RE:FSRYes, the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot-plant is constructed and operational. From the recent November 12, NR:
https://stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2024/11/12/hpq-silica-polvere-fumed-silica-reactor-project-update HPQ Silica Polvere Fumed Silica Reactor Project Update Technology supplier PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY) (“PyroGenesis”) informed HSPI that, after successfully commissioning the pilot system, its engineering team identified the need for an additional enhancement to improve the performance of the pilot plant. This enhancement will ensure a more consistent flow of fumed silica from the reactor to downstream recovery equipment at pilot scale, a marked improvement from its lab-scale system. “Implementing the enhancement at this stage is essential for a smooth transition to commercial production later on,” said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis Inc. “By refining the operational process now, we’re ensuring that HSPI’s clients can expect high-quality standards, setting the stage for a sustainable and efficient production scale-up.”
And from the interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BF8Ekm8V2A&t=3s Thanks to @Ordos for his notes:
- The adjustment is necessary for pilot scale because the material is transported from the reactor, where it is made, to the bagging part of the system, where the material is packaged. At lab scale, material was made in the reactor and there was no need to transfer it. To maintain the quality in a continuous process at pilot scale, decision has been made to improve the refractory lining of the transfer part of the system to be even more durable to the high temperature conditions during operation. It would have been needed in commercial scale plant anyway and it was decided that they better do it now, in the pilot plant. It will speed up things later, with the commercial plant. Important detail here is that this refractory part is not novel, it is a known device used in different variations for different purposes, so it is a normal and logical part of the process
- Major companies usually do not allow small companies using their name, Evonik did based on what the saw at lab scale (!) and were / are confident in the scale up
- The commercial technical team at Evonik that HPQ Silicon is in constant contact with want this project moving faster than HPQ Silicon themselves. Evonik wants to lock this down for themselves. HPQ Silicon wants to ensure the system is fully robust by their own high standards and have better negotiation position
- This is incredibly binary, before and after moment is coming. Once the process is complete and fully verified with quality material produced continuously from start to finish then there is no going back, the way fumed silica is produced will change forever. Pyrogenesis and HPQ Silicon want this moment to occur as soon as possible, but not at the expense of compromising the robustness of the pilot plant and the quality material it produces. The moment is coming, and it is not months away, weeks away. This is the toughest moment, waiting for the before and after
- Nothing has changed with confidence of crossing the finish line. Bernard: "This is a project that is very very close to commercialization"
silverbed79 wrote: Does anyone know if this FSR was actually built, why are we not getting nay news on this, wasnt there supposed to be news end of Nov early Dec. not sure on this but something just doesnt seem right. Long term shareholder but getting pissed off with lack of news.