Pilot plants are important to
- Test the viability of new processes or equipment;
- Optimize process parameters and
- To identify and resolve potential technical challenges.
Thus, pilot plants provide valuable data and insights to refine and improve technology before further scaling up.
Demoplants are larger than pilot plants. They are designed to demonstrate the commercial viability of a new technology and to validate its performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Demoplants are usually used to produce marketable products. As such, demoplants are the final step before a product is commercially and widely marketed.