LIFE SYNFLUOR
A new sustainable approach for the chemical industry
LIFE-SYNFLUOR is the new pioneering project by FLUORSID, in collaboration with Pirelli, which will see three different industrial supply chains – fluorine, fertilizer and tire – collaborating for the first time ever.
The project aims to optimize and validate an innovative technology developed and patented by FLUORSID, which will enable the reuse of industrial by-products implementing circular economy processes.
Phosphoric acid, the main constituent of phosphate fertilizers, is obtained from phosphorite. This mineral has high concentrations of fluorapatite and silica, which, during the process, form hexafluorosilicic acid. A small part of this acid is reused, but most of it is spilled into the sea, causing serious environmental problems as it is classified as a toxic and polluting substance.
Starting from FSA (hexafluorosilicic acid), it will be possible to recover high-purity synthetic calcium fluoride, a valuable substitute for natural fluorspar (now listed as a critical raw material) and destined for the fluoroderivatives market, and precipitated silica, which will be tested to be used in tire production for improved road traction and fuel savings.
FLUORSID, will coordinate the project, handling the construction and operation of the pilot plant and industrial testing for high-purity synthetic calcium fluoride; Pirelli, on the other hand, will be responsible for pre-industrial testing of silica in tires.
The project will see the construction of a pilot plant to produce 1,000 tons of high-purity synthetic calcium fluoride and 250 tons of precipitated silica. The products will be used in specific industrial trials, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will also be performed to validate their performance and sustainability.
