Central Pilot Plant Services Unit
The Central Pilot Plant Facility at CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) is a state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale research and industrial application. With integrated facilities from key divisions, the Agro and Food Processing and Technology Division (AFPTD), Chemical Science and Technology Division, Bioengineering and Biosciences Division (BDD), and the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD). This centralized platform offers a collaborative space for advancing process technologies and product development. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and offers tailored research facilities services to industries, start-ups, and entrepreneurs seeking to assist and scale their innovations.
Focused Sectors
- MSMEs & Large-Scale Industries
- Start-ups & Entrepreneurs
- Academic and R&D Institutions
- Government Agencies & NGOs
Research becomes Reality
The Central Pilot Plant Facility is more than a testing ground, it's a launchpad for scalable innovation and industry collaboration. Whether you're seeking a development partner, looking to scale your process, or aiming to upskill your team, we're here to support your journey from lab to market.
Divisional Pilot Plant Capabilities
1.Agro and Food Processing and Technology Division (AFPTD) For more details
The Agro and Food Processing and Technology Division (AFPTD) at CSIR-NIIST focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling up value-added processes for agro-based raw materials. The division offers a well-equipped pilot plant facility that supports research, training, and industrial collaborations in food and natural product processing.
Key Pilot-Scale Facilities
1. Bakery processing setup
2. Retort Processing
3. Spray dryers
4. Fluid Bed Dryer
5. Extruders
6. Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) line.
7. Micro Pulverizer
8. Oil expeller
9. RADD Dryer
These facilities are designed not only for in-house R&D but also to provide contract research services, technical consultancy, training, and industrial-scale testing.
2. Chemical Sciences and Technology Division (CSTD) For more details
The Chemical Sciences and Technology Division (CSTD) at CSIR-NIIST focuses on the development of synthetic protocols for organic compounds, active pharma ingredients, and inorganic materials. There is also an active group on Natural Products Chemistry. The division offers well-equipped laboratories with state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet analytical needs. The division supports research, training, and industrial collaborations in organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials processing.
Key Facilities
1. Glass reactors for wet chemical synthesis (10.25 and 50 L)
2. Furnaces for heat treatment in the temperature range of 200-1200 °C (including inert atmosphere tubular furnaces up to 1000 °C)
3. Testing facility for CO2 sorbents (250g and above)
4. Lab facilities for organic synthesis, characterisation, and separation
3. Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) For more details
The Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) at CSIR-NIIST undertakes advanced research in the design, development, and processing of high-performance materials with a focus on sustainability and strategic relevance. Core research areas encompass metallic alloys with tailored microstructures, functional ceramics, polymer and natural fiber-reinforced composites, mineral beneficiation, and circular materials technologies for efficient resource utilization.
The division is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for melting, casting, mineral and powder processing, polymer composite fabrication, and advanced materials characterization. These capabilities support the development of application-oriented materials for critical sectors including aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive industries. With an emphasis on translational research, MSTD collaborates extensively with industrial partners and strategic stakeholders to deliver scalable, environmentally benign solutions that align with national goals such as import substitution, materials security, and circular economy implementation.
Key Facilities:
1. Pilot-scale squeeze casting facility for advanced aluminium alloy processing
2. Vacuum induction melting unit for high-purity alloy synthesis
3. Hot press unit for polymer–coir composite manufacturing
4. Pilot-scale mineral processing unit for beneficiation and resource recovery
4. Biosciences and Bioengineering Division (BBD) For more details
Ethanol blending with petroleum sources is the need of the hour and the government is mandated to blend atleast 20 % of petrol by 2030 with bioethanol produced from wide range of feedstocks including direct food stocks (cane juices, broken rice, decayed grains etc.,) and lignocellulostic biomass (agricultural by-products and residues).
With this context, CSIR NIIST is having expertise and pilot scale facility for the production of bioethanol.
Key Facilities:
1. High pressure pretreatment reactor – 1000 L (Helical impeller, direct steam injection and jacket circulation)
2. Neutralization reactor – 750 L (Paddle impeller)
3. Vibra-sifter (Solid liquid Separation)
4. A Plate and Frame Filter
5. Hydrolysis Reactor – 500 L (Paddle impeller, Jacketed)
6. Fermenter – 200 L (150L working volume)
7. Distillation unit (150 L working volume) along with all process utilities such as cooling tower, boiler, hot water tanks and chillers.
The entire plant and individual equipment are available for contract R&D, contract manufacturing, scientific R & D and scale up studies.
Further, the above mentioned equipment can be used for wide range of applications include enzyme production, fermentation, biopolymers and biochemicals production.