PyroGenesis Canada Inc has reportedly completed the commissioning phase of its program and the PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) pilot plant is now functional, according to its technology partner HPQ Silicon Resources Inc.
In a statement, HPQ Silicon Resources noted that with the GEN3 PUREVAP QRR pilot plant functional the project is entering its “final” research and development phase. This constitutes operating the pilot plant to test the system under operational conditions and producing high purity silicon material needed by battery makers.
With PyroGenesis Canada, HPQ is developing the PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR), an innovative process which will permit the one-step transformation of quartz (SiO2) into high purity silicon (Si) at significantly reduced costs, energy input, and carbon footprint.
Budgeted at C$2.83 million and lasting up to 12 months, the final phase of the program will allow HPQ to validate and quantify the following PUREVAP QRR disruptive advantages identified during the previously completed Gen1 and Gen2 PUREVAP QRR testing phases:
- Demonstrate it produces silicon material of higher purity than any traditional processes in a single step;
- Show that it can do so without the need for extremely pure feedstock required by conventional processes;
- Illustrate that it only requires 4.5 metric ton (MT) of raw material to make 1 MT of silicon, versus the 6 MT required by conventional processes;
- Finally, establish that it does possess a significant cash cost advantage versus the lowest cost traditional Silicon producer.
PyroGenesis Canada is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases. Its technology is suited for iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive