HPQ Silicon’s project announces that samples are ready for third parties
by CM Staff
On May 17th, 2023, HPQ Polvere announced the successful lab-scale production of Fumed Silica using raw quartz (SiO2) as feedstock in one step, utilizing its proprietary reactor technology.
HPQ Silicon’s project announces that samples are ready for third parties
MONTREAL — HPQ Silicon Inc., a technology company specializing in green engineering processes for silica and silicon material production, says that their Fumed Silica Reactor development project being spearheaded by its wholly owned subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc., in partnership with technology provider PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
On May 17th, 2023, HPQ Polvere announced the successful lab-scale production of Fumed Silica using raw quartz (SiO2) as feedstock in one step, utilizing its proprietary reactor technology. Subsequent tests conducted throughout June and July achieved the following additional key milestones:
- Generated Fumed Silica material exhibiting structural characteristics similar to commercial grade fumed silica, falling between grade Aerosil 150 and Aerosil 200 when compared under Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) (see Figure 1 below).
- Produced nearly one (1) kilogram of Fumed Silica powder, enabling HPQ Polvere to start sending samples to interested third parties for testing.
“In May 2023, we aimed to produce sufficient commercial grade Fumed Silica to send samples to potential clients. Achieving this milestone is a great accomplishment for the Silicon project development team at technology provider PyroGenesis,” said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silica Polvere Inc and HPQ Silicon Inc. “The HPQ Fumed Silica initiative embodies our commitment to green engineering processes and is evolving into a strong stand-alone business.”
Fumed silica (Pyrogenic Silica) is a microscopic white powder with high surface area and low bulk density. Its commercial applications encompass various industries including personal care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture (food & feed), adhesives, sealants, construction, batteries gel, automotive and more.
Fumed silica is a material used in various industries due to its unique properties. Conventional manufacturing processes for fumed silica rely on 2N purity Silicon Metal (Si) as a feedstock, complex procedures, high energy consumption (around 115,000 kWh per tonne produced), and the generation of hazardous by-products such as Hydrogen Chloride Gas (HCI).
In contrast, the HPQ Polvere Fumed Silica Reactor reportedly directly transforms quartz into fumed silica, reducing energy requirements to only 15,000 kWh per tonne produced. This technology enhances efficiency and minimizes the environmental impact and associated carbon taxes.
“By adopting the Fumed Silica Reactor technology, HPQ Silica Polvere anticipates a significant advancement in fumed silica production, benefiting both the Company and the industries that rely on this essential material, and this may be why third parties are eager to evaluate the characteristics of our material for the own operations” added Mr. Tourillon.
