Reference

Silica Plant Itaqui

Brazil

Sustainable production of silica from rice husk ash
After a three-year research and test phase, the first production line for manufacturing silicon dioxide (SIO₂) from rice huskswas built in 2018. A sustainable alternative to the environmentally harmful production process of SIO₂ from quartz sandwas thus developed, which is of great importance for reducing the carbon footprint of the tire industry, among other things. Once production of this first line has been ramped up, there are plans to expand the production facility by four new lines. This will increase the amount of silica produced per year from ~5,000 tons to ~25,000 tons.

The silica plant combines a number of positive aspects:

• Environmentally friendly production of silica
  • Savings of ~50,000 tons of CO₂ (equivalent) per year
  • Wastewater-free production
• Self-sustaining system in terms of raw materials and energy
• Growing silica sales market
• Simultaneous production of up to five different types of silica
• Experienced R&D team is able to develop customized silica with specific properties to meet market requirements.