Abstract: A method for cleaning and drying crucibles for use in pulling single crystals by the Czochralski method after transportation of the crucibles, includes cleaning a crucible in a cleaning process; warming the crucible with pure water heated at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C.; and drying the warmed crucible under ambient conditions.

Abstract: An automatic metering/supplying apparatus is used for subdividing a granular silicon material. A cone member is placed on the upper opening portion of a drum, which contains the granular silicon material, so as to hold the drum. Subsequently, the drum is turned upside down by a rotary-type drum-inverting machine. Meanwhile, a quartz recharge tube into which the granular silicon material is to be discharged is placed on an electronic scale so as to measure the amount of the silicon material supplied to the quartz recharge tube. A valve control unit opens the valve to start the supply of the silicon material and closes the valve when the measured weight reaches a predetermined weight. Dust produced in the vicinity of the valve is sucked by a dust collection mechanism. The automatic metering/supplying apparatus can automate work for subdividing the granular silicon material contained in the drum. Further, collection of dust maintains the working environment clean.