Use of agglomerated raw materials in Si production

The use of agglomerates in the Si-furnace is believed to decrease the top temperature of the furnace and increase the Si-yield. This paper will both describe the results done by modelling the energy distribution in the furnace, but also show experimental results of using agglomerates. The heat balance shows that increased amount of agglomerates will increase the Si-yield. Meanwhile the energy consumption per ton Si and energy content in the off gas lost to environment will decrease. According to the experimental results, SiO2(s) + 3 C(s) = SiC(s) + 2 CO (g) happens in agglomerate. No SiO gas loss from agglomerate in SiC-producing step. Higher temperature and lower CO concentration are positive to the reaction.