Catalyst commissioning for Sinochem’s ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene project

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On September 9, the UHMWPE project of Sinochem carried out key operations in the catalyst preparation unit, successfully completing the calibration of the triethylaluminum (TEAL) metering pump as well as the oil transfer tasks for that unit. TEAL is an important catalyst for polymerization reactions in ultra-high-pressure systems; its primary function is to activate the main catalyst, form reactive centers, and maintain the high activity of the main catalyst. TEAL has extremely flammable and explosive physical and chemical properties; contact with water or air triggers intense chemical reactions, resulting in combustion and the release of large amounts of heat. To ensure the safe use of TEAL, the project selected hydraulic double-diaphragm pumps as the metering pumps for TEAL. Technicians and operators conducted in-depth discussions on key operational aspects such as the start-up and shutdown control of these metering pumps as well as parameter calibration; they exchanged ideas in detail and verified various specifics, which helped to enhance the design of the pump structure and its safety measures. This approach ensured stable delivery and precise metering of TEAL, while also guaranteeing complete isolation from water or air during transportation and storage, thus achieving zero leakage of the transported medium. Next, the project management team will continue to uphold high standards and strict requirements, continuously improve safety management levels, advance the joint commissioning of the project efficiently, and go all out to ensure the successful first-time commissioning of the project. Project Overview: On May 30, the groundbreaking ceremony for China Chemical’s annual production capacity of 50,000 tons of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin project (Phase I) was held in Yulin High-Tech Zone. As Shaanxi’s first ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene project, and also one of the key construction projects in the province for 2024, this project has a total investment of 833 million yuan and is being developed by Sinochem Western New Materials Co., Ltd. The main products of this project include fibers, lithium battery separators, tube and sheet materials, as well as profiled materials. These will be widely used in fields such as aerospace, defense and military industry, ocean engineering, rail transit, municipal construction, petrochemicals, new energy materials, and pharmaceuticals, offering very broad market prospects.