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Useful Information Regarding Pilot Plants

By Mary Lewis


Since the start of the technological era, technology has constantly been changing. It is this constant change that makes it necessary for any new technology to be scrutinized to determine if it can be used in its current state or if additional modifications are required. This is where pilot plants come in. A pre-commercial production system that uses latest production technology in order to give a chance for more studies to be undertaken on the new technology is known as a pilot plant.

A pilot plant is built and operated for several other reasons besides obtaining knowledge. For instance, it provides a chance of exploring the effects of changing operating conditions in already existing commercial production units. To add on this, they make it possible for engineers or anyone concerned to investigate aspects such as recycle operations and materials of construction among many other factors.

A pilot plant also plays an essential role in safety. Before one forwards their process of proposal to a higher body of decision making for funding, they must ensure that it is completely safe. Building and operating the plant helps in reducing chances of making mistakes which may be costly on the final equipment. Financers prefer to make financial commitments to investments that have a potential of succeeding.

In order to change or adhere to government regulations, it is necessary to construct a trial plant. Trying and getting the public back up on new technology before it is fully operation is another non-technical objective of a trial plant. A typical plant is a miniature form of a full-sized production plant. They are constructed in numerous sizes with consideration to the tested technology.

In consideration of their sizes, they can be built in laboratories using simple stock laboratory equipment. However, in some cases they may cost a lot on engineering efforts as they are custom fabricated and assembled right from piping, instrumentation to process equipment. Their other importance is that they can be used in training personnel in preparation for tasks in a full-scale production unit.

The plant also achieves other layout design goals like low maintenance costs and low space requirement. In this phase, the involved personnel must ensure that the components they require for maintenance and replacement are located in a place where they can be accessed easily. For easier modification and building, the final unit must be properly laid.

What most people do not realize is that crowded and poorly laid units cost more in repair works and time on maintenance. After piloting phase, operating facilities that are well-laid benefit from the space available without underusing or exceeding it. Space is used well while avoiding the costs associated with increasing or reducing its use.

To finalize, experience and skill comes to play when a person has to design the layout of the unit. Some of the commonest layout techniques used includes detailed design, inspired guesswork, and less-detailed design. Every approach has its shortcomings and advantages. The benefits and disadvantages are realized on areas such cost, the real space required, and time.




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