MONTREAL, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based materials would like to update shareholders on recent developments from HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (“HSPI”) [1] regarding the start of the commercial validation of its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) process.
Technology supplier PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY) (“PyroGenesis”) informed HSPI that it has successfully completed the extended refractory conditioning work on the pilot system, as previously announced in HPQ’s November 12, 2024, press release. This work was essential to ensure a more consistent flow of fumed silica from the reactor to the downstream recovery equipment.
PyroGenesis also advised HPQ that the first series of process material tests are scheduled to start in December 2024.
“During the scale-up phase of any project, process improvements are to be expected. However, this does not change the fact that our FSR technology will transform fumed silica manufacturing for the better,” said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon and HPQ Silicon Polvere. “Our objective remains clear: to disrupt the fumed silica market by delivering a cost-effective, high-efficiency solution that redefines industry standards. And as we continue ongoing discussions to secure offtake agreements.”
HPSI Fumed Silica Reactor Pilot Plant – Focus on Ensuring Product Quality
The FSR Pilot Plant represents a pioneering, state-of-the-art prototype system, meticulously designed with a suite of seamlessly integrated sub-systems. These sub-systems operate in synchronization to enable the production of fumed silica within the reactor, ensure its controlled transfer to downstream recovery systems, and optimize the efficient extraction and packaging of the final product.
The FSR development program is thoughtfully designed and systematically implemented to address the intricate challenges of scaling up a novel process—from laboratory-scale equipment producing only a few grams of fumed silica per batch to an industrial-grade system capable of generating multiple kilograms per hour.
“PyroGenesis is committed to pursuing ideas with real and significant potential for successful commercialization, and the Fumed Silica Reactor project definitively meets that threshold,” said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis Inc. “Our primary goal during the scaling-up phase is to continuously refine operational processes to ensure that HSPI’s clients receive high-quality materials, setting the stage for sustainable and efficient commercial production.”
A Foundation for Commercial Readiness
Following the successful completion of the initial processing material test, the program will progress to the batch production phase, where the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) will commence manufacturing kilograms of fumed silica.
The primary goal of this phase is to validate the system's ability to consistently reproduce critical physical properties—such as surface area—and essential rheological characteristics, including viscosity and thickening behavior, as previously demonstrated at the lab scale. Upon achieving this milestone, the program will advance to semi-continuous operations, aiming to produce a minimum of 200 kilograms of commercial-grade fumed silica samples for extensive testing and validation.
“PyroGenesis’ technical team is always actively exploring ways to refine HSPI’s proprietary FSR technology at the pilot plant scale to ensure high-quality material production at the pilot scale and for future commercial operations,” added Mr. Pascali
Sample Testing
Throughout these phases, the fumed silica produced will undergo rigorous internal testing, with samples sent to Evonik, as outlined in the LOI announced on July 9, 2024. Additional evaluations may also be conducted by other parties under NDA. By Q1 2025, the focus will shift to optimizing pilot plant operations to produce high-purity, food- and pharma-grade fumed silica with a surface area of 300 m²/g.
In addition to manufacturing materials with surface areas ranging from 150 to 300 m²/g, the overarching goal is to achieve full-capacity operations, enabling multiple daily production cycles and delivering commercial-quality material. With an expected 20 hours of daily operation, the system is projected to produce approximately 161 kilograms per day, equivalent to an annual output of 50,000 kilograms (50 TPY).
REFERENCE SOURCES
[1]
A wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Inc. when technology supplier PyroGenesis announced its intention to exercise its option to acquire a 50% stake in HSPI in May 2024.
HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.
HPQ activities are centred around the following four (4) pillars:
1)
Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc being developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis.
2)
Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS.
3)
HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system.
4)
Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.
PyroGenesis, a high-tech company, is a proud leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and are economically attractive alternatives to conventional “dirty” processes. PyroGenesis has created proprietary, patented and advanced plasma technologies that are being vetted and adopted by multiple multibillion dollar industry leaders in four massive markets: iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of its Montreal office, and its 3,800 m2 and 2,940 m2 manufacturing facilities, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. The operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, having been ISO certified since 1997. PyroGenesis’ shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada (TSX: PYR), the OTCQX in the US (OTCQX: PYRGF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (FRA: 8PY). www.pyrogenesis.com
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.
Source: HPQ Silicon Inc. For further information contact: Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271 Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239 Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com
