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| When there is no specific experience
in the field, processes using dense phase fluids are generally
approached by starting with feasibility studies at laboratory
level, simulating the processes with minimal amounts of
product. If the tests are successful, that is to say,
if they confirm the generic applicability of subcritical
or supercritical C02 to a given |
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treatment, suggesting
possible development on an industrial scale, it is necessary
to perform a further test with larger volumes of product.
Pilot plants allow to confirm that laboratory results
are reproducible when more significant quantities are
involved and accordingly allow to determine the critical
variables, the timings, the yield and other operating
parameters involved in planning a scale-up to the industrial
level.
This family of plants includes machines capable of processing
volumes typically between 1 and 25 I. These machines are
highly flexible because they must allow to evaluate various
operating possibilities and test several alternatives
during the study and optimization of the process. A second
scale-up is often required before defining an industrial
plant if the matrices to be processed are very expensive.
Refining processes in these plants is obviously highly
critical. This is the stage when it becomes clear whether
a process can be industrially utilized, with the consequent
economic implications. Sometimes, the user's organization
has the expertise required to optimize the processes but
cannot install such plants.
In other cases, for understandable confidentiality reasons,
there is no wish to leak valuable information which might
help other companies in the same development. Fedegari
Autoclavi SpA is able to meet any requirement, either
directly or by means of its partners, with a wide range
of offers: from the leasing
of extremely flexible pilot plants to the conduction of
tests with the backing of an analysis laboratory to the
supply of customized plants of the chosen size. In the
case of processes for which transfer of the matrices to
be processed is troublesome, some plants can be easily
shipped to the user's site.
Although these plants are meant to perform tests, they
are equipped with all the appropriate safety devices and
offer a far higher degree of flexibility than industrial
plants, which are designed for a far narrower range of
applications. |
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Company
> Products > Pilot Plants
