Scaling bio-renewable innovation from laboratory to pilot
At the strategic ‘Define’ stage, we collaborated with the client to bridge the gap between science and industry, taking processes proven at laboratory scale—such as microwave treatment of sustainable feedstock—and developing a roadmap for pilot-scale reality. Using our strategic masterplan approach, we ensured the facility was ‘Designed. Delivered.’ for maximum flexibility and industrial relevance.Scaling bio-renewable innovation from laboratory to pilot
At the strategic ‘Define’ stage, we collaborated with the client to bridge the gap between science and industry, taking processes proven at laboratory scale—such as microwave treatment of sustainable feedstock—and developing a roadmap for pilot-scale reality. Using our strategic masterplan approach, we ensured the facility was ‘Designed. Delivered.’ for maximum flexibility and industrial relevance.
Key figures
Key figures
Overview
The Biorenewable Development Centre (BDC)at the University of York required a specialist partner to scale their laboratory-proven research into a turnkey, open-access pilot facility. Their priority was creating a scalable, industrial-grade environment to transform bio-waste into high-value chemicals, requiring a facility that met world-class standards of excellence for biorefining technologies and commercial applicability.
Technical mastery
Operating within a live, mission-critical environment, our specialist team integrated a complex suite of novel extraction and processing technologies. The end-to-end solution featured the seamless commissioning of microwave technologies, spinning cone separation, supercritical CO2 extraction, and ammonia fibre expansion. To ensure complete operational readiness and a robust value chain, we expanded the scope to include an upstream biomass feedstock pellet handling system and a sophisticated biofermentation train.
This precision-engineered environment was designed with technology-agnostic principles, allowing for future-proof adaptability as biorenewable research evolves. By integrating our deep pool of in-house technical and architectural expertise, we ensured that every precise technical workflow was optimised for industrial application while maintaining the highest focus on safety and environmental contamination control.
Our approach centred on value engineering at every stage, providing the University with a high-performance facility that transforms bio-waste into sustainable products, successfully replacing conventional fossil-based chemicals.
Benefits
The primary benefit delivered to the University of York is speed to value: we successfully compressed processing times from weeks to hours, drastically increasing the practicality of biorenewable production. This acceleration provides a faster time-to-market for sustainable chemicals, materials, and fuels, directly supporting the client’s mission to replace fossil-based chemicals with renewable alternatives.
By serving as a single-source partner, we provided integrated certainty, delivering absolute confidence in the facility's performance and reducing the risks associated with scaling novel, complex technologies.
Our expertise in action ensured that the final environment is safe and compliant, while also setting a world-class standard for biorefining excellence. This achievement allows the GCCE and BDC to attract greater engagement from the industry ecosystem and to unlock new insights into sustainable chemical research.
Explore our full range of capabilities.
At Equans Sci-Tech, we specialise in mission-critical environments where precision is non-negotiable. Whether you are launching a greenfield development or repurposing existing building services, our fully integrated team provides a single point of contact to Define, Design, and Deliver your most complex requirements.
* Formerly known as Bouygues Energies & Services
Ready to discuss your project?
From initial feasibility to high-precision delivery, we provide the end-to-end expertise and technical leadership you need to move forward with confidence. Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your next mission-critical project to life.Ready to discuss your project?
From initial feasibility to high-precision delivery, we provide the end-to-end expertise and technical leadership you need to move forward with confidence. Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your next mission-critical project to life.