Cristobalite Debut in Portugal: Sifucel Opens Up New Business Field With Grenzebach Technology
The Project
Our Customer:
Sifucel – Sílicas, S.A. was established in 1965 and has been a member of Grupo Parapedra since 1995. The company is located in Rio Maior, Portugal, and processes high-purity silica sand and kaolin for national and international customers. Sifucel uses innovative methods to extract silica sand.
Challenges for the Customer:
Sifucel has a deposit of exceptionally pure, high-silica sand. Through a pipeline dredging system, Sifucel efficiently and responsibly extracts its raw materials, ensuring the sustainability of its operations. For years, this high-silica sand was supplied as a raw material. Today, Sifucel is moving further up the value chain. By entering the cristobalite production market, the company is expanding its product portfolio, creating higher-value solutions, and strengthening its position in global competition.
To achieve this transformation, Sifucel looked for a trusted technology partner—and found it in Grenzebach. Together, they are shaping the future of advanced materials.
The Solution:
The project began with a comprehensive material analysis at the Grenzebach laboratory. Based on the silica sand samples, the experienced Grenzebach team developed a tailor-made formula and verified the process at the company's technology center. The results were convincing—Sifucel chose Grenzebach as its technology partner. The plant was then designed, constructed, and brought into operation. The production capacity is some ten metric tons per hour. That now enables Sifucel to convert its raw material into a sought-after high-tech material for the first time. The volume of the investment is approximately 30 million euros, including 1.38 million euros in funding from the “Portugal 2020” program.
The Solution Package in Detail
- Comprehensive analysis of silica sand samples at the in-house laboratory: particle size, purity, reaction behavior
- Development of a tailored formula for the production process, using special additives
- Verification of the process by producing small quantities at the Grenzebach technology center
- Step-by-step design, construction, and commissioning of the plant featuring a rotary kiln for conversion of silica sand to cristobalite at 1,500 °C
- Production capacity 10 tonnes/hour
Benefits for Our Customer
New Markets
Entry into a new segment with a high export share and a global demand.
More Added Value
From raw material supplier to refiner—for higher margins and flexibility.
Tailor-Made Technology
Individual, complete solution package—from raw material analysis to commissioning.
“With the cristobalite plant, we have taken our business to a new level. Grenzebach has not just been a supplier to us but a true partner on this journey.”