Inert gas recovery and recycle for silicon crystal growth pulling process

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9114989
APP PUB NO 20130149226A1
SERIAL NO

13693673

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Abstract

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This invention is directed to a method for recovering, purifying and recycling an inert gas on a continual basis in connection with a silicon crystal pulling process. Silicon oxide impurities generated during the crystal growth process are completely oxidized by in-situ oxidation with a regulated amount of an oxidizing source gas mixture to form silicon dioxide impurities, which can be removed by a particulate removal device. The particulate-free effluent enters a purification unit to remove the remaining impurities. The inert gas emerging from the purification unit can be fed back into the crystal puller apparatus and/or mixed with the oxidizing source gas mixture. As a result, the ability to increase silicon crystal throughput, quality and at the same time reduce the costs associated with recycling the inert gas can be achieved.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY INC10 RIVERVIEW DR DANBURY CT 06810

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Brown, Lloyd Anthony East Amherst, US 11 86
Song, Lingyan Brookfield, US 12 138

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