The full process was enabled through the technological upgrade project of the Anlian 350,000 tons/year polyethylene plant using Sinopec’s patented gas-liquid process technology
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Zhongan United’s polyethylene plant has completed its conversion to the gas-liquid process. Recently, the technical upgrade project for Zhongan United’s 350,000-ton/year polyethylene plant using the gas-liquid process was completed successfully, with the plant starting up on the first attempt. This upgrade involves transforming the existing polyethylene production process from a vapor-phase method to a gas-liquid phase method, enabling the production of high-quality materials such as ultra-low density polyethylene for use in film manufacturing. This enhances the market competitiveness of the products, and it represents a significant step taken by Zhongan United to promote the development of coal chemical products in terms of higher quality, greater diversity, and lower carbon emissions. This renovation utilizes Sinopec’s patented technology, which is the first of its kind in polyethylene plants of similar scale; as there is little experience available to draw on, it presents significant challenges in commissioning. To this end, the company regularly organizes seminars, inviting industry experts to discuss ways of optimizing the startup process, focusing on risk identification, and sending key production technical personnel to relevant companies to learn from their experience, so as to ensure all preparations for the startup are in order. During the commissioning of the unit, the upstream and downstream units work closely together to strictly follow the commissioning plan, thereby providing a solid guarantee for a safe and efficient start-up.
This renovation utilizes Sinopec’s patented technology, which is the first of its kind in polyethylene plants of similar scale; as there is little experience available to draw on, it presents significant challenges in commissioning. To this end, the company regularly organizes seminars, inviting industry experts to discuss ways of optimizing the startup process, focusing on risk identification, and sending key production technical personnel to relevant companies to learn from their experience, so as to ensure all preparations for the startup are in order. During the commissioning of the unit, the upstream and downstream units work closely together to strictly follow the commissioning plan, thereby providing a solid guarantee for a safe and efficient start-up
The biggest problem for Zhongan United is the supply chain issue related to coal resources. The lack of railway access, along with restrictions on shipping volumes below 5,000 tons on the Chu River, means that coal (both chemical coal and thermal coal) can only be transported by small vehicles at a slow pace. If snow and rain block the roads during winter, supply will be interrupted.