HPQ Silicon Inc. announces successful production of commercial-grade fumed silica in Test #7 at its pilot plant, validating the scalability and performance of their plasma-based process. Results show a Specific Surface Area of 168.44 to 191.17 m²/g and a Product Purity of 99.74 – 99.83 percent, exceeding previous tests and meeting commercial quality standards.
The achievement confirms HPQ Silica Polvere Inc.’s ability to produce hydrophilic fumed silica directly from quartz without hazardous by-products. Results from Test #7 demonstrate up to a 40% improvement in Surface Area and 99.8% purity, positioning the material within the upper end of commercial specifications.
HPQ’s FSR technology can now consistently deliver industrial-grade material sustainably, replicating lab-scale results at a commercial pilot scale. The successful pilot-scale tests have proven the technology’s ability to produce commercial-quality fumed silica directly from quartz using plasma energy.
The FSR process offers sustainability and cost advantages over traditional methods, consuming less energy, generating no hazardous by-products, and reducing CO₂ emissions. This innovative approach eliminates the costly environmental footprint associated with conventional fumed-silica manufacturing.
HPQ and PyroGenesis will focus on maintaining consistent production near 200 m²/g and operating the pilot facility at its full design capacity of 50 tonnes per year following Test #7. The company plans to distribute sample batches to potential partners in various industries reliant on high-surface-area hydrophilic fumed silica.
HPQ’s FSR technology positions the company as a potential new entrant in the global fumed-silica market, projected to surpass US$2.57 billion by 2034. With cost advantages and reduced environmental impact, HPQ aims to capture meaningful market share in sectors like coatings, sealants, automotive, and lithium-ion batteries. The analysis of BET surface area, ICP-MS, XRD, and SEM was conducted. HPQ Silicon’s subsidiary will acquire a 50% stake in HSPI by May 2024. The Fumed Silica Market Overview 2025-2034 Report details HPQ Silicon’s focus on advanced materials and clean energy technologies. PyroGenesis Inc. supports HPQ’s initiatives for growth in energy storage and clean hydrogen markets. HPQ Silicon aims to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon with technical support from PyroGenesis Inc. The company is also advancing next-generation silicon-based anode materials for batteries and developing clean-hydrogen and waste-to-energy technologies. PyroGenesis Inc. uses plasma technology to provide engineering solutions for various industries, including energy, defense, and materials development. The company’s operations are ISO certified and it trades on the TSX, OTCQX, and Frankfurt stock exchanges. The Fumed Silica Reactor project of HPQ Silicon involves risks related to technology, market conditions, and regulatory changes. Additional risk factors are detailed in HPQ’s Annual Information Form on SEDAR+. Interested parties can find more information on HPQ Silicon’s website and the SEDAR+ database. For further inquiries, you can contact Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO of HPQ Silicon. 1. The stock market saw a significant drop today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 500 points. This was attributed to concerns over rising inflation and interest rates, leading to a sell-off in tech stocks.
2. A new study has found that 70% of Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck. The survey also revealed that 40% of households would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense.
3. In international news, tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine as Russian forces continue to amass near the border. President Biden has expressed concern over the situation and has called on Russia to de-escalate the situation.
4. A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in South Africa, raising concerns about its potential impact on global efforts to control the pandemic. The variant, known as B.1.1529, is being closely monitored by health officials.
Read more at GlobeNewswire: Independent Analysis Confirms HPQ Fumed Silica Reactor