MONTREAL, Canada — HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQX: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company engaged in green engineering processes for producing silica and silicon material, would like to inform shareholders of the latest QRR process testing takeaways following the completion of Test #5 under Test Series #1 – last week.
Technology provider PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (“Pyrogenesis”) informed HPQ that:
- All data gathered during process improvement tests done on the Gen3 QRR pilot plant (“Pilot Plant”); following tests #1 through 4, have made the system more stable and predictable for use in the production of 2N+ Silicon; which is the best commercially available purity in the market.
- During test #5, the Pilot Plant was successfully powered up to the required operating state, and as usual, feedstock was loaded into the system. After this, 4 production cycles were completed resulting in the production of a large liquid silicon bath at the bottom of the reactor. This validated the system’s semi-continuous batch production mode.
- Going forward, testing will focus on improving silicon production yield (Test Series #2) and final purity to reach the purity-percentage needed by battery manufacturers and for use in other high-value applications (Test Series #3).
“The achievements reached to date demonstrate the effectiveness of process improvement tests and the dedication of the team working on the Gen3 QRR pilot plant project,” said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. “The successful completion of the production cycles during test #5 validates the semi-continuous batch production mode of the system, indicating a promising future for the production of 2N+ Silicon. The team’s focus on improving silicon production yield and final purity in Test Series #2 and #3 shows their commitment to continuously improving and delivering high-value products to their customers.”
Test #5 presented us with a challenge when an unexpected electrical malfunction occurred just as we were preparing to pour the melted silicon. However, we approached this setback proactively, and our team swiftly implemented measures to address the issue.
While the cause of the malfunction was quickly identified and fixed, the reactor must cool down before we can recover the silicon at the bottom. But we have a clear plan for what comes next. We will send some of the material to an outside laboratory for purity testing and send silicon chunks to Novacium for further evaluation as battery material, specifically micron-sized Si and SiOx powders.
The reactor is also being inspected and prepared for the next test, Test #1 (under Test Series #2), tentatively scheduled for the second week of May 2023.
“This unexpected hiccup does not affect the testing campaign, which is still underway as we continue to modernize how Silicon and High Purity Silicon is produced, something that has not yet been achieved in over 100 years,” added Mr. Tourillon.
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.
