Evaluation of selected chemical processes for production of low-cost silicon. First quarterly progress report, October 9--December 15, 1975

During Phase I of this program (concluded in October of 1976), economic analyses and experimental work were carried out on the fluidized-bed zinc reduction of SiC14 and on several modifications of the iodide process (Si14 decomposition or reduction) which led to the selection of the fluidizedbed zinc reduction of SiC14 as a promising candidate for supplying low-cost solaror semiconductor-grade silicon. Phase II of the program, currently underway, has as its objective, designing an experimental facility (tentative 25 MT Si/year capacity) and carrying out an experimental program to support the design effort. Updates of plant and production cost estimates at the 1000 MT/year level are to be made based on the design experience. During this quarter, the process flow diagram and materials/energy balances for the experimental facility were refined. Preliminary assessments were made of the instrumentation requirements. The alternative of marketing