CNPC’s first atmospheric-pressure, low-temperature ethylene tank was put into use in the Tariム Ethane to Ethylene project at Dushanbe Petrochemical

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On May 13, CNPC’s first atmospheric-pressure, low-temperature ethylene tank was put into use at the Tariem Ethane to Ethylene project in Dushanbe Petrochemical, marking the full completion and operation of the new ethylene storage and transportation facilities. 　　This storage tank is a bimetallic full-volume tank; its construction process is complex, management and coordination are challenging, the timeline is tight, and construction must take place within an operating facility, requiring extremely high standards for safety management. Since construction began in September 2023, Duhu Petrochemical has organized the work meticulously, focusing on the key milestones in tank construction. During the building process, the project team adopted the double-gun interprotective welding technique for the first time, which enabled them to achieve a welding quality rate of 99.3% while simultaneously increasing installation efficiency and setting a new record for tank installation. Regarding aspects such as nitrogen purging, the project team developed a detailed purification plan, which improved the safety and controllability of the purging process and ensured the smooth commissioning of the low-temperature ethylene tank. 　　In terms of functionality and benefits, this low-temperature ethylene tank has significant advantages. By using liquefaction for storage and transportation, the capacity of each tank as well as transportation efficiency are greatly improved. When ethylene is liquefied at low temperatures (below -104°C), its volume decreases, which reduces storage and transportation costs. Moreover, liquid ethylene can be transported efficiently through various methods, facilitating the allocation of resources across different regions. As a strategic reserve facility for ethylene raw materials, it can cushion fluctuations in market supply and demand. In the event of maintenance work on ethylene production facilities or emergencies, it ensures the continuous operation of downstream enterprises and maintains the stable functioning of the industrial chain. 　　The commissioning of this project further increases the storage capacity for ethylene, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the facility over extended periods and time. It helps to boost the company’s profitability, while also significantly improving the efficiency and flexibility in the allocation of ethylene resources. It is particularly important in dealing with fierce market competition, optimizing resource distribution, promoting technological innovation and industrial collaboration, as well as overcoming technical barriers in key projects.