Latest updates on the Gulei refining and petrochemical integration project!

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At 9:58 on July 19, the 600,000-ton/year styrene unit of the Gulei refining and chemical integration project received benzene and ethylbenzene for the first time, marking the official start of the commissioning phase for this unit. Benzene and ethylene are essential process raw materials for the production in styrene plants; alkylation reactions take place under liquid-phase conditions, and after purification, ethylbenzene is obtained. Dehydrogenation yields crude styrene, which is then refined through high-vacuum distillation at low reactor temperatures to produce highly pure polymer-grade styrene, meeting the product supply needs of downstream facilities and enterprises within the industrial complex. After the intermediate handover of the styrene plant was completed on April 30, all employees of the plant worked together, focusing on key tasks and prioritizing essential aspects. They overcame various challenges resulting from the pandemic, such as delays in construction progress, delays in the arrival of equipment and materials, and the inability of patent holders to arrive on site in time to provide technical support. They carried out various preparatory tasks for commissioning, including circulating water flushing, steam purging, unit integration testing, furnace drying, catalyst installation, blind plate management, establishment of utility systems, and preparation of materials needed for startup, thereby ensuring a seamless transition from plant construction to commissioning. The successful introduction of benzene and ethylbenzene media has laid a solid foundation for the plant to produce qualified products. Next, all employees of the plant will strictly control the operating parameters of various units, and analyze the trace components in the products in a timely manner to compare the trends, thereby ensuring the proper operation of all systems and the production of high-quality styrene, so as to achieve a successful commissioning of the plant on the first attempt.