1 results about "Unidirectional solidification" patented technology

This invention relates to a method for obtaining purified silicon metal, the method comprising the steps of: providing liquid silicon in a crystallization mold, wherein the crystallization mold includes a wall lined with a crucible; solidifying the liquid silicon by unidirectional solidification from the crucible-lined wall of the mold while stirring the liquid silicon by means of electromagnetic stirring (EMS); stopping the unidirectional solidification when a certain percentage of the liquid silicon has solidified; and pouring out excess liquid silicon; wherein the step of pouring out excess unsolidified liquid silicon comprises the steps of: inverting and tilting the crystallization mold under electromagnetic stirring (EMS); and emptying the excess unsolidified liquid silicon from the crystallization mold by turning off the electromagnetic stirring (EMS). The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising: a crystallization mold; an electromagnetic stirrer; and a pouring mechanism. Finally, the invention describes the use of the apparatus in a method for obtaining purified silicon metal.