The main facility for producing silicon metal consists of submerged arc furnace and filtration equipment. The material include silica (quartz)、electrode、reductants (coal、petroleum coke、wood chips).Silicon metal producing is ranged to high-consumption power smelting industry; usually one metric ton silicon producing will consume approx.12mwh power, 1300kgs reductants, and 80kgs electrode.

    The reaction is occurred in crucible (especially bottom) and the process as following:

    Firstly, in view of high electricity current passing through electrode, arc is formed between electrode and crucible surface. Molten Silica (Quartz) is gradually reducted by carbonaceous material and finally forms liquid silicon.

The reaction course include:

Step 1: Molten Silica reaction with carbon forming silicon monoxide;

Step 2: Silicon monoxide further reaction with carbon to form solid silicon carbide;

Step 3: Silicon carbide reaction with molten silica to form liquid silicon and silicon monoxide which part of them recurs to step 2 and continuing the reaction circle.

    Liquid silicon is drained into a ladle via tap hole, after further removing impurity in ladle by blowing oxygen finally pouring into casting area.