Our Approach
SmartFlow’s 6-Stage Project Development Program
Ready to start developing your project? Our 6-Stage Project Development Program is a disciplined, data-driven path from concept to sustained plant performance, reducing risk and uncertainty at every step.
Why This Process?
Challenging separations carry technical, operational, and financial risk. SmartFlow’s 6-Stage Project Development Program manages that risk while moving from concept to plant operation. It provides a clear path, aligned expectations, and the data needed for sound decisions. Defined decision points and documented results keep stakeholders aligned and investments matched to risk.
Each project is built around your feed, targets, and constraints, scaling from lab to production with the right automation, documentation, and lifecycle plan.
The result: faster implementation, higher yield, lower operating cost, and a clear business case for expansion.
Explore the six stages below:
Identify Goals
- Define objectives and performance targets
- Prioritize opportunities with highest impact
- Align expectations with stakeholders
- Outline potential recovery or concentration pathways
Feasibility Testing
- Conduct initial testing on actual materials
- Generate and evaluate physical samples
- Analyze preliminary performance results
- Provide summary data and abbreviated report for review
Process Development / Optimization
- Evaluate and select membranes for the application
- Size systems using process time and throughput matrices
- Apply the 80/20 rule to optimize process conditions (flux, shear, TMP, temperature, pH) while generating reliable scale-up data
- Conduct cleaning trials to establish preliminary maintenance protocols
- Customers may optionally attend this step at the SmartFlow testing facility
- Perform economic analysis and prepare detailed proposals for the next stage
Pilot Evaluation
- Configure and commission pilot system from SmartFlow’s rental fleet
- Operate extended-duration pilot testing on representative process streams at SmartFlow, customer, or approved third-party facilities
- Optimize performance and establish operational parameters
- Confirm process economics under real operating conditions
- Document results and recommendations for scale-up
Production Scale Deployment
- Develop and finalize the URS and detailed design package for the system, defining automation, controls, and integration scope
- Engineer, build, and factory-test the production system, followed by site installation and commissioning
- Conduct SAT to verify equipment performance and process readiness
- Deliver final documentation, training, and turnover package for sustained plant operation
Multi-Plant Deployment
- Replicate the proven system design and process configuration across additional production sites
- Standardize deployment through consistent recipes, SOPs, and operator training materials
- Adapt system settings to account for local variations in feedstock, utilities, and upstream or downstream operations
- Develop long-term supply or service agreements to support multi-plant deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle management
Ongoing Support
Preventive Maintenance and Service Program
Proactive Service. Predictable Results.
SmartFlow’s Preventive Maintenance and Service Program ensures systems operate to spec through scheduled service visits, module rotation, and oversight. The program reduces demand on plant personnel while supporting steady, high-yield performance.
- Reliable Output – Stable, repeatable system performance
- Longer Asset Life – Maintenance that protects key components
- Budget Control – Locked-in service pricing for cost clarity
- Hands-Off Upkeep – SmartFlow engineers manage inspections and service
- Responsible Recovery – Spent modules recycled or handled sustainably
