Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compaction of silicon powder in a reactor to minimize oxidation of the silicon, which compaction is in part effected by using the drop in pressure across a filter for exit gases from the reactor, the silicon powder being passed along a duct towards an exit of a reactor. The compaction is in addition carried out mechanically with the aid of a piston arranged at a gas exit, the filter advantageously being arranged on the piston, the filter being permeable to the gases, but collecting the powder. A method is also provided for compaction of silicon powder using an apparatus as described above.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compaction of silicon powder in a reactor to minimise oxidation of the silicon, which compaction is in part effected by using the drop in pressure across a filter for exit gases from the reactor, the silicon powder being passed along a duct towards an exit of a reactor. The compaction is in addition carried out mechanically with the aid of a piston arranged at a gas exit, the filter advantageously being arranged on the piston, the filter being permeable to the gases, but collecting the powder. A method is also provided for compaction of silicon powder using an apparatus as described above.