29 June 2011

SDK to boost high-purity ammonia production

Tokyo-based chemical manufacturer Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) says that it is to increase its production capacity for high-purity ammonia to meet growing demand from the electronics industry. 

High-purity ammonia is used as a material gas in the production of liquid-crystal display (LCD) panels, gallium nitride (GaN) LEDs, solar cells based on polycrystalline silicon, and semiconductors. Anticipating further growth in the electronics market in East Asian countries and to ensure stable supply of high-purity ammonia, SDK has decided to increase production.  

Specifically, capacities at three sites—Kawasaki Plant in Japan; Taiwan Showa Chemicals Manufacturing Co Ltd (owned 90% by SDK); and Zhejiang Quzhou Juhua Showa Electronic Chemical Materials Co Ltd in China (owned 51% by SDK) —will be increased from the current levels of 1000t/y, 1500t/y and 500t/y, respectively, to 1500t/y, 2500t/y and 1000t/y, by the end of 2011.

The capacity increase will be carried out through expansions of filling/storage facilities and improvement in production efficiency.  As a result, the Showa Denko Group’s total high-purity ammonia production capacity will rise from 3000t/y at present to 5000t/y.

Under its medium-term consolidated business plan PEGASUS, SDK classifies its business in high-purity ammonia and other high-purity gases (for semiconductor/display production) as growth businesses. SDK aims to continue to encourage growth of this business by increasing the competitiveness of existing products and developing new products.

Tags: Showa Denko High-purity ammonia GaN LEDs

Visit: www.sdk.co.jp