Pilot plant testing demonstrates and confirms the preparation plant flowsheet. Pilot plant tests are unique because they operate in an integrated fashion. All unit operations work to provide continuous feed or product for a variety of scales. For new projects, piloting demonstrates operational viability and produces the final product that can be expected, reducing technical risk.

Piloting also generates data that can be used when designing the full-scale plant, reducing design and capital risk. Existing operations can also be simulated at the pilot-scale to evaluate new technology, assess the impact of different coal and ash characteristics, or troubleshoot problems without interrupting production at the main plant. These pilot plants can produce samples for marketing purposes.