit19.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the DIW is supplied from each of the DIW supply sources70d,70e,70f,70g,and70hto each of the nozzles41,81,91,181, and281, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, for example, the DIW may be supplied from a single DIW supply source to the nozzles41,81,91,181, and281through pipes branched from the midway of the single DIW supply source.