Semiconductor Process services – Sydney Nanoscience Hub, USYD
Client: University of Sydney
Location: Sydney, NSW
Project Scope: UHP Process Gas Delivery, Helium Recovery System, Life Safety & Cleanroom Fitout
Completion: 2018 – Ongoing
Sector: Advanced Research Infrastructure / Nanoscience & Quantum Research
Project Overview
The Sydney Nanoscience Hub is one of the most advanced research facilities in Australia, enabling pioneering work in quantum computing, nanotechnology, and fundamental physics. Umech has been engaged continuously since 2018 to deliver and maintain high-spec process gas and infrastructure systems critical to the facility’s operation.
This long-term engagement required specialist capability in ultra-high purity (UHP) gases, hazardous materials handling, cryogenic recovery, and research-grade life safety systems.
Umech provided a full design-and-construct scope across multiple laboratory zones and cleanrooms, including:
UHP Process Gas Delivery Systems:
5-valve auto-changeover gas manifolds for high-purity Argon, Oxygen, N₂ (6N), N₂O, and C₃F₈
Gas cabinets for Hydrogen, Silane, Ammonia, TEOS (liquid source)
Specialty gas systems piped to individual lab tools from bottled sources
Distribution of house gases: Compressed Air and Nitrogen
Helium Recovery System:
Supply and integration of Cryomech helium compressor and recovery skid
Installation of helium collection piping and compressor interlocks
Water, Vacuum, and Exhaust Systems:
Process Cooling Water (PCW) loops
Localized vacuum systems for tools and research modules
Exhaust management including CS Clean Dry Abatement Systems
Trade waste connection and tool exhaust
Life Safety & Detection Systems:
Fully compliant AS61508-rated toxic and flammable gas detection
Integrated oxygen depletion detection with control system logic
Fabrication of gas safety PLC panels and response interlocks
Technical Highlights
All UHP gas lines orbitally welded to ensure 99.999% purity
System design coordinated with cleanroom builders and lab tool vendors
Custom-fabricated manifold panels and liquid gas delivery skids
Redundant monitoring and control systems engineered for safety-critical zones
Real-time integration of tool states with life safety logic and exhaust sequencing
Outcome
Umech’s ongoing work at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub has enabled some of the most demanding experimental research environments in Australia. The systems installed operate reliably under high purity and high safety thresholds, supporting long-term quantum research and semiconductor process development.
Our ability to integrate specialty gas, cryogenics, life safety, and building services positions Umech as a trusted partner for elite research infrastructure.
Do you need semiconductor-grade gas systems for your cutting-edge research?
Umech partners with Australia’s top universities and tech labs to deliver ultra-high purity gas systems, cryogenic recovery, and life safety infrastructure built for precision, safety, and uptime.
Talk to our engineering team about your next high-spec research facility.