CT Associates, Inc.

CT Associates, Inc. (CTA) offers a unique series of tests developed in house to support our R&D activities. The tests were developed when standard methods were inadequate, for example, when measuring the extraction of particulate and metallic contaminants from the components of fluid-handling systems. We can provide data to supplement your in-house R&D, third-party certification of product performance and field performance data.

CTA will modify existing tests or develop new tests for your unique situation. By relying on our extensive experience in test method development, you can focus on your core business needs.

Most of CTA's tests use specialized equipment and techniques that provide a high level of sensitivity. We have a class 10/100 clean room, an ultrapure water system, and handling and disposal facilities for harsh chemicals such as 37% hydrochloric acid and 49% hydrofluoric acid.

Test methods have already been developed for:

Particle Testing Filter rinse-up testing in DI water Retention of particles by filters in DI water and chemical Measurement of particle shedding by components under steady-state and dynamic conditions Measurement of "working" particle size and large particle tail in CMP slurries Particle counting with sensitivity down to 0.05µm diameter
Extraction Testing Rinse-up testing for TOC, resistivity, anions, cations, and trace metal extraction in DI water (<0.1 ppb resolution) Trace metal extraction via DyconE^XSM dynamic extraction method in chemical and DI water (<0.1 ng/cm² resolution) Multiconstituent dynamic extraction in DI water (<0.1 ng/cm² resolution)
Reliability Testing Valve life cycle testing in hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid port-to-port leak testing 1,000,000+ cycling particle shedding after cycling Pump life cycle testing in chemical capacity measurements stall monitoring
Permeation Testing Measurement of acid and solvent transport rates through polymer films, diaphragms, etc. Determination of component susceptibility to damage due to permeation