HPQ Silicon Inc., a technology company specializing in advanced materials and critical process development, has received analytical results from a leading global fumed silica manufacturer on material produced during its Phase 1 Test #5. Conducted at the HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. pilot plant, the test marked the first use of a semi-continuous feedstock protocol in the proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR). Technology partner PyroGenesis Inc. reported that the plant successfully replicated material collection in the baghouse, confirming two key steps toward commercial validation of the FSR.
Independent analysis showed significant improvements in the fumed silica output compared to Test #4. Carbon-based impurities were reduced by 85%, while other contaminants dropped by 50% to 86%. The BET surface area of the material increased by 57%, indicating stronger performance characteristics for applications that demand high surface area, such as reinforcing fillers and catalyst supports.
“Taken together, the results from Phase 1 tests 4 and 5, along with operational data from the three earlier tests, validate the successful 20-fold scale-up of the Fumed Silica Reactor—from lab to pilot scale, and from batch to semi-continuous production,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon and HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. “These results confirm that key material properties can be reliably reproduced and even improved at larger scale, establishing a solid foundation for future process optimization.”
With pilot-scale replicability confirmed, the project is now entering Phase 2 testing. The next phase will focus on further elevating the material’s surface area, with a target BET range of up to 300 m²/g. Tourillon added, “Having overcome the primary technical challenges, we believe achieving our surface area targets is well within reach.”
This pilot program leverages HPQ’s agreement with PyroGenesis, which retains an option to acquire a 50% interest in HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. The successful semi-continuous protocol represents a strategic milestone in scaling the FSR technology for potential commercial deployment in industries requiring high-purity, high-performance fumed silica.
Source: HPQ Silicon Press Release
