Solids processing valve

Abstract

A dome valve selectively dispenses a silicon product from a chamber of a vessel. The dome valve comprises a valve body defining a pass-through channel in communication with the chamber of the vessel to allow the silicon product to exit the vessel. The dome valve also comprising a valve seat defining an opening through which the silicon product enters the pass-through channel. The dome valve further comprising a domed body having a semi-hemispherical configuration. The domed body has a sealing surface. The domed body is rotatable between a closed position and an open position for allowing the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the vessel.

1 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A dome valve for selectively dispensing a silicon product from a chamber of a vessel, said dome valve comprising:
 a valve body defining a pass-through channel in communication with the chamber of the vessel to allow the silicon product to exit the vessel;   a valve seat coupled to said valve body within said pass-through channel with said valve seat defining an opening through which the silicon product enters said pass-through channel; and   a domed body having a semi-hemispherical configuration and rotatably disposed within said pass-though channel with said domed body having a sealing surface and an interior surface spaced from said sealing surface and with said interior surface being concaved;   at least one shaft upon which the domed body is mounted, the at least one shaft being coupled to the valve body to thereby allow for rotatable movement of the domed body relative to the pass-through channel;   a bushing juxtaposed between the at least one shaft and the valve body upon which the domed body is rotatably disposed, the bushing being initially press-fit into the valve body at an elevated temperature to thereby allow for proper installation into the valve body absent damage to the bushing;   wherein said domed body is rotatable within said pass-through channel between a closed position and an open position with said sealing surface of said domed body engaging said valve seat in said closed position for forming a primary seal of said pass-through channel to prevent the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the chamber of the vessel and wherein opening defined by said valve seat is at least partially unobstructed by said sealing surface of said domed body in said open position for allowing the selective dispensing of the silicon product from the chamber of the vessel; and   wherein at least one of said valve seat, said domed body, and said valve body defining said pass-though channel comprise a non-contaminating material for preventing contamination of the silicon product.   
     
     
         44 . The dome valve of  claim 43  wherein at least one of the valve seat, the valve body, the domed body and the bushing comprises the non-contaminating material selected from the group of silicon, cemented carbide, and combinations thereof.