12-05: Beyond Laboratory Data: Obtaining Data for a Good Feasibility Study

The development of a project starts with the project concept and some initial laboratory data followed by one or more feasibility studies that serve to refine the process itself.  These feasibility studies can be essential for obtaining private or government funding as well as for demonstrating areas of intensive research required to make the process economically viable.  Often, the research team is focused almost exclusively on the core technology that serves as the centerpiece of the processes.  However, other parts of the process can represent the bulk of the capital and operating cost and can, for better or worse, dramatically impact the economics associated with a feasibility study.  Here, we discuss some common issues faced during feasibility that can often be addressed early in laboratory testing by thinking through the overall process.  Specifically, we focus on process specific topics including recycle loops, byproduct production, and processes that are common in industry but foreign to the development team.  Furthermore, the key role of water as a processing medium and a utility is addressed along with issues related to plant utilities (e.g., steam, cogeneration).  Finally, data required for good equipment design and cost estimates, including physical property data and metallurgical requirements, are reviewed.