LAB University of Applied Sciences (LAB), Finland, has selected Makron as the supplier for its new pilot plant. The contract includes the supply of a pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) system and the implementation of the supporting pilot plant infrastructure.
LAB’s goal is to build a modern, flexible, and safe piloting environment that supports LAB’s growing research, development, and innovation activities and strengthens LAB Biofine’s position as a development environment for the bioeconomy.
The PHWE equipment to be procured, along with its auxiliary equipment and control systems, constitutes one of the pilot plant’s key process technologies. It enables the processing of a wide variety of bio-based raw materials under precisely controlled conditions and extraction, separation, and further processing experiments on an industrial scale.
“The pilot plant will be built as a modular system, allowing us to flexibly test and develop process chains to meet the needs of different projects and partners. The PHWE equipment is the first key building block of this system,” says laboratory coordinator Jarkko Nummela.
The project also includes the pilot plant’s infrastructure, which encompasses piping, tanks, a steam system, and other technical connections. These ensure the safe and controlled operation of the plant and enable future expansions.
The pilot plant is expected to be ready to serve its first pilot customers in early 2027.
Makron, selected through a competitive bidding process, is responsible for both the delivery of the PHWE equipment and the implementation of the infrastructure at LAB Biofine’s facilities on the Lappeenranta campus.
“This procurement strengthens LAB Biofine’s role as a developer of biomaterial solutions, a provider of piloting environments, and an enabler of industrial-scale production. It takes our expertise to a new level and accelerates our international growth,” says Janne Roslöf, Dean of Faculty of Technology at LAB.
“We will be able to serve companies more effectively in R&D, training, and service activities.”
Project scope: Makron will deliver the PHWE system for the pilot plant, including
- design and dimensioning of the whole process and process equipment
- selection of measurement instruments
- implementation of process control and automation
- supervision of equipment manufacturing and installation
We are delighted to be partnering with LAB and to be able to carry out this new pilot plant project, which supports the development of biomaterial solutions. We have experience with similar development projects, and our skilled team is eager to get started on the implementation.
Johanna Vuopala, CEO, Makron
