Can i visit a silicon plant?

Has anyone ever visited a silicon plant?  I work in an aluminium smelter and I have not been able to go into the plant since I had my pm fitted.  I want to viist a silicon plant but note part of the process involves electric current to produce an arc.    "A typical batch contains 1000 lb (453 kg) each of gravel and chips, and 550 lb (250 kg) of coal. The lid of the furnace, which contains electrodes, is placed into position. Electric current is passed through the electrodes to form an arc. The heat generated by this arc (a temperature of 4000° F or 2350 ° C) melts the material and results in the reaction of sand with carbon to form silicon and carbon monoxide"  ? Where is the best place to find this out and what info do i need (PS I would like the answer to be "Yes, no problem..." I have visited a plant whilst under maintenance, so the arc was not working)

 

3 Comments

Silicon

by The real Patch - 2017-09-06 13:48:07

"Has anyone ever visited a silicon plant?"  Does walking along a busy beach count ?

 

CXall the lant safety folks

by donr - 2017-09-07 02:27:35


Ask them how much shielding there is.

The original RF generator was a wicked arc - just about every frequency known is produced in an arc.  The current flow in that arc probably approached several thousand Amps, so field strengths could be high - necessitating shielding so the radiation does not affect the plant's control systems, etc.

I would NOT suggest just walking into the plant while it is running.  You are obviously aware of the situation, since Aluminium production also requires humongous electric currents for the reaction process.

Sounds interesting.

Donr

Can I visit a Silicon Plant

by WalkingHorse - 2017-09-24 01:40:26

Before I got my pacemaker implanted, I took it upon myself to look for info regarding EMI, since I normally use electric machinery, including arc welders. The Medtronics folks provide summary information here:

http://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/electromagnetic-guide/frequently-asked-questions.html

Their guidance with arc welders is to avoid welding with currents exceeding 160A, maintaining certain distances from the work and the implant, plus other guidance. It is important to seek out professional opinions on this. In the meantime, there are enough variables in such environments that it is probably prudent to assume it is not safe.

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