Patent Publication Number: US-2022221086-A1

Title: Electrostatic discharge mitigation tubing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/851,962 filed, May 23, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the disclosure are directed electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation tubing that may be used, for example, in fluid handling systems, and more specifically, for use in ultra-pure fluid handling systems needing electrostatic discharge mitigation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fluid handling systems offering high purity standards have many uses in advanced technology applications. These applications include processing and manufacturing of solar panels, flat panel displays, and in the semiconductor industry for applications such as photolithography, bulk chemical delivery, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), wet etch, and cleaning. Certain chemicals used in these applications are particularly corrosive, precluding the use of some conventional fluid handling technology because of possible corrosion of the fluid handling components and leaching of chemicals into the environment. 
     In order to meet the corrosion resistance and purity requirements for such applications, fluid handling systems provide tubing, fittings, valves, and other elements, that are made from inert polymers. These inert polymers may include, but are not limited to, fluoropolymers such as tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer (PFA), ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymer (EFEP), and fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer (FEP). In addition to providing a non-corrosive and inert construction, many fluoropolymers, such as PFA, are injection moldable and extrudable. Several types of connector fittings, made from such polymers, are available and are known, such as PRIMELOCK® fittings, PILLAR® fittings, flared fittings, and other fittings. Exemplary fittings, for example, are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,154,453; 6,409,222; 6,412,832; 6,601,879; 6,758,104; and 6,776,440. 
     Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is an important technical issue for fluid handling systems in the semiconductor industry and in other technology applications. Frictional contact between fluids and surfaces of various operational components (e.g. tubing or piping, valves, fittings, filters, etc.) in the fluid system can result in generation and buildup of static electrical charges. The extent of charge generation depends on various factors including, but not limited to, the nature of the components and the fluid, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, electrical conductivity of the fluid, pathways to ground, turbulence and shear in liquids, presence of air in the fluid, and surface area. These properties, and ways to mitigate the undesired static electrical charge caused by these properties, are discussed and reported in NFPA 77, “Recommended Practice on Static Electricity”, pp. 77-1 to 77-67, 2014. 
     Further, as the fluid flows through the system, the charge can be carried downstream in a phenomenon called a streaming charge, where charge may buildup beyond where the charge originated. Sufficient charge accumulations can cause ESD at the tubing or pipe walls, component surfaces, or even onto substrates or wafers at various process steps. 
     In some applications, semiconductor substrates or wafers are highly sensitive to static electrical charges and such ESD can result in damage or destruction of the substrate or wafer. For example, circuits on the substrate can be destroyed and photoactive compounds can be activated prior to regular exposure due to uncontrolled ESD. Additionally, built up static charge can discharge from within the fluid handling system to the exterior environment, potentially damaging components in the fluid handling system (e.g. tubing or piping, fittings, components, containers, filters, etc.), that may lead to leaks, spills of fluid in the system, and diminished performance of components. In these situations, such discharge, may lead to potential fire or explosion when flammable, toxic and/or corrosive fluids are used in the compromised fluid handling system. 
     It is desirable to improve ESD mitigation in ultra-pure fluid handling systems for improved component performance and reduction in potentially damaging ESD events. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more embodiments of this disclosure are related to electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation tubing. In one or more embodiments, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation tubing includes a porous, non-conductive polymer interior surface and an adjacent conductive polymer that transfers electrostatic charge to ground from a charged fluid passing through the tubing. 
     In some embodiments, the porous interior surface is foam layer, a perforated layer, a layer comprising apertures, or a layer comprising charge transfer conduits. In these embodiments, the porous interior surface comprises apertures, holes, channels, fluid passages, charge transfer conduits, or other types of porosity, apertures or perforations. 
     In certain embodiments, the porous, non-conductive polymer interior surface is a perforated layer of non-conductive polymer on the interior surface of a conductive polymer tubing. 
     In some embodiments, the non-conductive polymer is a fluoropolymer, and the conductive polymer is a conductive perfluoropolymer. 
     In other embodiments, the ESD mitigation tubing further comprises an outer layer of a fluoropolymer. 
     In some embodiments, the porous, non-conductive polymer interior surface is a non-conductive polymer tubing and the conductive polymer comprises one or more stripes of conductive polymer disposed between an interior surface and an exterior surface of the non-conductive polymer tubing that transfers electrostatic charge to ground from a charged fluid passing through the tubing. In certain embodiments, the ESD mitigation tubing includes a conductive polymer outer layer in charge transfer contact with the one or more stripes of conductive poly mer. In these embodiments, the stripes maybe linear axial stripes, nonlinear axial stripes, spiral stripes, helical stripes, or other geometries. In these embodiments, the conductive stripes are conductive fluoropolymer stripes. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure include a method of dissipating electrostatic charge with the disclosed ESD mitigation tubing comprising passing a fluid through an interior passage of a tubing segment including a non-conductive, porous interior surface and an adjacent conductive portion and transferring electrostatic charge from the tubing segment to ground via the conductive portion. 
     Other embodiments of the disclosure include a fluid circuit for a predetermined fluid flow passageway having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the fluid circuit including a plurality of ESD mitigation tubing segments of any of embodiments described herein and a plurality of operative components. Each operative component includes a body portion with an internal fluid flow passageway and a plurality of tubing connector fittings. Each operative component is connected to each of the plurality of tubing segments at selected tubing connector fittings, the plurality of tubing segments and operative components providing the fluid flow passageway through the fluid circuit. Each tubing segment includes: i) a non-conductive polymer portion defining the fluid passageway; and ii) an one or more conductive portions of conductive fluoropolymer extending axially to ends of each of the respective tubing segments. Each operative component body portion includes a conductive fluoropolymer that extends between each of the plurality of tubing connector fittings, wherein each of the tubing connector fittings conductively connects the respective conductor of the body portion to the one or more conductive portions of the tubing segment. In these embodiments, the plurality of operative components includes any one of a valve, a straight connector, a T-connector, an elbow connector, a multi-connector manifold, a filter, a heat exchanger, a purifier, a degasser, or a sensor, but not limited to these. 
     In certain embodiments, this disclosure provides a fluid circuit for a predetermined fluid flow passageway (such as gases or liquids, or both) having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the fluid circuit comprising a plurality of tubing segments and a plurality of operative components, each operative component comprising a body portion with an internal fluid flow passageway and a plurality of tubing connector fittings, the operative components connecting the plurality of tubing segments at selected tubing connector fittings, the plurality of tubing segments and operative components providing the fluid flow passageway through the fluid circuit; wherein each tubing segment comprises i) a non-conductive polymer portion defining the fluid passageway and ii) one or more conductive fluoropolymer portion extending axially to ends of each of the respective tubing segments, wherein each operative component body portion comprises a conductive fluoropolymer that extends between each of the plurality of tubing connector fittings, and wherein each of the tubing connector fittings conductively connect the respective conductor of the body portion to the conductive fluoropolymer portions of the tubing segment. 
     Other disclosed embodiments include methods of making an electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid circuit for a predetermined fluid flow passageway having at least one inlet and at least one outlet comprising conductively connecting a plurality of tubing segments to a plurality of operative components, each operative component comprising a body portion with an internal fluid flow passageway and a plurality of tubing connector fittings, the operative components connecting the plurality of tubing segments at selected tubing connector fittings, the plurality of tubing segments and operative components providing the fluid flow passageway through the fluid circuit; wherein each tubing segment comprises i) a non-conductive polymer portion defining the fluid passageway and ii) an one or more conductive portions of conductive fluoropolymer that is bonded to and uniform with the non-conductive polymer portion extending axially to ends of each of the respective tubing segments, wherein each body portion comprises an conductive fluoropolymer that extends between each of the plurality of tubing connector fittings, and wherein each of the tubing connector fittings conductively connects the respective conductor of the body portion to the at least one conductive fluoropolymer portion of the tubing segment, and connecting the electrostatic discharge mitigation fluid circuit to ground. 
     In various embodiments, to provide a conductive pathway and fluid passageway through the fluid circuit, the operative components are connected by one or more tubing segments that connect to the components at their respective tubing connector fittings. Suitable operative components include, for example, valves, straight connectors, T-connectors, elbow connectors, multi-connector manifolds, filters, heat exchangers, purifiers, degassers, or sensors, but not limited to these. Suitable sensors may include, for example, flow controllers, regulators, flow meters, pressure meters, or variable area meters. In one or more embodiments, the body portion of the operative components may be bonded to and uniform with a conductive portion extending between the connector fittings and the fluid flow passageway. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of tubing segments each include a non-conductive polymer portion and one or more conductive fluoropolymer portions extending axially with the non-conductive polymer tubing portion. The portions of conductive fluoropolymer of the tubing segment conductively connect to the conductive pathway of the body portion at the tubing connector fittings. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings included in this disclosure illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing having a porous, non-conductive polymer interior surface and adjacent conductive polymer of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing having a porous non-conductive section and conductive polymer stripes of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing having a porous interior non-conductive polymer surface, a conductive polymer core, and an exterior polymer layer of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing having a porous non-conductive section, conductive polymer stripes, and an exterior polymer layer of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing having a porous non-conductive section and interior conductive polymer stripes of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a fluid handling system that uses the ESD mitigation tubing of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a two-way connector component that uses the ESD mitigation tubing of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a three-way connector component that uses the ESD mitigation tubing of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of valve component that uses the ESD mitigation tubing of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The embodiments of this disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, and certain specifics have been shown, for example, in the drawings and will be described in detail. It is understood that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described; the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure reports embodiments of electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation tubing for use with a fluid handling system having a fluid flow passageway from a fluid supply to one or more downstream process stages. Embodiments of this system include a fluid circuit including conductively connected operative components and ESD mitigation tubing segments. Conventional and some ESD mitigation fluid circuits are reported, for example, in International patent application, WO 2017/210293, which is incorporated herein by reference, except for express definitions or patent claims contained therein. 
     ESD Mitigation Tubing 
     Tubing segments in this disclosure typically refer to any flexible or inflexible pipe or tube that is suitable for containing or transporting fluid. According to various embodiments, tubing segments are conductive, providing a conductive pathway along the length of each tubing segment in the fluid circuit. Conductive tubing may be constructed from materials including certain metals; polymeric material filled with a conductive material referred to herein as filled polymers; or intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs). A filled polymer includes a polymer that is filled with a solid conductive material including, but not limited to steel wire, aluminum flakes, nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, or other conductive material. 
     In some instances, the tubing segments are partially conductive. The partially conductive tubing segments can include a main portion constructed from non-conductive or low conductive material and a secondary portion constructed from a conductive material such as disclosed above. Exemplary non-conductive or low conductive materials suitable for the tubing segments include various hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon polymers such as, but not limited to, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, poly urethanes, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyketones, polyureas, polyvinyl resins, polyacrylates, polymethylacrylates and fluoropolymers. In some embodiments, the non-conductive or low conductive material is a fluoropolymer. Exemplary fluoropolymers include, but are not limited to, perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer (PFA), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymer (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), or other suitable polymeric materials. In one embodiment, the fluoropolymer is perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer (PFA). 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing segment  10  defining an interior fluid passageway  12  and including a main non-conductive or low conductive portion  14 , and secondary, conductive portion  16  adjacent to the main portion  14 . In various embodiments the main non-conductive or low conductive portion  14  can include a porous, non-conductive polymer interior surface  15 . In some embodiments, the porous, non-conductive interior surface  15  of the main portion  14  is a foam layer, a perforated layer, a layer comprising apertures, or a layer comprising charge transfer conduits. In some embodiments, the main portion  14  can be formed from a fluoropolymer. For example, in one embodiment, the main portion  14  can be formed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). The secondary, conductive portion  16  can be bonded to and uniform with an outer surface  17  of the main portion  14 , and can be constructed from a conductive polymeric material such as those conductive materials described herein. In some embodiments, the secondary, conductive portion  16  is constructed from a fluoropolymer filed with a conductive material and, more particularly, in certain embodiments, a PFA filled with a conductive material. The conductive material used to fill the PFA includes, but is not limited to, carbon fiber, with nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. The conductive portion  16  can provide a conductive pathway extending between each of the tubing connector fittings described below. Selecting the same polymeric material for the main portion  14  and the conductive portion  16  facilitates bonding between the two portions. However, it is also envisioned that different polymeric materials can be used to form each of the portions  14 ,  16  of the tubing segment  10 . 
     According to one embodiment of making the tubing segment  10 , a conductive perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA) polymer tubing is first extruded with an interior non-conductive fluoropolymer surface. A metal grounding rod is then placed in the interior fluid passageway and a high frequency static generator is attached to the ground rod and an electrostatic discharge is produced at the tip of the grounding rod. The electrostatic discharge generates very round, clean-edged holes in the non-conductive fluoropolymer surface that provided a porous interior non-conductive surface and an adjacent conductive polymer that transfers electrostatic charge to ground from a charged fluid passing through the tubing. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing segment  20  according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The tubing segment  20  shown in  FIG. 2  is partially conductive. Tubing segment  20  defines an interior fluid passageway  22  and includes a non-conductive portion  24  and a conductive portion  26  defined by a plurality of conductive polymer stripes  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  and  26   d , collectively “ 26 ” extending along a length of the tubing segment  20  in a direction along its longitudinal axis. It is generally understood that the number of conductive polymer stripes can vary. The spacing between the conductive polymer stripes may also vary. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  24  is at least partially porous and defines a porous, non-conductive interior surface  27  of the tubing segment  20 . The conductive polymer stripes  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  and  26   d  defining the conductive portion  26  are at least partially disposed adjacent to and in contact with an outer surface  28  of the non-conductive portion  24  and form a least a portion of an exterior  29  of the tubing segment  20 . 
     In various embodiments, the non-conductive portion  24  can be constructed from one of the non-conductive or low conductive materials as described herein. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  24  can be formed from a fluoropolymer. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-conductive portion  24  can be formed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). The conductive stripes  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c ,  26   d  defining the conductive portion  26  can be bonded to and uniform with an outer surface  28  of the non-conductive portion  24 , and can be constructed from a conductive polymeric material such as those conductive polymeric materials described herein. In some embodiments, the conductive portion is constructed from a fluoropolymer filed with a conductive material and, more particularly, in certain embodiments, a PFA filled with a conductive material. The conductive material used to fill the PFA can include, but is not limited to, carbon fiber, with nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing segment  30  according to yet another embodiment of the disclose. Like tubing segment  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , tubing segment  30 , shown in  FIG. 3 , is partially conductive. Tubing segment  30  defines an interior fluid passageway  32  and includes non-conductive portion  34 , a conductive portion  36 , and an exterior portion  38 . In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  34 , the conductive portion  36 , and the exterior portion  38  are formed as individual layers. In some cases, the layers can be co-extruded. 
     In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  34  is at least partially porous and defines a porous, non-conductive interior surface  37  of the tubing segment  30 . In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  34  is a foam layer, a perforated layer, a layer comprising apertures, or a layer comprising charge transfer conduits. The non-conductive portion  34  can be constructed from one of the non-conductive or low conductive materials as described herein. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  34  can be formed from a fluoropolymer. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-conductive portion  34  can be formed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). 
     The conductive portion  36  can be disposed adjacent to and in contact with an outer surface  39  of the non-conductive portion  34  such that the conductive portion  36  extends along a length of the tubing segment  30  in a direction along its longitudinal axis. The conductive portion  36  can be provided as one or more layers and can be constructed from a conductive material such as those conductive materials described herein. In some embodiments, the conductive portion  36  is constructed from a fluoropolymer filed with a conductive material and, more particularly, in certain embodiments, a PFA filled with a conductive material. The conductive material used to fill the PFA can includes, but is not limited to, carbon fiber, with nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. 
     The exterior portion  38  can be formed from a non-conductive polymer that is the same or different than what is used to form either the non-conductive portion  34  or the conductive portion  36 . In some cases, the exterior portion  38  is also partially conductive. 
     The various portions  34 ,  36 , and  38  can be formed by sequentially extruding one portion over the other. In one embodiment, at least two of the portions can be co-extruded together depending on the materials selected for each portion. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing segment  40  according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4 , tubing segment defines an interior fluid passageway  42  and includes a non-conductive portion  44 , a conductive portion  47  defined by conductive polymer stripes  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d , and an exterior polymer layer  48 . It is generally understood that the number of conductive polymer stripes  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  can vary. The spacing between the conductive polymer stripes  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  may also vary. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  44  is at least partially porous and defines a porous, non-conductive interior surface  49  of the tubing segment  40 . The conductive polymer stripes  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  defining the conductive portion  47  are at least partially disposed adjacent to and in contact with an outer surface  28  of the non-conductive portion  24  and extend along a length of the tubing segment  40  in a direction along its longitudinal axis. 
     In various embodiments, the non-conductive portion  44  can be constructed from one of the non-conductive or low conductive materials as described herein. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  44  can be formed from a fluoropolymer. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-conductive portion  44  can be formed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). The conductive stripes  47   a ,  47   b ,  47   c , and  47   d  defining the conductive portion  47  can be disposed adjacent to and in contact with a portion of the outer surface  45  of the non-conductive portion  44 , and can be constructed from a conductive polymeric material such as those conductive polymeric materials described herein. In some embodiments, the conductive portion  47  is constructed from a fluoropolymer filed with a conductive material and, more particularly, in certain embodiments, a PFA filled with a conductive material. The conductive material used to fill the PFA can include, but is not limited to, carbon fiber, with nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. 
     The exterior portion  48  can be formed from a non-conductive polymer that is the same or different than what is used to form either the non-conductive portion  44  or the conductive portion  47 . In some cases, the exterior portion  38  is also partially conductive. The exterior portion  48  is disposed adjacent to and in contact with at least a portion of the exterior surface  45  of the non-conductive portion and at least a portion of the exterior surface  46  of the conductive portion  47 . 
     The various portions  44 ,  47 , and  48  can be formed by sequentially extruding one portion over the other. In one embodiment, at least two of the portions can be co-extruded together depending on the materials selected for each portion. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an ESD mitigation tubing segment  50  according to still yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The tubing segment  50  defines an interior fluid passageway  51 , a non-conductive portion  52 , and a plurality of conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  embedded within the non-conductive portion  52  between an interior surface  53  and an exterior surface  55  of the tubing segment  50  and extending along a length of the tubing segment  50  in a direction along its longitudinal axis. It is generally understood that the number of conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  can vary. The spacing between the conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  may also vary. In some embodiments, as depicted, the conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  can be spaced an equal distance from one another about an outer circumference of the tubing segment  50 . In other embodiments, a non-uniform spacing may exist between the conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b .  54   c , and  54   d . In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  52  is at least partially porous and defines a porous, non-conductive interior surface  53  of the tubing segment  50 . 
     In various embodiments, the non-conductive portion  52  can be constructed from one of the non-conductive or low conductive materials as described herein. In some embodiments, the non-conductive portion  52  can be formed from a fluoropolymer. In one exemplary embodiment, the non-conductive portion  52  can be formed from perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA). The conductive stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  are embedded within the non-conductive portion  52  between an interior surface  53  and an exterior surface  55  of the tubing segment  50 , and can be constructed from a conductive polymeric material such as those conductive polymeric materials described herein. In some embodiments, the conductive polymer stripes  54   a ,  54   b ,  54   c , and  54   d  are constructed from a fluoropolymer filed with a conductive material and, more particularly, in certain embodiments, a PFA filled with a conductive material. The conductive material used to fill the PFA can include, but is not limited to, carbon fiber, with nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. 
     In some embodiments, the tubing segment  50  can also an outer conductive polymer layer in charge transfer contact with the one or more stripes of conductive polymer dispose within the non-conductive portion. 
     Fluid Circuit and Handling System 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a fluid handling system that incorporates any one of the ESD mitigation tubing segments  10 ,  20 ,  30 ,  40  or  50 , described herein according to the various embodiments of the disclosure.  FIG. 6  depicts a fluid handling system  150  according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system  150  provides a flow path for fluid to flow from a fluid supply  152  to one or more process stages  156  positioned downstream of the source of fluid supply. System  150  includes a fluid circuit  160  which includes a portion of the flow path of the fluid handling system  150 . The fluid circuit  160  includes tubing segments  164  and a plurality of operative components  168  that are interconnected via the tubing segments  164 . In  FIG. 6 , the operative components  168  include an elbow shaped fitting  170 . T-shaped fitting  172 , a valve  174 , filter  176 , flow sensor  178 , and straight fitting  179 . However, in various embodiments the fluid circuit  160  can include additional or fewer operative components  168  in number and in type. For example, the fluid circuit  160  could substitute or additionally include pumps, mixers, dispense heads, sprayer nozzles, pressure regulators, flow controllers, degassers, purifiers, or other types of operational components. 
     In assembly, the operative components  168  are connected together by the plurality of tubing segments  164  connecting to the components  168  at their respective tubing connector fittings  186 . Connected together, the plurality of tubing segments  164  and operative components  168  provide a fluid passageway through the fluid circuit  160  from the fluid supply  152  and toward the process stages  156 . In certain embodiments, the operational components  168  each include a body portion  182  that defines fluid flow passageway and one or more tubing connector fittings  186 . In some embodiments, at least one of the tubing connector fittings  186  is an inlet portion for receiving fluid into the body portion  182  and at least another one of the tubing connector fittings  186  is an outlet portion for outputting fluid received via the inlet portion. For example, T-shaped fitting  172  includes one tubing connector fitting  186  that is an inlet portion that receives fluid from the fluid supply  152  and two tubing connector fittings  186  which are outlet portions outputting fluid toward the process stages  156 . In certain embodiments, the inlet portion and the outlet portion are each connected or connectable to a tubing segment  164 . However, in some embodiments, for example where the operative components  168  in the fluid circuit  160  includes a spray nozzle, only the inlet portion is required to be connectable to a tubing segment  164 . In some embodiments one or more of the operative components  168  includes a single tubing connector or fitting  179 . 
     Each of the operative components  168 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6  includes a bridging component for conductively connecting the respective conductive pathway of the body portion  182  to the conductive portion of the tubing segments  164  that are connected to the operative components  168 . As such, in certain embodiments the connected operative components  168  and tubing segments  164  form an electrical pathway along the entirety of the fluid circuit  160 , eliminating breaks in conductivity between the tubing segments  160 . In various embodiments, conductive materials have a resistivity level less than about 1×10 10  ohm-n, while non-conductive materials have a resistivity level greater than about 1×10 10  ohm-m. In certain embodiments, conductive materials have a resistivity level less than about 1×10 9  ohm-m, while non-conductive materials have a resistivity level greater than about 1×10 9  ohm-m. 
     In certain embodiments, to mitigate static charge buildup, one or more of the operative components  168  are electrically connected to ground  194  via one or more attachment fixtures  198 . The ground attachment fixtures  198  continuously disperse static charges as they build up in the fluid circuit  160  by providing a pathway to ground  194  from the conductive pathway  190 . 
     Operative Components 
     Operative components in this disclosure refer to any component or device having a fluid input and a fluid output and that connect with tubing for directing or providing for the flow of fluid. Examples of operative components include, but are not limited to, fittings, valves, filters, heat exchanges, sensors, pumps, mixers, spray nozzles, purifiers, degassers, and dispense heads. These and additional non-limiting examples of operative components are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,832; 5,678,435; 5,869,766; 6,412,832; 6,601,879; 6,595,240; 6,612,175; 6,652,008; 6,758,104; 6,789,781; 7,063,304; 7,308,932; 7,383,967; 8,561,855; 8,689,817; and 8,726,935, each of which are incorporated herein by reference, except for express definitions or patent claims contained in the listed documents. 
     The operative components may be constructed from conductive fluoropolymers including, for example, perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer (PFA), ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene polymer (ETFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene polymer (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene polymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene polymer (PCTFE), or other suitable polymeric materials. For example, in some embodiments the conductive fluoropolymers are PFA filled with conductive material (e.g. filled PFA). This filled PFA includes, but is not limited to, PFA filled with carbon fiber, nickel coated graphite, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, metal particles, and steel fiber. In various embodiments, conductive materials have a resistivity level less than about 1×10 10  ohm-n while non-conductive materials have a resistivity level greater than about 1×10 10  ohm-m. In certain embodiments, conductive materials have a resistivity level less than about 1×10 9  ohm-m while non-conductive materials have a resistivity level greater than about 1×10 9  ohm-m. When the disclosed fluid handling systems are configured for use in ultra-pure fluid handling applications, both the tubing segments and operational components are typically constructed from polymeric materials to satisfy purity and corrosion resistance standards. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a two-way connector component that uses the ESD mitigation tubing segments according to the various embodiments described herein.  FIG. 7  illustrates a straight connector fitting  700  to connect two tubing segments. Connector fitting  700  includes a shoulder region  702  adjacent a body portion  704  of an operative component and extends outwardly to form a neck region  706 , a threaded region  706   a , and a nipple portion  706   b . Tubing segment  164  is received by the nipple portion  706   b , which, in certain embodiments, may be configured, for example, as a FLARETEK® fitting. Connector fitting  700  also includes an attachment feature  708  that is a conductive material that is conductively connected with the body portion  704  for attachment to an external electrical contact and then to ground. For example, attachment feature  708  can be connected to an electrical contact which is grounded in order to configure the operative component connector fitting  400  for ESD mitigation. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a three-way connector component that uses the ESD mitigation tubing segments according to the various embodiments described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , three-way connector fitting  800  includes a connector fitting nuts  810  for engaging to a threaded region of the connector to secure tubing segment  164 . In some embodiments the fitting nut may be, for example, a compression nut. As the fitting nut  810  is rotated and tightened onto the threaded region, tubing segment  164  engages the connector fitting so that the tubing conductively connects the conductive portion to nipple portion, as well as forming a leak-proof seal between the tubing and the connector fitting. In one or more embodiments, fitting nut  810  has a generally cylindrical shape having an interior surface including threads for mating with the threaded region. In addition, fitting nut  810  may have a structured outer surface such as, for example, ribs  812 , where the ribs are symmetrically disposed about the exterior surface for mating with a wrench or locking device for tightening or loosening of the fitting nut  810  on the threaded region of the connector. 
     In one or more embodiments, the fitting nut  810  is constructed from a polymeric material. For example, in certain embodiments the fitting nut  810  is constructed from PFA, polyaniline, or other suitable polymers. 
     In some embodiments, the connector fitting  800  is a conductive polymer material, such as carbon-filled PFA, or other suitable conductive polymer, that is formed, for example, using conventional molding processes. 
     In certain embodiments, when the connector fitting  800  is assembled with tubing segment  164 , the fitting nut  810  contacts the exterior surface of tubing segment  164  at the nipple forward portion and forms a continuous fluid passageway between tubing segment  164  and connector fitting  800 . When the fitting nut  810  is rotated and tightened, connection verification ring  814  positioned between the fitting nut  810  and the shoulder portion contacts both the exterior surfaces of the fitting nut and shoulder portion to provide a leak-proof connection. 
     In various embodiments, the connection verification ring  814  is constructed from polymeric material, such as PFA, or other polymers or elastomers. 
       FIG. 9  is perspective view of a valve component  900  that uses the ESD mitigation tubing segments according to the various embodiments described herein. Operative component  900  includes a body portion  902 , tubing connector fittings, and fitting nuts  904 . In one or more embodiments, the operative component  900  additionally includes an operative valve element  906  in the body portion. The operative element  900 , in various embodiments, broadly includes suitable structure, electronics, or other materials for configuring the operative component  900  to perform various operations. 
     The body portion  902  includes conductive PFA that extends between each of the tubing connector fittings  904  and forms electrical contact between each of the tubing connector fittings and the conductive portions of tubing segments  164 , respectively. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that, while the specific embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  have identical connector fittings, in certain embodiments, the connector fittings may have varying sizes, may have various designs, such as step-down or step-up fittings, or may be located on various types of operative components. For example, in some embodiments, the operational component may be a mixer, sensor, filter, pump, heat exchanger or other suitable element. As such, the operative component is configurable to perform various processes or tasks within a fluid circuit. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.