Joseph B. Powell, Chemical Process Technology, Shell Global Solutions US Inc., Westhollow Technology Center, P. O. Box 1380, Houston, TX 77251-1380
Feedstocks for consumer products often employ similar process technologies, with modification of one or more key process steps or operating conditions required to progress to a new product offering. Often, an existing pilot plant can be modified to meet the needs of the new product technology. The issues and challenges of modifying and upgrading an existing pilot plant to efficiently meet demands of a new process development program are presented, via real-world examples in supply of raw materials for the consumer products industry.