PyroGenesis Announces Accelerated Construction of Fumed Silica Reactor Project with Arrival of All Major Equipment

Pilot Plant on Track for Anticipated Q2 2024 Commissioning

MONTREAL, March 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company (the “Company” or “PyroGenesis”) that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which are geared to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and address environmental pollutants, is pleased to announce that, further to HPQ Silicon Inc’s (“HPQ”) press release dated today, and the Company’s own news releases dated January 11, 2024 and February 6, 2024, the next milestone for pilot plant development has been reached.                

The Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) technology project is being conducted in conjunction with HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (“HPQ Polvere”), a wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ. With all major equipment now on site, the construction phase of the 50 tonnes per year (TPY) FSR pilot plant is accelerating.

Fumed silica is a moisture-absorbing white microstructure powder with high surface area and low bulk density. Used most often as a thickening agent, anti-caking agent, and stabilizer to improve the texture and consistency of products, the commercial applications of fumed silica can be found in many industries across thousands of product lines, including – but not limited to – personal care, powdered food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture (food & feed), adhesives, paints, sealants, construction, batteries and automotive.

The FSR converts quartz into fumed silica (also known as pyrogenic silica) in a single and eco-friendly step while eliminating the use of harmful chemicals generated by conventional methods.^[2] The FSR, if successful, could provide a groundbreaking contribution to the repatriation of silica production to North America.

The FSR pilot plant is being constructed within a dedicated space inside PyroGenesis’ facilities, with a custom-designed infrastructure that meets the pilot plant’s unique ventilation, safety, and access requirements. A 4,000 sq ft facility with a 30-foot height allowance has been allocated to house the pilot plant, which itself has an approximate layout footprint of 50ft by 30ft. The FSR pilot plant is being developed by PyroGenesis with a 50 TPY output capacity.