Uncompromising cleanliness for High-Purity applications
BvL Oberflächentechnik presents new system for the highest cleanliness requirements
In the semiconductor, optics, medical technology and precision engineering industries, stable cleaning processes are increasingly decisive for component quality, process reliability and the reliability of subsequent manufacturing steps.
This is precisely why BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH has developed the new NiagaraUP: a modularly expandable chamber cleaning system for High-Purity applications with particularly stringent requirements for component cleanliness, process stability and flexible process configuration.
The focus is on minimal carryover, consistent Hygienic Design, systematic filtration and flexible process control for different components, media and cleanliness targets.
Key features at a glance:
- minimal carryover and low media mixing
- Hygienic Design of the cleaning chamber, pipework and tanks
- systematic filtration before and during the relevant cleaning steps
- freely parameterisable process control with bath monitoring and energy dashboard
- flexibly integrable processes up to VIT and HEPA-filtered drying
- modularly expandable for flexible process combinations and increased cycle output
Minimal carryover as the key to process stability
A key differentiating feature of the NiagaraUP is its consistent design for minimal carryover and low media mixing between the tanks. For very high cleanliness requirements, it is not enough for a process to achieve good results once. What matters is that it can be operated permanently in a stable, reproducible and economical manner.
To achieve this, the cleaning chamber has been fundamentally redesigned. The drain is centred and directed downwards, allowing liquids to be removed from the chamber quickly and completely. A round, flow-optimised chamber geometry reduces dead spaces, pooling and potential particle traps.
Additional nozzles specifically spray down the chamber walls; the nozzle system itself can also be intermediate-rinsed if required.
Hygienic Design extending to pipework, tanks and filtration
To ensure permanently stable media quality, the hygienic design has been extended to the entire media-carrying system.
All pipework is backing-gas welded and made of high-quality V4A stainless steel. This creates clean, reproducible and media-resistant flow paths.
The tanks also follow hygienic design principles: 90-degree corners have been avoided to prevent particle accumulation.
The systematic filtration concept makes a further contribution to process stability: with the NiagaraUP, the medium is always routed through the filter before the cleaning processes. Filtration is also used when flooding the chamber, during spray cleaning and when draining the water from the cleaning chamber. Particles are therefore systematically removed from the process. This improves bath quality, stabilises process conditions and supports the highest cleanliness requirements.
Intelligent process control and transparent consumption data
The freely configurable program sequence enables individual process design. Cleaning, rinsing and drying steps can be flexibly combined, parameterised and adapted to different components, contamination types and cleanliness requirements.
Integrated bath monitoring with BvL’s own Libelle systems and automatic cleaning agent redosing supports constant process conditions. This helps to achieve the required component cleanliness reproducibly over the long term.
The integrated energy dashboard records, visualises and evaluates relevant consumption data and makes the system’s energy and media requirements transparent. Operators therefore have a sound basis for optimising processes with regard to cleanliness, cycle time, efficiency and resource use.
Form follows function: consistent design down to the last detail
With the NiagaraUP, the design consistently follows the principle of “form follows function”: every design decision serves process reliability, ease of operation or the long-term stability of the cleaning result. The system was developed as an independent concept for the highest requirements.
The system enclosure supports the demand for cleanliness and high-quality design. As an option, it can be executed with a ViwateQ treatment so that the surfaces can be cleaned effectively in the cleanroom and particle release can be avoided.
The functional design is complemented by modern LED lighting, the latest generation of industrial HMIs and a generously dimensioned inspection window into the cleaning chamber. The inspection window gives the operator a clear view of the process.
Wide range of cleaning and drying processes
From a process technology perspective, the NiagaraUP is designed for maximum flexibility. The following can be integrated: spray cleaning, flood cleaning, pressure flooding and ultrasonic cleaning. In addition, BvL’s pressure change process, Vacuum Impulse Technology (VIT), is also available and offers particular advantages for complex geometries, undercuts and component areas that are difficult to access.
A new generation of vacuum pump has been used for this process, which was tested and validated together with the manufacturer specifically for this application.
The NiagaraUP also offers a comprehensive range of drying options. Hot-air drying is equipped with a HEPA H13 filter to prevent recontamination of the components by particles from the ambient air.
In addition, powerful infrared drying can be used, enabling particularly efficient drying with low contamination. Vacuum drying is also provided. This allows the drying process to be precisely matched to the component geometry, material, residual moisture requirement and cleanliness target.
Compact, accessible and modularly expandable
A central development objective for the NiagaraUP was to combine high process technology performance with a compact and service-friendly system layout. In the two-tank version, the system has compact basic dimensions of 2.4 × 2.9 × 2.3 m (W × L × H). Filters, tanks and pumps are directly accessible, simplifying service and maintenance work.
The cleaning chamber can be operated as a single-chamber system and mirrored with minimal effort if required. This creates separate chambers for pre-cleaning and final cleaning, cleaning and drying, or parallel processes to increase cycle output. The tank units are also modular in design and can be variably expanded.
Automation can be implemented without difficulty. This makes the NiagaraUP suitable both for manual single-station solutions and for automated production and cleaning lines.
Development expertise for ultra-pure requirements
All basket washing systems from BvL bear the name Niagara. It symbolises the power of water. With the NiagaraUP, this approach has been specifically further developed for High-Purity applications. The suffix UP stands for Ultra Pure and describes the system’s objective: component cleanliness at the highest level.
The system concept was created in an interdisciplinary development process involving specialists from plant engineering, ultrasonic technology, filtration technology, surface treatment, cleaning chemistry and the semiconductor production environment. Experts from the Fraunhofer Institute were also involved in the development.
AMB trade fair
BvL is an exhibitor at the AMB trade fair in Stuttgart from 15 to 19 September 2026: Hall 5, Stand No. C84
Further information: https://www.bvl-cleaning.com/de/reinigungsanlagen/niagara/niagaraup
Company information:
BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH is one of Germany’s largest suppliers of water-based industrial cleaning systems. As a systems partner, BvL provides custom solutions—from compact wash systems and filtration/automation solutions through to complex, customer-specific large-scale projects with process monitoring—always complemented by reliable service. As part of a long-established family business with roots dating back to 1860, the owner families in the fifth generation stand for technical excellence, innovation, and absolute reliability. The company currently employs around 170 people. In export markets, BvL holds a strong position with a comprehensive sales and service network in 20 countries.
Contact
BvL Oberflächentechnik GmbH
Grenzstr. 16
48488 Emsbüren
Tel.: 05903 951-60
Fax: 05903 951-90
info@bvl-group.de
www.bvl-cleaning.com
Christine Brühöfner
Marketing
Tel.: 05903 951-509
Fax: 05903 951-90
christine.bruehoefner@bvl-group.de
