Led by Tanhei Institute, the Sichuan Special Carbon Black Pilot Research and Development Platform has enabled the industrialization of multiple pilot project outcomes

In simple terms, this process involves developing pilot-scale treatment devices for high-salinity wastewater that feature modularity, high space efficiency, and easy installation and operation. It enables rapid technical validation and engineering research for the treatment of high-salinity, hard-to-degrade wastewater from various industries, based on the specific characteristics of such wastewater. ”Yang Guo explained that in laboratory tests, the scale of wastewater treatment is usually only a few hundred milliliters to a few liters per hour, whereas in actual applications, the volume of wastewater to be treated amounts to several hundred cubic meters, or even thousands or tens of thousands of cubic meters per day. Scaling up from laboratory scale to industrial scale requires scientific scaling that fully takes into account the effects of factors such as fluid flow, mass transfer, and heat transfer. Therefore, pilot-scale studies are needed to understand the patterns that occur during scale-up, so as to verify at the lowest cost whether the core process is mature and whether optimization is required. In Yang Guo’s view, the process of \"pilot testing – pilot production – industrialization\" is interlinked; without each link in place, industrialization cannot be achieved. Once the pilot testing is completed, it can be handed over to the company for industrialization. He admitted that the wastewater generated by chemical enterprises is complex in composition, with high concentrations of organic substances, high toxicity, and many carcinogens. Many small chemical companies entrust third-party specialized firms to handle this wastewater, at a treatment cost of around 2,000 yuan per cubic meter. “We have calculated that if this pilot plant is used for processing, it can help companies save around 50% on costs. ” To achieve industrialization of pilot-scale projects, it is ultimately necessary to select projects with promising prospects for incubation. “The development of treatment processes and equipment for high-salt, hard-to-degrade wastewater is also driven by the broad market demand. ”Zhang Xiaowen, the head of the Technology Transfer Pilot Base at Sichuan University of Light Industry and Chemical Technology, told reporters that Zigong was established as a city due to its salt resources; there are many chemical enterprises in the area, and the salt and chemical industry has a complete industrial chain, resulting in high demand. “Currently, companies from Yibin, Luzhou, Suining and other places are in talks with us regarding project cooperation. ” “The entire pilot plant focuses on developing pilot projects in industries such as new energy, new materials, food and light textiles, energy conservation and environmental protection, as well as drones, with the aim of achieving a smoother integration between the innovation chain and the industrial chain. ”A relevant official from the Zigong Science and Technology Bureau said. Some projects have evolved from laboratory ‘green fruits’ into ‘ripe fruits’ that the market demands. It is understood that pilot-scale projects related to composite porous titanium plate materials for PEM water electrolysis have been put into industrial production, generating total sales revenue of 62 million yuan. Once the production capacity stabilizes, the annual sales revenue is expected to exceed 40 million yuan.