Evaluation of selected chemical processes for production of low-cost silicon (Phase II). Silicon Material Task, Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Fifth--sixth quarterly progress report, October 1, 1976--March 31, 1977. [Zinc reduction of silicon tetrachloride in fluidized bed

Abstract

The results of experimental work and economic analyses carried out during the first 12 months of this contract (Phase I) have led to Battelle's concentration on development of the zinc reduction of silicon tetrachloride on seed particles in a fluidized bed. A second year program (Phase II) has been initiated which consists of the design of a 25 MT/year experimental facility and supporting experiment effort. During this quarter, the effort in the plant design portion of the program has been devoted to the (1) preparation of a detailed process schematic diagram; (2) determination of material flow and energy requirements; (3) conceptual design of major equipment items, including those unique to the facility; (4) contacts with industrial companies on equipment and processes for which experience is available; and (5) initiation of contacts with Battelle pilot plant design specialists, a distillation consultant, and engineering firms. The effort in the experimental support portion of the program has included a continuation of the following studies: (1) operating parameter optimization in the miniplant, (2) reactor design, and (3) condenser system design, including supplemental condensation experiments. In addition, a new zinc feed system has been devised and evaluated, and the construction of a system sufficiently large to obtain meaningful data on the electrolytic recovery of zinc from zinc chloride has been initiated.