Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for liquid silicon containment, such as during the casting of high purity silicon used in solar cells or solar modules. The containment apparatus includes a shielding ember adapted to prevent breaching molten silicon from contacting structural elements or cooling elements of a casting device, and a volume adapted to hold a quantity of breaching molten silicon with the volume formed by a bottom and one or more sides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing crystals in a reactor vessel, wherein the reactor vessel uses carbon fiber containing materials as a structural element to contain the materials for growing the crystals as a solid, liquid or gas within the reactor vessel, such that the reactor vessel can withstand pressures or temperatures necessary for the growth of the crystals. The carbon fiber containing materials encapsulate at least one component of the reactor vessel, wherein stresses from the encapsulated component are transferred to the carbon fiber containing materials. The carbon fiber containing materials may be wrapped around the encapsulated component one or more times sufficient to maintain a desired pressure differential between an exterior and interior of the encapsulated component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for liquid silicon containment, such as during the casting of high purity silicon used in solar cells or solar modules. The containment apparatus includes a shielding member adapted to prevent breaching molten silicon from contacting structural elements or cooling elements of a casting device, and a volume adapted to hold a quantity of breaching molten silicon with the volume formed by a bottom and one or more sides.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method of direct electric melting a feedstock, such as high purity silicon for use in solar cells or solar modules. The continuous melting apparatus includes a first electrode opposite a second electrode and forming a melting zone. The electric current passes from the first electrode through a feedstock and enters the second electrode. The apparatus also includes an opening for draining a molten feedstock from the melting zones and a catch pan for receiving the molten feedstock from the opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for liquid silicon containment, such as during the casting of high purity silicon used in solar cells or solar modules. The containment apparatus includes a shielding member adapted to prevent breaching molten silicon from contacting structural elements or cooling elements of a casting device, and a volume adapted to hold a quantity of breaching molten silicon with the volume formed by a bottom and one or more sides.