Industry Background and Problems
The semiconductor and microelectronics industry is a cornerstone of modern technology, producing the chips and processors that power smartphones, computers, and countless electronic devices. This sector requires ultra-pure water at multiple stages of manufacturing to prevent contamination that can compromise product quality, yield, and reliability. However, these processes generate significant volumes of highly contaminated wastewater, laden with complex organic and inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals and emerging contaminants like PFAS. Managing water usage and wastewater treatment presents critical challenges, especially in regions facing water scarcity and stringent environmental regulations.
Compounding these challenges is the diminishing availability and rising costs of external water sources, which forces semiconductor manufacturers to optimize water use and implement advanced recycling strategies. Regulatory pressures mandate stringent discharge standards, making wastewater treatment efficiency, reliability, and sustainability essential. Failure to comply risks costly penalties and reputational damage, while water scarcity threatens production continuity, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, high-performance water management solutions tailored to semiconductor industry needs.
Quick Resources
- Download Catalogue
- Case Study
- Request a Quote
Our Approach to Solving the Problems
Sarvo addresses these challenges by delivering integrated water and wastewater treatment solutions that maximize water recovery and ensure compliance with stringent quality standards. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies like membrane bioreactors (MBR), advanced filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), and proprietary thermal evaporation systems, Sarvo designs customized treatments that effectively remove organic and inorganic contaminants, including heavy metals and PFAS. Our approach emphasizes modular, scalable systems with high automation and AI-driven monitoring for optimized performance and proactive maintenance. By partnering with clients like Foxconn, Sarvo has demonstrated the ability to implement turnkey solutions that reduce water consumption, recycle wastewater for reuse in critical processes, and minimize environmental footprints, enabling sustainable and resilient semiconductor manufacturing operations.
Key Points
About Our Tech in Pointers
- Customized, integrated treatment trains specifically designed for semiconductor wastewater characteristics.
- Achieves ultrapure water quality essential for semiconductor fabrication.
- Efficient removal of complex organic/inorganic contaminants including heavy metals and PFAS.
- High water recovery and recycle rates reducing freshwater dependence.
- Scalable, modular, and fully automated systems enhancing operational reliability.
- AI-powered monitoring and predictive maintenance for minimized downtime.
- Compliance with stringent environmental discharge regulations.
Relevant Technologies
Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Ultrafiltration (UF)
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)
Thermal Evaporation & Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR)
Electrodeionization (EDI)
Automatic Instrumentation and Controls with AI Analytics
Case Study for Foxconn
Title: Foxconn Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant Wastewater Treatment
Location: Shenzhen, China
Capacity: 3,000 m³/day
Timeline: 2010-2011
Overview: Foxconn, a global leader in electronics manufacturing, faced stringent environmental regulations and water scarcity challenges. Sarvo, leveraging advanced biological treatment combined with chemical phosphorus removal and modern filtration, delivered a turnkey wastewater treatment plant to serve the densely populated manufacturing campus.
Impact: The plant achieves effective treatment with <10 mg/L BOD and <5 mg/L TSS, reliably meeting local discharge standards. Water is recycled for utility and process applications, reducing freshwater intake by over 60%. The system’s automated controls minimize operator intervention and optimize energy use, achieving operational uptime above 95%.
Benefits:
Regulatory compliance with local and national environmental standards.
Significant freshwater savings and wastewater recycle.
Enhanced sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
Proven operational reliability in a high-demand manufacturing environment.
Relevant Technologies
Let's talk.
Ready to conduct a refinery wastewater treatment feasibility study or learn about our rapidly deployable equipment rental options? Contact us today.