Fumed silica

Fumed silica consists of microscopic droplets of amorphous silica fused into branched, chainlike, three-dimensional secondary particles which then agglomerate into tertiary particles.

The resulting powder has an extremely low bulk density and high surface area. Its three-dimensional structure results in viscosity-increasing, thixotropic behavior.

It is used as a thickener, a desiccant, a reinforcing filler, or as an anticaking agent in powders. It is used in cosmetics, toothpaste, paints, coatings, printing inks, adhesives and unsaturated polyester resins.

Manufacturing of fumed silica

Ground silicon metal is turned into silicon tetrachloride through chlorination then fumed silica is made from flame pyrolysis of silicon tetrachloride. Large amounts of hydrochloric acid must be absorbed and recycled.

GAB Neumann’s process equipment

The production of fumed silica involves the use and processing (absorption, desorption, concentration) of large amounts of hydrochloric acid. GAB Neumann offers annular groove graphite heat exchangers, graphite heaters, graphite colers, graphite block heat exchangers, graphite absorbers, graphite evaporators, and well as fractioning graphite columns to the fumed silica producers. GAB Neumann also offers hydrochloric acid recovery units and dry hydrochloric acid generation units to the fumed silica producers.

Associated products:

Impervious graphite annular groove interchangers

Impervious graphite annular groove heavy-duty condensers

Impervious graphite annular groove partial condensers

Impervious graphite block heat exchangers

Impervious graphite annular groove isothermal absorbers

Impervious graphite columns

Hydrochloric acid recovery units