Southwest Research Institute provides comprehensive research and development (R&D) for all aspects of Pilot Plant Design & Fabrication, here are some frequently asked questions about our unique solutions and capabilities.
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How does SwRI help clients navigate pilot plant development?
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What are the advantages of contracting with SwRI for pilot plant design and fabrication?
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Can you provide custom utility solutions for unique pilot plant requirements?
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How do you ensure the safety of the pilot plant run at SwRI?
1. What is a pilot plant?
A research pilot plant is a facility designed to demonstrate and evaluate specific technologies and systems prior to commercialization. The purpose of a pilot plant is to test, evaluate and improve systems prior to making a large commercial investment.
2. Where does SwRI build pilot plants?
SwRI staff walk clients through all aspects of design, fabrication, operations and the regulatory process. With a 1,500-acre campus at our headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, we offer dedicated space for pilot plants.
3. How does SwRI help clients navigate pilot plant development?
Whether a client needs help validating an idea or is ready to begin scale up to pilot plant operations, SwRI offers integrated development from the initial concept phase through process development, design, fabrication and operations. We can facilitate the use of a variety of feedstocks and all aspects of pilot plant design from proof-of-concept validation to prototyping, fabrication and construction and operation to ensure cohesive and reliable pilot plant systems.
4. What are the advantages of contracting with SwRI for pilot plant design and fabrication?
SwRI offers industry expertise, flexible permitting, existing infrastructure and utilities. Combined with generous intellectual property policies, SwRI can shave months, maybe even years, off a project timeline. We also house internal machine and fabrication shops to expedite vessel fabrication and machining work.
5. Can you provide custom utility solutions for unique pilot plant requirements?
We typically provide essential utilities such as air, water and electricity. For any additional utilities or materials that we don't have readily in stock, we collaborate with local gas and material suppliers to ensure quick lead times and timely availability. Our team is dedicated to meeting your unique requirements efficiently and effectively.
6. What sort of testing and evaluation does SwRI do?
We have numerous on-site gas, liquid and solid analytical capabilities including a vast catalog of ASTM methods. In addition, we have the capability to perform NDE testing on vessels and pipes, such as X-ray, ultrasonic and radiography. This ensures a high-quality build and longevity. Learn more about SwRI’s Chemical Analysis offerings.
7. What is your IP policy when developing pilot plants?
As an independent nonprofit, inventions arising from contract work performed at the Institute on behalf of the client may be assigned to the client. Visit our Intellectual Property page to learn about technology licensing, patents and more.
8. How much does it cost?
Costs are determined on a project specific basis. Most projects operate on an economical cost-plus contract.
9. Can SwRI support indoor and outdoor pilot plant operations?
Yes, located in sunny San Antonio, Texas, SwRI supports the construction of pilot plants for year-round operations. We also have multiple indoor facilities and high bays as a space for pilots with climate control and better weather protection.
10. What size pilot plants do you build?
SwRI can build pilot plants as small as 10’x10’x10’ or as large as 12’x48’x48’.
11. How long can we run a project?
R&D pilot plant projects typically last between 1-5 years.
12. What industries do you serve?
SwRI designs and fabricates pilot plants for a variety of industries including oil and gas. We also support emerging technologies such as carbon capture and utilization, biofuels, demineralization and more. SwRI assists numerous government and industry clients, each year, with broad applications of innovative R&D pilot plants for chemical processing and advanced material sciences.
13. What types of chemical processes do you specialize in?
SwRI excels in a wide variety of chemical processes, including pyrolysis, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, CO2 capture, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and the production of hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and various forms of carbon, such as graphene. Additionally, we offer extensive expertise and technical know-how for extreme temperature processes up to 2700°F and high-pressure processes up to 3,600 psi.
14. How do you ensure the safety of the pilot plant run at SwRI?
We have multiple internal safety groups that ensure safe work practices and hazardous material handling/disposal. SwRI performs process hazards analysis (PHA/HAZOP) and job safety analysis (JSA) in the early stages of a project to identify and mitigate risk involving health and safety.
Have a question that’s not here? Contact Eloy Flores at +1 210 522 2547.