Scion is working to demonstrate biorefinery processes and products at pilot-scale using unique-in-New Zealand analytical capability. Following is a sample of the wide-ranging equipment and skills we use to support manufacturing research and development.

Scion’s fibre processing plant is an industrial-style research facility that has underpinned development of New Zealand’s pulp and paper industry.

The plant (pictured below) allows process engineers to investigate alternative wood resources, new process configurations and new products which cannot be examined practically in a production environment or laboratory.

Offering mechanical pulp refining, fibre segregation and an MDF blowline, this capability provides a foundation for research into new biorefinery processing.

In everyday use, materials encounter mechanical challenges such as stresses and strains, as well as exposure to a range of temperatures, humidity and liquids. Precise measurements of material properties allow manufacturers to test newly developed materials of all kinds (including biomaterials) and to comply with industry standards for material performance.

Scion’s new Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) instrument (pictured below) is the most advanced platform available in New Zealand for mechanical analysis of solid materials. It is capable of performing measurements on a wide range of movements and stresses. Scion also has a Rheometer that can perform the same kinds of analysis on fluids.

Scion offers a comprehensive suite of equipment and specialised skills aimed at manufacturing products from biorefineries.

Our capabilities include:

• Advanced materials: development, characterisation and testing
• Product development, testing and performance 
• Wood modification and advanced processing
• Industrial biotechnology
• Plastics and bioplastics

For more information on our full range
of services see www.scionresearch.com