MONTREAL, Canada — HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: 8PY1), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, announces the successful completion of Test Series #7 of the proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant developed by its wholly owned subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI) [1].
The pilot plant, designed and built by engineering partner PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY1), marks another step in HPQ’s drive to commercialize a direct-quartz-to-fumed-silica manufacturing process that eliminates the need for costly intermediate steps and sharply reduces the total energy and carbon footprint of production. The process uses a plasma-based reactor to convert quartz directly into fumed silica, a high-value product used in a wide range of applications, including batteries, electronics, cosmetics, and sealants.
“Each test series brings us closer to proving that low-energy-low-carbon, direct-from-quartz fumed silica can be produced reliably and competitively,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. “This work continues to validate years of R&D investment and demonstrates the industrial scalability of HPQ’s proprietary process.”
Image of test #7 material (Source PyroGenesis)
Before initiating Test Series #7, PyroGenesis engineered implemented two sets of key improvements.
The first focused on expanding the material’s surface area, a critical measure of fumed silica performance, which has already advanced from 28 m²/g surface area in Test #4 to 44 m²/g in Test #5 and 136 m²/g in Test #6.
The target surface area for test cycle #7, based on the engineering modifications, is to surpass 150 m²/g [2]. Surface areas in the 150 – 200 m²/g range are consistent with market specifications for premium fumed silica.
The second set of enhancements prepared the FSR system for multi-day continuous operation, targeting the production of 200 kilograms of material suitable for distribution to multiple potential customers under non-disclosure agreements for independent evaluation.
A set of samples have been shipped to an accredited third-party laboratory for certification, with results expected within ten business days.
“Once these results are received, we will be able to define the goals and engineering upgrades for Test Cycle #8, which we anticipate will take us closer to the end goal of the highest fumed silica surface area grades of 300 m²/g,” added Tourillon. “We’re moving from proof-of-concept toward measurable market traction—aligning with HPQ’s broader objective of creating low-energy carbon, high-value materials that compete globally while supporting North American supply-chain resilience.”
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.
[2] These estimates are based on management’s interpretation of past test results. The Company cautions that these findings are preliminary and may not be indicative of the final outcome. They remain valid only until the receipt of the independent third-party laboratory analysis.
HPQ Silicon is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer. With the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada and NOVACIUM SAS, the company is developing new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.
