The textural and structural characteristics, and the acid and catalytic properties of Al-pillared saponites prepared in kg amounts (pilot installation) have been compared with those of lab analogues (few grams, and 100 g batch quantities). The pillared clays have been examined by X-ray diffraction, and characterized by different techniques and methods including nitrogen sorption isotherms, determination of the residual cation exchange capacities and acid contents. The catalytic performances were evaluated by means of the bifunctional hydroconversion of heptane over Pt-impregnated samples. The important differences of the textural characteristics of the lab and pilot samples did not significantly affect the catalytic results. Al-pillared saponites were much more efficient hydroisomerisation catalysts than A1-pillared montmorillonites.