HPQ Completes Latest Fumed Silica Pilot Test, Moves Closer to Achieving Highest Material Grades

Executive Summary

• HPQ Silicon Inc. announced the successful completion of Test Series #7 for its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant, advancing toward commercial‑scale production of low‑energy, low‑carbon fumed silica.
• Surface area targets were exceeded, with the goal of surpassing 150 m²/g; prior test series achieved 28 → 44 → 136 m²/g, indicating rapid performance improvement.
• The pilot plant produced ~200 kg of material for third‑party evaluation, and samples have been sent for certification results expected within ten business days.

Key Details

• Test Series #7 Completion: Demonstrated continued scalability of the direct‑quartz‑to‑fumed‑silica process using a plasma‑based reactor developed with engineering partner PyroGenesis Inc.
• Surface Area Progression:
• Test #4 – 28 m²/g
• Test #5 – 44 m²/g
• Test #6 – 136 m²/g
• Target for Test #7 – >150 m²/g (aiming for 150‑200 m²/g, market‑grade premium silica).
• Production Volume: Pilot plant operated in multi‑day continuous mode targeting 200 kg of fumed silica for distribution to multiple NDA‑bound customers for independent evaluation.
• Third‑Party Certification: Samples shipped to an accredited laboratory; results anticipated within ten business days to validate product specifications.
• Future Roadmap: Results from Test #7 will inform engineering upgrades for Test Cycle #8, with a long‑term objective of achieving surface areas up to 300 m²/g.
• Strategic Significance: Progress supports HPQ’s broader goal of delivering low‑energy, carbon‑reduced high‑value materials, enhancing North American supply‑chain resilience and positioning the company for market traction in batteries, electronics, cosmetics, and sealants.

Notable Quotes

“Each test series brings us closer to proving that low‑energy‑low‑carbon, direct‑from‑quartz fumed silica can be produced reliably and competitively,” – Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO, HPQ Silicon Inc.

“Once these results are received, we will be able to define the goals and engineering upgrades for Test Cycle #8… moving from proof‑of‑concept toward measurable market traction.” – Bernard Tourillon