Sabtu, 15 Desember 2018

Useful Information Regarding Pilot Plants

By Mary Lewis


Since the start of the technological era, technology has constantly been changing. It is this constant change that makes it necessary for any new technology to be scrutinized to determine if it can be used in its current state or if additional modifications are required. This is where pilot plants come in. A pre-commercial production system that uses latest production technology in order to give a chance for more studies to be undertaken on the new technology is known as a pilot plant.

A pilot plant is built and operated for several other reasons besides obtaining knowledge. For instance, it provides a chance of exploring the effects of changing operating conditions in already existing commercial production units. To add on this, they make it possible for engineers or anyone concerned to investigate aspects such as recycle operations and materials of construction among many other factors.

A pilot plant also plays an essential role in safety. Before one forwards their process of proposal to a higher body of decision making for funding, they must ensure that it is completely safe. Building and operating the plant helps in reducing chances of making mistakes which may be costly on the final equipment. Financers prefer to make financial commitments to investments that have a potential of succeeding.

The plants are also helpful for conforming to regulations set by the government or changing them. They also play the role of trying to get public support for the new technology in question before it is allowed to operate. A pilot plant is a miniature version of a full scale production plant. They capture all the aspects of full scale plants. Depending on the technology in question, they normally exist in different sizes.

In consideration of their sizes, they can be built in laboratories using simple stock laboratory equipment. However, in some cases they may cost a lot on engineering efforts as they are custom fabricated and assembled right from piping, instrumentation to process equipment. Their other importance is that they can be used in training personnel in preparation for tasks in a full-scale production unit.

Reducing maintenance expenses and space needs are additional outline design objectives that a trial plant accomplishes. In this stage, the concerned persons must ensure that parts that require easy accessibility for maintenance and replacement are rightfully placed. In general, for stress free modification and building, the final plant needs to be well-laid.

Crowded and poorly laid units have a high cost of repair efforts and takes longer time to maintain. Well-laid facilities which are constructed after piloting utilize the space available without underusing or exceeding it. The space should be maintained because if it is reduced or increased significantly, it leads to extra expenses which are not necessary.

In conclusion, when an individual has to come up with the layout of the unit, skills and experience come in handy. A number of the well-known layout techniques used are inspired guesswork, detailed design, and less-detailed design. Each method has its advantages and limitations. The shortcomings and advantages of each method are evident in time, cost, and actual space required.




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