In SwRI’s Chemical and Refining Process Labs, technology breakthroughs help clients stay ahead of the competition. SwRI chemical engineers have extensive hands-on expertise in pilot plant design, from bench-scale to large demonstration units.
Using packed- and fluidized-bed reactors, SwRI develops pilot plants for hydrotreating and hydrocracking hydrocarbons. Batch reactors support chemical processing and continuous distillation. Computer-based process simulation and analytical capabilities accurately determine chemical composition of feed and products.
Laboratory-scale plants allow SwRI to perfect and prove chemical processes.
SwRI’s multi-place tester simultaneously evaluates multiple catalysts under a matrix of test process conditions.
SwRI’s innovative gas-to-liquid technology offers superior carbon efficiency compared to the standard Fischer-Tropsch processes. The Institute develops novel hydroprocessing techniques to upgrade crop and algae oil and other bioderived feedstocks.
Promising new technologies include accelerated catalyst life testing, sulfide agent catalyst assessments, and optimized lubricant production. SwRI expertise includes producing specification-grade products from waxes and liquids, high octane gasoline from lignin, and jet fuel from alcohols.