HVO/SAF Hydroprocessing Pilot Plant
Description
The HVO/SAF Hydroprocessing Pilot Plant is a modular pilot-scale unit that converts biobased feedstocks into Sustainable Aviation Fuel via catalytic hydrodeoxygenation and isomerization reactions of the Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) process, under representative pressure and temperature conditions. It integrates two fixed-bed reactors for Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and Isomerization (ISOM), operating up to 500 °C and 150 barg with multi-zone electrical furnaces ensuring precise temperature control. The plant features heated and nitrogen-blanketed liquid feed systems, high-pressure hydrogen and nitrogen supply with mass flow control, and a hydrogen recirculation loop via a dedicated compressor. Advanced gas conditioning and preheating sections ensure stable reactor operation. Multi-stage high- and low-pressure separation systems enable efficient gas, organic, and aqueous phase recovery. Product flows are accurately quantified using Coriolis flow meters and weight scales to ensure full mass balance closure. Fully automated with PLC and SCADA supervision, the unit is designed for unattended operation with a multi-layer safety architecture.
Features
Purpose: Upgrade bio-oils and fats via hydrogenation.
Typical products: Renewable diesel (HVO), SAF, bio-naphtha.
Feedstocks: Vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oils.
Main use: Catalyst testing and fuel quality optimization.
Design features:
Dual-reactor configuration: fixed-bed HDO and ISOM reactors for full SAF upgrading pathway
Severe operating conditions: up to 500 °C and 150 barg, representative of industrial units
Advanced thermal control: multi-zone electrical furnaces ensuring pseudo-isothermal operation
Flexible feed handling: heated, nitrogen-blanketed liquid feed systems for biobased oils
Hydrogen management: high-pressure H₂ supply with mass flow control and dedicated recirculation loop
Efficient separation train: multi-stage HP/LP gas–liquid separation with water removal
High-accuracy mass balance: Coriolis flow meters and weight scales on all product streams
Full automation: PLC with SCADA for unattended operation
Robust safety design: multi-layer safety architecture with alarms, interlocks, and relief systems
Benefits
* Faster scale-up: industrially representative operation accelerates SAF process validation.
* High-quality data: precise control and full mass balance ensure reliable results.
* Safe & efficient operation: automated control with robust safety systems reduces risk and cost.
