Automatic metering/supplying apparatus for granular substances

An automatic metering/supplying apparatus for supplying a predetermined weight of a granular silicon material from a drum into a reception container, said automatic metering/supplying apparatus comprising:

• a cone member capable of being placed on the opening of said drum in a sealed manner,
• a valve attached to a tip end portion of said cone member;
• weight measurement means for measuring the weight of a portion of the granular silicon material supplied to said reception container;
• valve control means for opening said valve in response to an input signal and for closing said valve when the weight measured by said weight measurement means reaches a predetermined weight;
• posture changing means for changing the posture of said drum such that the granular silicon material can be discharged from the supply opening of said drum;
• and
• a dust collection mechanism disposed in the vicinity of said valve and adapted to suck dust produced in the vicinity of said valve while the granular silicon material is discharged from said drum,
• wherein the weight of the granular silicon material supplied to said reception container can be set to an arbitrary value.