PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products, announces today that its client, Uragold Bay Resources Inc. has received the results of samples processed by PyroGenesis’ PUREVAP™ System which reflected purity levels in excess of 99.9%.
The testing involved multiple surface readings which used a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis confirms production of high purity silicon metal (Si) by PyroGenesis’ PUREVAP™ System during these tests. Of significant interest is that the purity levels of these samples exceeded the testing thresholds of the laboratory detection capabilities and as such, the final purity level has yet to be determined.
Of note, 22 different readings of 100% Si were observed. This can be attributed to the fact that the purity levels of these samples were high enough that they exceeded the impurity detection method utilized by the laboratory.
“These test results reflect the laboratory’s limitation to detect purity levels greater than 99.9%. In such cases, the laboratory records these results as 100%,” said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. “What we can say with certainty is that we have produced purity levels greater than 99.9%. The samples will now be sent to a specialized laboratory in the United States to be analyzed in parts per billion for the purpose of determining the precise purity levels of the silicon metal produced.”
“We are encouraged by these results as they confirm our expectations of our PUREVAP™ process,” said Pierre Carabin, Director of Engineering of PyroGenesis. “We are looking forward to receiving the additional tests results from the specialized laboratory in the US. In the meantime, we continue to pursue our testing program.”
The project is scheduled to move into the next phase which, if necessary, will focus on improving the purity level of the PUREVAP™.
Bernard Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of Uragold stated, “these test results represent a significant milestone as one of the key goals of our project has been reached – the establishment of a high purity (99.9+%) baseline for the material produced by the reactor. Reaching our goal of transforming Uragold Quartz into Solar Grade Purity Silicon seems even more attainable.”
About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
PyroGenesis Canada Inc., is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes. We provide engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), oil & gas, and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. Our core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. Our operations are ISO 9001:2008 certified, and have been since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded Canadian company on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace (Ticker Symbol: PYRNF).
