DIS · 19 octobre 2026

Planning a pilot facility: decisions before procurement

Start with the question

A pilot facility should produce usable evidence. Specify what must be tested: process behaviour, feedstock variability, environmental conditions, repeatability or cleaning. Maximum throughput alone does not define the need. A small trial can be valuable if it resolves a clearly identified technical uncertainty.

Define the test protocol

For each trial, identify adjustable parameters, measurements and expected results. Plan sampling points and sensors during design. Record initial conditions, observation periods and operating context alongside the data.

Include utilities and access

Power, air, water, heating, cooling and waste streams are part of the facility. List the required connections and assign supply, installation and verification responsibilities. Allow room for cleaning and component replacement.

Plan for changes

A pilot will evolve. Accessible connections, spare space and expandable instrumentation should follow identified future trials. Make provisions explicit rather than oversizing every component.

Prepare the decision package

Bring together the test programme, layout, equipment list, utility requirements, budget and schedule before ordering. Separate confirmed assumptions from open questions. Successful pilot trials inform industrial scale-up; they do not replace the engineering needed for it.