Process and apparatus for the cyclical manufacture of silicon shaped articles

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process and apparatus for the manufacture of silicon blocks having a columnar structure comprising monocrystalline crystal zones having a crystallographic preferred orientation. In a casting process each mold, filled with molten silicon is transferred before the, silicon has solidified completely to a separate, crystallization station where the silicon can then crystallize completely. During this process the exposed, surface of the silicon is maintained in a molten state until the end of the solidification process has almost been reached. The process allows the various necessary steps to, be carried out simultaneously and yields high-quality solar cell base material.