GraniteFuel secures patent for siloxane hydrolysis technology in pharma and cosmetics

GraniteFuel Engineering, Inc., a subsidiary of DCL Technology Group, has been awarded a patent for its siloxane hydrolysis technology, a system designed to address a longstanding challenge in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing.

The patented process uses a controlled hydrolysis reaction to convert siloxanes — chemicals widely used in soaps, creams, coatings, and pharmaceutical formulations — into stable silicon dioxide. This conversion prevents downstream equipment damage, reduces waste disposal needs, and allows plants to reclaim solvents.

Siloxanes are difficult to manage in production and waste streams. Traditional solutions, such as flaring or landfill disposal, create secondary environmental and operational problems. GraniteFuel’s system instead reacts siloxanes with water over a catalyst at elevated temperatures, producing silicon dioxide that can be safely captured within the process.

According to GraniteFuel, the technology represents the first commercial platform for siloxane breakdown through hydrolysis. The company reports that it reduces operating costs, conserves energy, and supports compliance with evolving environmental regulations.

The system can also be integrated with GraniteFuel’s Temperature Swing Adsorption platforms, enabling combined removal of volatile organic compounds and siloxanes.

“With this patent, GraniteFuel adds a powerful new tool to our portfolio of solutions,” said Glen Prisciak, Director of Sales at GraniteFuel. “Siloxanes have long been considered a nuisance byproduct with no effective means of treatment beyond disposal. Our technology not only neutralizes siloxanes but opens opportunities for cleaner, more efficient pharmaceutical and cosmetic production.”

Shazam Williams, Technical Director at DCL Technology Group, added that the breakthrough provides both immediate operational benefits and long-term compliance advantages.

The patent marks GraniteFuel’s first in siloxane breakdown and expands the company’s portfolio of advanced gas treatment and abatement solutions.

This piece was created with the assistance of generative AI tools and was edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.