The purpose of the first technology transfer project launched in 2011 was to demonstrate, develop, and validate, initially on a laboratory scale, how KIT microreactor technology could be applied to the specific needs of Cargill. Successful laboratory tests with good results in terms of conversion and selectivity were followed by the construction of a pilot plant that tested the technology for sustainability, robustness, and reliability, and which is still in use today at the Cargill plant in Krefeld. "I have already accompanied many technology transfer projects. After the feasibility phase, of course, we always want to see it scaled up to large scale and thus used not only in research but also in industry. The motto 'Never change a running system' has to be overcome, confidence in innovation has to be created and thus new technologies have to be established. We were very pleased when we heard from Cargill that they had decided to build a new plant and thus for the first time to use the technology developed at KIT on a production scale," Körber reports. A decision that was not easy and risky, taking into account market changes, industry development, and company policy. "Relying on a new, unproven technology is and remains uncertain. The fact that Cargill has decided to do so is a noteworthy decision. Also for us from KIT's point of view, because there is much more at stake here than 'just' good laboratory results, such as increasing sales and product purity.
