HPQ’s Phase 2 Fumed Silica Reactor test cut start-up time, boosted output fivefold, and demonstrated strong scalability toward commercialization.
HPQ Silicon Inc., a technology company focused on developing advanced materials and innovative industrial processes, has announced the successful completion of the first test in Phase 2 of its Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot project. The project is being led by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI), a wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ, in collaboration with technology partner PyroGenesis Inc. The test, identified as Test #6, was executed on schedule and marks a significant step forward in validating the company’s proprietary FSR process.
The material produced during this test has already been dispatched to two external laboratories for independent analysis. The first is a well-established global fumed silica manufacturer that is currently engaged with HPQ under an active Letter of Intent (LOI), as first disclosed in the company’s July 9, 2024, update. The second is a leading university laboratory, which will provide additional scientific validation of the material’s properties and potential industrial applications.
Key Operational Highlights from Test #6
Between the previous trial (Test #5) and this new one, HPQ implemented several important process refinements that resulted in substantial operational improvements:
1. Reduced Start-Up Time: The time needed to bring the FSR system to its ideal operating conditions was cut by half. This reduction has the potential to significantly enhance efficiency and lower operational costs during large-scale deployment.
2. Increased Throughput: The semi-continuous batch runs doubled in comparison to the earlier test, while the total material output rose five times higher. Such a leap in productivity indicates that the technology can support much larger manufacturing volumes.
3. Proven Scalability: Test #6 further strengthens HPQ’s confidence that the FSR process can be scaled up effectively from pilot-scale to full commercial production, a critical milestone for future industrial adoption.
Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and HPQ Silica Polvere Inc., emphasized the importance of these gains. “The operational advancements demonstrated in Test #6 mark a decisive step in the development of our proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor technology,” he noted. Tourillon added that although the detailed third-party material analyses are still pending, the immediate results strongly suggest that the process is both economically viable and technically scalable.
The company believes that these achievements not only validate the progress of the FSR pilot program but also move it closer to commercial deployment. By reducing start-up delays, boosting production capacity, and achieving a significant increase in material output, HPQ is aligning itself to meet the growing demand for fumed silica—a high-value material used extensively in industries ranging from construction and automotive to electronics and energy storage.
As Phase 2 testing continues, the results of ongoing independent evaluations will play an important role in confirming the quality and consistency of the material. HPQ remains optimistic that its innovative process will offer industry stakeholders a competitive and sustainable alternative for fumed silica production.
