RE:New Press Release - HPQ Secures Third-Fumed Silica NDA, as Interest in Testing of Its Commercial-Grade Silica Material Continues to GrowTHE FUMED SILICA REACTOR ("FSR") PROCESS UNVEILS POTENTIAL BEYOND FUMED SILICA ALONE In 2022, sales of Fumed silica, also known as Pyrogenic Silica, reached US$1.3 billion [3], accounting for about 16% of the total US$7.8 billion Specialty Silica Market [4]. The remaining 84% (US$6.5 billion) comprises other materials, such as Precipitated Silica, Fused Silica, Silica Gel, and Colloidal Silica. The Specialty Silica Market is expected to grow to US$13.4 billion by 2030, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.0% [5].
Lab-scale testing not only confirmed that HPQ Polvere has a one-step technology capable of using raw quartz (SiO2) to produce commercial-grade fumed silica but also suggested that the process could be modified to produce Precipitated and/or Fused Silica in one step, using raw quartz (SiO2) as feedstock. This expansion nearly triples the addressable market that could benefit from the deployment of HPQ Polvere FSR technology. This testing phase will occur after the pilot plant validates the scalability of the FRS process but before the transition to commercial production.
FUMED SILICA REACTOR UNIQUE ADVANTAGES
HPQ Polvere holds a distinctive competitive edge through its Fumed Silica Reactor. This advantage stems from our ability to directly transform quartz into fumed silica, and potentially other Specialty Silica Materials, resulting in energy requirements as low as 15,000 kWh per tonne produced [6]. This process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact and associated carbon taxes [7].
By contrast, conventional manufacturing processes for fumed silica depend on 2N purity Silicon Metal (Si) as feedstock. These processes also entail substantial CO2 emissions, intricate procedures, and high energy consumption (approximately 115,000 kWh per tonne produced). Moreover, they give rise to hazardous by-products like Hydrogen Chloride Gas (HCl) [8].
“We believe our technology and its commercial potential is increasingly evident,” added Mr. Tourillon. “As our process gains more industry visibility, we expect continued interest in fumed silica production technology and our Specialty Silica Materials potential. This will benefit both the Company and the industries that rely on this essential material.”