Silicon Refiner (Metallic Silicon)
しりこんせいれんこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized occupation that refines silicon (metallic silicon) through reduction smelting in a high-temperature electric furnace and adjusts it to a purity suitable for industrial use.
Description
Silicon refiners use silicon ore (silica) as raw material, generating a reduction reaction inside a high-temperature electric furnace to produce metallic silicon. They manage furnace interior temperature and pressure, charge reducing materials, separate slag, extract molten silicon, and conduct quality inspections. Operations are performed on a shift basis, requiring safety management for dust, high-temperature gases, and others. They also handle maintenance and inspections of furnace equipment and proposals for process improvements.
Future Outlook
Stable job demand is expected due to increasing needs for high-purity silicon used in semiconductors and solar power generation. Efficiency improvements through automation and digitalization of production processes are anticipated.
Personality Traits
High safety awareness / Patient / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Day shift / Heavy labor / Indoor factory work / Shift work / Team work
Career Path
Silicon refining worker apprentice → Silicon refiner → Process manager → Production engineering engineer → Plant manager
Required Skills
Handling molten silicon / High-temperature furnace operation / Knowledge of reduction reactions / Quality inspection (chemical analysis) / Temperature and pressure management
Recommended Skills
Chemical analysis / Equipment maintenance / Process improvement (IE) / Safety management
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Precise operations are necessary for ensuring high purity and safety. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Required for long hours of work in high-temperature environments. |
| Problem Solving | Essential for responding to furnace troubles and investigating causes of quality defects. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Routine tasks are the main focus rather than generating new ideas. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Mainly consists of work following instructions. |
Related Qualifications
- Dangerous goods handler (Class A)
- Forklift operation training
- High-pressure gas manufacturing safety supervisor
- Slinging skills training
Aliases
- Metallic Silicon Smelter
Related Jobs
- Electric furnace operator
- Metal smelter
- Non-ferrous metal smelter
- Silicon processing worker