Analysis and characterization of complex reactor behaviour: A case study

Abstract

This paper analyzes the steady state and dynamic behavior of a reactor for production of silicon metal, a submerged arc furnace. The furnace behavior has been analyzed through simulation studies using a detailed, industrially proven, mechanistic simulation model. The analysis reveals that the silicon furnace has changing and complex dynamic behaviour, including inverse responses and slow modes, especially close to optimality. The paper analyzes the causes of the changing dynamic behaviour. It also shows how the margins to optimality can be deduced from the dynamic response to changes in the carbon coverage input.

Modeling of High-Temperature Low-Pressure Silicon-Refining Process

“…Consequently, different models were presented assessing multiphase systems based on thermodynamic equilibrium during carbothermic reduction processes for silicon production from raw material (Lund, Foss, and Kjell 2006), or process control models for next generation semiconductors (Singh 1988) that utilize refined raw materials. Between the two processes of carbothermic reduction and wafer production for semiconductors, silicon purification is required.…”