Is it necessary to obtain approval to build a pilot-scale plant?
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An innovative product has been successfully developed in laboratory-scale tests; it is not a **chemical**. Scaling up to pilot-scale production is required, with a daily output of around 100 kilograms of the finished product. The number of small-scale equipment such as reaction vessels, condensers, and concentration units is no more than 10. It is planned to set up an independent pilot-scale production facility in the manufacturing workshop. May I ask, experts, is approval from relevant authorities necessary for this? **Are there any relevant regulations?
It should be used; inspections are very strict these days
Personal opinion: It is necessary. Since your pilot project involves a new process, it must be registered with the science and technology regulatory authorities. New processes inevitably involve new safety management requirements; in accordance with the principle of simultaneous implementation, such projects must be submitted to the safety supervision authorities for approval.
If the pilot-scale is not large, in accordance with the \"Safety Supervision Regulations for Fixed Pressure Vessels,\" it should be checked whether supervision and inspection of the equipment are required. Pipelines with a diameter of less than DN50 do not need to be classified as pressure pipelines. The aforementioned equipment and pipelines fall into two main categories; once these are determined, the overall configuration of the entire system is essentially fixed. Additionally, as a chemical processing facility, there are regulatory requirements; in the absence of such regulations, it is necessary to consult the local safety supervision department. In my opinion, your pilot plant does not require approval from the safety authorities; as a precaution, please consult the local safety authorities.
I’ve been unable to find any regulations related to small-scale pilot testing of non-**chemical products (with 60 kilograms of material per batch, fewer than 10 units of equipment, and no use of pressure vessels). I earnestly ask fellow netizens to help find out if there are any such regulations
Since no ban is found, does that mean it’s considered permissible?
There are no specific regulations regarding the three simultaneities for pilot-scale operations; the considerations mainly depend on the scale, the chemicals used, and the duration of the tests. Generally, the three simultaneities are required. Reference.
Correction: Generally, the three simultaneities are not required. Reference.