Pilot Plant Capabilities

We offer the most competitive rates and turnaround time on pilot plant projects because we know time is valuable to you. 

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A pilot plant serves several crucial purposes in the development and scaling of industrial processes. Here are the major points to get out of a pilot plant:

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Risk Mitigation

Pilot plants are essential for reducing risks associated with constructing large-scale process plants. They achieve this by:

• Allowing for testing of computer simulations and semi-empirical methods

• Providing a platform to validate mathematical models in a physical setting

• Enabling the identification and resolution of potential issues before full-scale implementation

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Data Collection and Process Optimization

Pilot plants provide valuable data that is crucial for designing and optimizing full-scale production facilities:

• They generate engineering data specific to the process of interest

• Allow for the refinement of mass and energy balances

• Help in optimizing system design and capacity

• Assist in determining equipment requirements and system limitations

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Scale-up Insights

One of the most critical aspects of a pilot plant is its role in scale-up:

• There is no linear relationship during scale-up or scale-down processes

• Pilot plants help define process limitations and make-or-break points that may not be apparent at bench scale

• They allow for exploration of trade-offs between production capacity and process limitations

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Operational Learning

Pilot plants serve as a learning platform for operators and engineers:

• They provide hands-on experience with the new technology or process

• Allow for the development and testing of operational procedures

• Facilitate staff training in a more forgiving environment than a full-scale plant

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Cost-Effective Testing

Pilot plants offer a cost-effective way to test and refine processes:

• They are substantially less expensive to build than full-scale plants

• Allow for design changes to be made more cheaply at the pilot scale

• Provide an opportunity to work out process kinks before large-scale construction

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Validation of Process Technology

Pilot plants play a crucial role in validating process technology:

• They help ensure that processes that work at bench scale will also function at production level

• Allow for thorough testing of electrical, control, and hydraulic systems

• Provide an opportunity to verify that all required utilities are available and compatible with the new process

• By utilizing a pilot plant, companies can significantly reduce technical, environmental, operational, and commercial risks associated with scaling up new processes or technologies.