Abstract: Described is a process for the refinement of a quartz powder, comprising the step of separating microparticles of refractory minerals, in particular minerals containing rare earth metal compounds, from the quartz powder by an elutriation step.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of hollow quartz-glass ingots, comprising a) a crucible or refractory tank for providing a softened quartz-glass mass having a dieorifice in the bottom of the crucible or refractory tank; b) a mandrel vertically drawing off the softened quartz-glass mass through a die toprovide a hollow quartz-glass ingot; and c) a cutting section for on-line cutting of the hollow quartz-glass ingot to a specificlength, characterized in that the apparatus comprises active means for cooling the internalsurface of the hollow quartz-glass ingot prior to the cutting station.

Abstract: Described is a process for the refinement of a quartz powder, comprising the step of separating microparticles of refractory minerals, in particular minerals containing rare earth metal compounds, from the quartz powder by an elutriation step.