4. Pilot tests and extrapolation

4.1 Pilot test procedures

The test program must be defined so as to obtain data of a fundamental nature, such as the effects of solute concentration and the direction of material transfer.

• The following constraints must be met.

  • The pilot unit must have a capacity at least equal to 10% of the industrial capacity, which means, for example, a minimum diameter of around 50 to 100 mm for a column.

  • The height of the column should correspond to 5 or 6 true transfer units (about 3 to 4 in the case of plug flow), or for a stepped contactor, a minimum of 8 to 10 compartments.

  • Column...