Evaluation of selected chemical processes for production of low-cost silicon. Phase III. Twentieth quarterly progress report, July 1-September 30, 1980

Technical Report · Fri Dec 19 00:00:00 EST 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6747635· OSTI ID:6747635

Blocher, Jr, J M; Browning, M F; Seifert, D A

A number of problems have conspired to prevent full operation of the PDU during the report period. After a review of the situation, it was decided to cease the day-by-day attempts to achieve PDU operation, and to review the situation and make such longer-term repairs or modifications as appeared necessary for increasing the probability of success. As a result, a list of 12 modifications was made and the modifications initiated so that PDU operation can be initiated early in the next quarter. Analysis of the data on the outgassing of zinc from the product of the miniplant was concluded, with the indication that outgassing times of the order of tens of hours would be required at 1100 C. The implications of leaving the zinc in the product, to be evolved in melting prior to ingot or sheet growth, were examined with the conclusion that at the 10-100 ppmw level of zinc in silicon, it may be difficult to detect the zinc evolution in the presence of the normal SiO evolution caused by reaction between the liquid silicon and the fused-quartz crucible.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: NAS-7-100-954339
• OSTI ID: 6747635
• Report Number(s): DOE/JPL/954339-80/20
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT UNITS
MODIFICATIONS
SILICON
PRODUCTION
DEGASSING
FLUIDIZED BED
HEAT TREATMENTS
IMPURITIES
REDUCTION
SILICON CHLORIDES
ZINC
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ELEMENTS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
METALS
SEMIMETALS
SILICON COMPOUNDS
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture