Global Reach, Local Impact: Sulzer’s Test Centers in Switzerland and Singapore

Introduction: Accessible Innovation Where You Need It

In today’s globalized chemical and process industries, timely access to advanced testing and validation facilities is critical to accelerating innovation and de-risking plant investments. Sulzer’s test centers in Allschwil, Switzerland, and Singapore are strategically placed to provide identical, world-class capabilities supported by dedicated experts. This global footprint ensures that customers worldwide benefit from consistent, cutting-edge technology development, regardless of their location.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Offering Comprehensive Capabilities

Sulzer’s test centers are a cornerstone of the company’s service offering, equipped with pilot plants and laboratories designed for wide-ranging mass transfer and separation processes:

• Pilot-scale Distillation and Absorption: Columns in glass and stainless steel with various internals, tray configurations, and operating conditions (temperature up to 320 °C, pressure 1 mbar to 16 bar)

• Evaporation: Falling film, wiped film, and short path evaporators in glass or steel for processing viscous and temperature-sensitive products

• Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Advanced pilot columns and mixer-settler systems capable of detailed phase behavior, mixing intensity, and separation testing

• Analytical Laboratories: Equipped with GC, HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP-OES, titration, and other sophisticated analytical tools for real-time and post-run sample characterization

This extensive equipment range enables Sulzer to tailor pilot and validation trials precisely to customer needs, covering batch or continuous modes, a broad throughput spectrum, and complex feedstocks.

Seamless Integration Across Continents

The Allschwil and Singapore test centers share standardized operating protocols, quality controls, and data reporting formats. This consistency allows customers to:

• Choose the facility most convenient geographically without sacrificing data quality or services

• Transfer pilot testing smoothly between sites when multiple phases or follow-up testing is required

• Access localized technical support while tapping into global best practices and knowledge

  
  

Supporting Diverse Markets and Technologies

From pharmaceutical intermediates in Europe to specialty chemicals and sustainable processes in Asia-Pacific, Sulzer’s test centers support diverse industries by:

• Validating new process concepts with customer feed materials for confident scale-up

• Optimizing energy consumption, yields, and product quality using trial data from representative pilot runs

• Delivering reliable performance data used in licensing agreements, process guarantees, and engineering design

  
  

Case Example: Accelerating Sustainable Manufacturing in APAC

In 2024, Sulzer inaugurated a cutting-edge Innovation Technology Hub in Singapore, expanding its IntecH test center there to include biopolymer and clean technology capabilities. This facility provides scalable pilot plants and advanced laboratories that enable customers in the region to develop and commercialize sustainable chemical processes faster, with local expert support and global data integrity.

Conclusion: Wherever You Are, Sulzer Brings Advanced Validation to Your Doorstep

Sulzer’s dual-center approach maximizes accessibility, reduces project timelines, and facilitates international collaboration. Whether you are developing novel separation technologies, validating complex feedstocks, or looking to reduce scale-up risk, Sulzer’s Allschwil and Singapore test centers offer the perfect combination of global expertise and local presence to support your success.

Contact Sulzer today to leverage our global pilot and laboratory testing network and accelerate your process development and commercialization journey.