PLASMA ARC PROCESS & APPARATUS FOR FUMED SILICA PRODUCTIONNew patent application by HPQ Silica Polvere: PLASMA ARC PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FUMED SILICA
New patent application by HPQ Silica Polvere
https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2022241545&_cid=P22-LAV4BO-34943-1&fbclid=IwAR1iJ9c6lbi_wc3p0Z8e5K3LP4VAW1QrRXAUMczYjpQ_-STKRgWhgmza-x8 An apparatus for producing fumed silica from silica is described, wherein a plasma arc reactor includes at least one top electrode extending to the molten silica contained in the reactor, a conductive plate provided under the molten silica and a bottom anode. A plasma arc is adapted to be generated, wherein the plasma arc is provided at a tip of the electrode and is adapted to be transferred directly to the molten silica for forming SiO. A quenching system is also provided, such as hydrogen and oxygen containing gases that are injected within the reactor. The quenching system is adapted to reform SiO2 but in nano-sized amorphous particles, with a reactor outlet being provided for allowing the amorphous SiO2 nanoparticles in the form of fumed silica to exit the reactor.
[0018] ... plasma arc process to convert silica directly to fumed silica.
[0019] ... plasma arc process for making fumed silica that is substantially waste free and does not generate any hazardous waste.
[0020] ... apparatus to thermally decompose silica to silicon monoxide without any reducing agent.
[0058] The following Table summarizes the environmental benefits of the present plasma method and apparatus (reactor) for producing fumed silica versus the conventional method:
(See the figure below in the comments)
[0059] Therefore, the present innovative plasma arc process and apparatus for making fumed silica offers about 85% less GHG emissions and 89% less energy consumption compared to the existing industrial fumed silica making processes.
@cargo What is not to like... "the present innovative plasma arc process and apparatus for making fumed silica offers about 85% less GHG emissions and 89% less energy consumption compared to the existing industrial fumed silica making processes" Plus we should be able to use the same feedstock (quartz) as the GEN3, while the competition requires much more expensive feedstock such as silicon. $HPQ @cargo Two birds with one stone... To be able to use QTZ feed stock in both plants:) @cargo Another tidbit of info in the patent. $PYR "Other reagents can be introduced into the reactor R via the quench port(s) 5 to enhance the surface properties of the fumed silica, for instance to make it hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Several different quench configurations can be used, leading to different product characteristics"
Hydrophilic fumed silica
https://www.cabotcorp.com/solutions/products-plus/fumed-metal-oxides/hydrophilic
Hydrophobic fumed silica
https://www.cabotcorp.com/solutions/products-plus/fumed-metal-oxides/hydrophobic @cargo Having the ability to make hydrophobic (water repellent) fumed silica will make a excellent alternative for PFAS in textiles and cosmetics industry. $PYR Long and Strong in HPQ Silicon and PyroGenesis!