NOVELTY - A ribbon crystal pulling furnace comprises a base insulation (24); and a liner insulation (26) removably connected to the base insulation, where at least a portion of the liner insulation forms an interior for containing a crucible (14). The liner insulation is positioned adjacent to or beneath the crucible. The ribbon crystal pulling furnace further comprises an afterheater positioned above the base insulation and the liner insulation. The afterheater is supported by the base insulation.    USE - As a ribbon crystal pulling furnace for growing a ribbon crystal, such as single crystalline, polycrystalline, and multi-crystalline silicon, useful in semiconductor devices, such as solar cells, integrated circuits, and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices.    ADVANTAGE - The ribbon crystal pulling furnace includes a base insulation that supports a high purity, relatively easily replaceable liner insulation. The liner insulation is adjacent to a crucible capable of containing molten silicon. The liner insulation is made of a material that is able to withstand relatively high temperatures. When necessary, the liner insulation may be replaced, (e.g., due to damage or contamination) and thus, is removably attached to the base insulation. The liner insulation is removable connected since it can be easily removed without substantially and permanently altering the overall structure of the base insulation. The liner insulation can be disposable, while the base insulation can be reusable (with different liner insulations removably attached). The base insulation may be formed from a less pure, less expensive material than the liner insulation. Since the base insulation is separated from the high temperature molten material by the liner insulation, the base insulation material is not required to withstand the high temperatures that the liner insulation must withstand. The furnace permits insulation within the furnace to be replaced as needed without changing the basic furnace structure. In addition, the furnace enables greater control of the thermal profile within the furnace by having openings in the afterheater or the base insulation. These openings effectively serve as heat vents. The afterheater may be removably connected to the base or liner insulation and thus, also relatively easily replaced. In addition, the base insulation may have openings that effectively act as vents for heat in the region adjacent to the crucible.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a ribbon crystal growth method involving providing a base insulation; and removably connecting a liner insulation to the base insulation, where at least a portion of the liner insulation forms an interior for containing a crucible.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a perspective cross-sectional view of ribbon crystal pulling furnace.    Crucible (14)    Ribbon crystals (16)    Base insulation (24)    Liner insulation (26)    Openings (32)