HPQ Silicium reports reduced energy use and emissions for fumed silica production
HPQ Silicium has released updated data from its fumed silica reactor commissioning, indicating significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon footprint. The company claims up to 92% less energy and 99.9% lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional methods.
HPQ Silicium Inc. has announced new data from the commissioning of its Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant, suggesting substantial improvements in energy efficiency and environmental impact. According to the company, updated modeling indicates that producing fumed silica using their process requires up to 92% less energy and generates up to 99.9% fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional industry standards.
The data, developed by technology supplier PyroGenesis Canada Inc. during the ongoing commissioning of HPQ Silica Polvere Inc.'s (HSPI) FSR pilot facility, suggests a reduction in energy needs to a range of 8 to 12 kWh per kilogram of fumed silica. This represents a further decrease from earlier estimates of 10 to 15 kWh.
Conventional fumed silica production typically consumes between 100 and 120 kWh per kilogram and is associated with approximately 8 to 17 kg of CO2 emissions. HPQ highlights that its process leverages Quebec's low-carbon electricity grid, estimating the HSPI FSR technology's carbon footprint at a mere 0.0136 kg of CO2 per kilogram of fumed silica produced.
These reported efficiency gains are attributed to optimized thermal efficiency within the FSR process. Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon, stated that while typical industry improvements are incremental, the FSR technology is positioned to potentially disrupt the fumed silica market through enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.