HPQ Silicium starts final assembly of Fumed Silica Reactor pilot plant

HPQ Silicium Inc. has commenced the final assembly of its Fumed Silica Reactor pilot plant, operated by its wholly owned subsidiary HPQ Silica Polvere. The engineering design for the project is complete, and all necessary equipment has been fabricated and delivered. Commissioning of the facility is slated for the second quarter of 2024.

Technology provider PyroGenesis Canada Inc. confirmed the completion of engineering and the fabrication of all required components. The assembly phase for the 50 tonnes per year pilot plant is now underway, marking the final step before operational testing.

HPQ Silicium highlights the Fumed Silica Reactor's capability to produce commercial-grade fumed silica directly from quartz as a significant advantage. Validation at the pilot scale is identified as the last prerequisite for commercialization.

"Achieving this milestone brings us closer to validating the scalability of the Fumed Silica Reactor technology, the final step in demonstrating the commercial potential of our proprietary innovation," stated Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silica Polvere and HPQ Silicon. He added that with commissioning set to begin, HPQ Polvere will concentrate on securing a pathway to commercialization.

The pilot plant will be housed within PyroGenesis' facilities, requiring specialized infrastructure for ventilation, safety, and access. It will occupy a designated 4,000 sq ft space with a 30-foot ceiling height.