SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CRYSTAL GROWTH APPARATUS AND MELT REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM THEREFOR

摘要

2053234 9114027 PCTABS00007 A control system for controlling the operation of a system (18) for replenishing the melt in the crucible (24) of an apparatus (20) for growing tubular crystalline bodies (22) of a selected material. The melt replenishment system (18) comprises a container (302) for storing solid particles of said selected material and a dispenser (306) for transporting the particles from the container (302) to the crucible (24). The control system controls the rate at which the dispenser (306) transports particles from the container (302) to the crucible (24) based on the weight of the solid particles stored in the container (302), the weight of the crystalline body (22), and the pressure inside the crystalline body (22). Additionally, the control system may be adapted to control the temperature of the crucible heater (26) of the apparatus (20). Compensation is provided by this invention for weight measurement errors that are created by pressure fluctuations within the tubular crystalline body (22).