System and method for performing separation and dehydroxylation of fumed silica soot particles

A method for performing separation and dehydroxylation of fumed silica particles to manufacture a silica soot preform, the method comprising:

• collecting a primary feed of fumed silica particles from a gaseous stream, where the primary feed of fumed silica particles is collected in a fluidized state;
• collecting a secondary feed of chlorine gas, where the secondary feed of chlorine gas is collected for performing separation and dehydroxylation of the fluidized fumed silica particles;
• treating the primary feed of the fumed silica particles and the secondary feed of chlorine gas in presence of heat;
• releasing the dehydrated fumed silica particles, whereby separating and dehydroxylating the fumed silica particles;
• and
• performing compaction of the dehydrated fumed silica particles to form the silica soot preform, where the compaction is performed after performing separation and dehydroxylation of the fumed silica particles;
• where collecting the primary feed of fumed silica particles from a gaseous stream into a double entry cyclone from a first inlet;
• where collecting the secondary feed of chlorine gas into a double entry cyclone from a second inlet.