What is a Pilot Plant?

Pilot plants are small-scale facilities designed to simulate industrial or research processes before large-scale implementation. They are essential for testing technologies, optimizing processes, and validating models before investing in mass production. These plants allow researchers and engineers to analyze and refine systems under controlled conditions, ensuring predictable and repeatable results.

Pilot plants are used in various industries, including energy, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and water treatment. Their primary function is to reduce the risks associated with implementing new technologies and processes, enabling adjustments before significant investments in large-scale infrastructure.

Recent advances in Pilot Plants and their importance

In recent years, pilot plants have evolved with the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and process automation. These advancements have improved efficiency, reduced operational costs, and ensured greater accuracy in experiment control and monitoring.

Some of the most relevant advancements include:

  • Digitalization and smart sensors: These enable real-time monitoring of process variables, ensuring greater accuracy and reducing human errors.
  • Advanced automation: The integration of automatic control systems enhances the reproducibility and reliability of experiments.

Their importance lies in their ability to minimize risks by validating new ideas before large-scale implementation, facilitating innovation in key industrial sectors. Additionally, they provide a safe environment for training technicians and operators in real-world settings without compromising safety or production efficiency.

Why is a Pilot Plant Beneficial When Starting Research?

Having a pilot plant dedicated to research offers multiple benefits:

  • Validation of theories and models: Allows testing in a controlled environment before scaling production.

  • Process optimization: Helps identify potential improvements before making large-scale investments.

  • Cost reduction: Prevents costly mistakes in later project phases.

  • Training and education: Provides personnel with hands-on experience using a functional model before industrial application.

  • Regulatory compliance: Facilitates the adaptation of processes to specific industry regulations.

Pilot plants are essential for ensuring success in research and the development of new technologies, as they provide a safe and controlled platform for experimentation and learning.

EDIBON: Customized Pilot Plant design

At EDIBON, we design and develop pilot plants tailored to our clients’ needs. Our team of engineers collaborates closely with educational institutions, research centers, and industries to create customized solutions that meet the specific objectives of each project.

Our pilot plants are designed with cutting-edge technology to ensure research success and effective process optimization. The flexibility in design allows each unit to be adapted to particular requirements, maximizing its utility in both industrial and research applications.

EDIBON’s expertise and global reach

One of EDIBON’s greatest strengths is our ability to design, manufacture, and deliver pilot plants worldwide. Our engineers have extensive experience in developing these solutions, ensuring the highest quality in every project.

From conception to installation and personnel training, we provide comprehensive services. Our commitment to excellence has allowed us to collaborate with universities and research centers around the world, delivering high-value solutions on an international scale.

Examples of EDIBON Pilot Plants

Some of our key pilot plants include:

  • Pilot Plant for CO₂ Capture and Adsorption (MOF4AIR): Designed for researching and developing carbon capture technologies, this plant enables the study of advanced methods to reduce CO₂ emissions in the industry and mitigate environmental impact. Learn more about this plant in the following video:
  • Pilot Plant for Cereal Malting (CE00/MA): Developed to simulate the processes of germination, drying, and roasting of grains, this plant is a key tool in the food and brewing industries for improving final product quality. Learn more about this plant in the following video:

Pilot plants are an essential tool for technological innovation and development. At EDIBON, we specialize in providing high-quality, tailored solutions to ensure the success of every research and industrialization project.

Our commitment to excellence enables us to develop pilot plants that not only meet the highest quality standards but also facilitate research and scientific advancement. If you are looking for a customized solution for your research or industrial development, EDIBON can help.

Would you like to learn more about our pilot plants? Contact us and discover how we can help you achieve your goals!