High Voltage Pulse Power
Nature's energy, precision engineering. We master HVP to fragment materials along grain boundaries, the most relevant alternative to conventional crushing.
World leader in selective fragmentation
Today SELFRAG is the world leader in the selective fragmentation of solid materials using high voltage pulse power electrical discharges. This technology is the most relevant alternative to conventional crushing and grinding techniques.
As a result, it presents an unprecedented potential to develop a new generation of sustainable and economically profitable materials processing solutions. Our highly skilled team has brought industrialised and patented high voltage pulse power products and systems to the market, satisfying our clients for over a decade.
Fragmentation along grain boundaries
We use high voltage electrical pulses to selectively fragment solid composite materials along grain boundaries. High electrical pulses between electrodes into water release the material very efficiently.
100-200 kV pulses, triggered in microseconds
High Voltage fragmentation uses the difference in the conductivity of materials to release valuable materials and free them from impurities. Electrical discharges of 100-200 kV are triggered in controlled time intervals, producing precision fragmentation without mechanical contact.
Benefits of selective fragmentation
Release valuable materials and free them from impurities. HVP technology delivers four measurable benefits over conventional crushing.
Liberation
Cleaning
Reduction
Accessibility
Where HVP technology is used
Recycling
HVP fragmentation opens recycling routes that conventional crushing cannot reach. Today we recover metals from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) at industrial scale across our Centros. Electronic waste, where selective liberation of small metal fractions matters most, is a clear next step.
Manufacturing
Where material purity is paramount, HVP fragments without the contamination that mechanical crushing introduces. Polysilicon for the photovoltaic industry can be sized down with negligible iron pickup. Monosilicon scrap returns clean enough to re-enter the high-grade material loop.
Research
Beyond production, HVP is a precise sample preparation tool. Geoscience institutes use it to liberate mineral grains for petrographic study without damaging the crystal structure. Recycling and mining research labs rely on the same selectivity to evaluate new feedstocks before scaling up.
Mining
In mining, HVP breaks ore along mineralogical boundaries instead of through them. Pre-weakening and grade-splitting before conventional grinding promises significant energy savings and better recovery, and is in active research with industry partners.
Our Machines
We design, build and support high voltage pulse power systems for laboratory research and industrial production, from single-sample lab systems to fully automated high-purity crushing lines.
The SELFRAG Lab
An innovative solution for the fragmentation of complex materials such as ores, electronics and recycled materials. Deployed in over 45 universities and research institutions worldwide.
Delivers 90-200kV electric pulses up to 5 times per second. Fully enclosed Faraday cage, safe during processing, 79dB maximum, meets all EU regulations.
Capacity: up to 1 kg per batch · Dimensions: 0.86 x 2.06 x 2.37 m · Power: 3x400V · Setup: 1 day commissioning + 1 day training
High Purity Sizing Equipment
The only solution worldwide which offers a touchless crushing method for high purity materials such as poly- or monosilicon and glass. First installed in 2016, now integrated into electronic-grade polysilicon crushing lines at major global producers.
Performance: up to 8'000 t.p.a. throughput per HVP-generator · Cost: 28% lower operating costs than alternatives · Size range: 2-150mm user-selectable
Tech updates
News, milestones and insights from our waste-to-value operations.
Lightning in water: how High Voltage Pulse fragmentation works
Selfrag Technology Presented at Swiss Green Economy Symposium
Interested in our machines?
Contact us for technical specifications, pricing, and customization options.