Pilot Plant Design and Fabrication
Process Development for Transportation Biofuels
Carbon Capture Technology
Circulating Fluidized Bed Operation and Optimization Testing
Pilot plants bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and industrial processes.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) designs and develops chemical pilot plants that scale ideas into working platforms for research and development in fuels refining, renewable energy, power generation, chemical processing and more.
SwRI’s chemical pilot plant solutions include engineering, procurement, construction and operations (EPCO) services. We save clients time by leveraging in-house fabrication with access to utilities, existing infrastructure and flexible permitting. This moves projects out of the lab and into commercialization more rapidly.
Pilot Plant Scale-Up Techniques
We help you choose appropriate scale-up techniques and platforms that align with chemical processes, sizing footprints and other constraints. Pilot Plant FAQ
| Skid-Mounted Plants | Pre-fabricated skid mounts for smart customization. | Plastics Recycling |
| Trailer-Mounted Plants | Field-ready mobile pilot scale systems. | Biofuels Processing |
| Mini Pilot Plants | Lab-sale and bench plants with robust capabilities. | Fluidized Bed Reactors |
| Custom Pilot Plants | One-of-a-kind, pilot-scale solutions. | Carbon Capture |
R&D Pilot Plant Services
R&D pilot plants are key to commercializing new technologies. By working with SwRI, you not only get a team of chemical engineers and technicians with a proven track record, but you can also draw on the Institute’s multidisciplinary expertise. Our focus on applied research helps clients gain valuable insights at all stages of an R&D pilot plant.
Design & Engineering
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Four-story, outdoor R&D pilot plant for hydrogen research.
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Indoor, three-story skid pilot plant for optional expansion.
SwRI develops customized lab- and pilot-scale plants utilizing SolidWorks CAD to create accurate and detailed designs and assemblies. Using simulation software, we can preemptively identify and address potential issues to optimize pilot plant designs.
- Conceptual Design – Scale-up design services.
- Process Engineering & Fuels – Process development solutions.
Fabrication & Procurement
Our in-house fabrication and machine shop specializes in complex industrial equipment. Our infrastructure and location support year-round, indoor and outdoor development. Through trusted supply chains, we guarantee the highest quality materials and equipment.
- Mechanical Fabrication Center – Specialty shop for novel equipment.
Construction & Operations
We integrate regulatory compliance with ASME, ASTM, API and other standards. We not only support the commissioning of pilot plants but can maintain and validate operations following the devised PSM Plan in accordance with ISO 9001:2015.
- Pilot Plant Operations and Host Sites – 24/7 operations support.
Clean Hydrogen Pilot Plant
Electrolysis-based pilot plant research explores lower cost electrolyzer construction for clean hydrogen generation.
Chemical Process Expertise
We help a variety of industries scale pilot projects with chemical process solutions.
| Pyrolysis | Fischer-Tropsch | CO2 Capture | Hydrogen Production |
| Sustainable Aviation Fuels | Carbon Production | Distilling | Fluidized Beds |
| Catalytic Cracking | High Pressure and High Temperature | Plastics Recycling | Bioengineering |
| Polymers | Gas to Liquids | Biofuels | Environmental |
Chemistry & Analytical Services
Get the most out of your pilot plant with SwRI’s analytical services that help you gain faster data insights for smarter scale-up.
- Process Chemistry Laboratories
- Chemical & Physical Bench Analysis
- Chemical Analysis Services
- Specialized Testing
- Fuel Analysis
- Heavy Oil and Residuum Processing
- Distillation Capabilities
Producing Graphene from CO2
Lab-to-pilot project demonstrates CO2 utilization and commercialization with small-scale pilot plant.