Commercialization of cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology: A model of \"business model innovation\"

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This post was last edited by liaifeng on 2018-7-28 07:35. Commercialization of cobalt-based F-T synthesis technology: A model of \"business model innovation\". Author/Source: Date: 2017-08-07. Views: 26. The cobalt-based F-T synthesis technology was developed jointly by Lu’an Group and the Shanxi Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; it possesses complete independent intellectual property rights, with its core elements being cobalt-based catalysts and efficient reactor technologies. At present, Lu’an Group holds a dominant position in the domestic market, with its production facilities operating stably on an industrial scale. Abroad, only Shell in the Netherlands possesses this technology. This technology is a new generation of coal indirect liquefaction technology and represents one of the important approaches for the clean conversion of coal. Luan Group proceeds step by step, always committed to technological development and the improvement of production facility operations. In December 2008, a 10,000-ton industrial pilot plant was built and brought into stable operation ； In November 2010, an appraisal by experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed that key technologies such as Type I catalysts and reactors had reached international advanced levels. The plant, with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesized oils and 120,000 tons of synthetic ammonia, was successfully commissioned on October 18, 2014, and began producing qualified products; it is equipped to build an industrial facility with an annual capacity of 100,000 tons ； In May 2015, Zhongke Luanan Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was established to specialize in the further development, technology transfer, and technical services related to cobalt-based fixed-bed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology ； In 2016, the technical company completed its transformation into a joint-stock enterprise. A detailed investigation was conducted on the methanol production facilities using coke oven gas within the province; reform plans were developed, cooperation models were explored, a list of reform projects was identified, and these projects were put into implementation ； On December 21, 2016, Lu’an Group and Shaanxi Gas Group signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement to build a natural gas conversion facility with an annual capacity of 100,000 tons in Fuping County, Shaanxi, by utilizing Lu’an’s cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology, in order to jointly develop the comprehensive utilization of natural gas resources. It takes ten years to sharpen a sword. Luan Group’s technology remains at the leading level in China; on one hand, it is suitable for new large-scale modern coal chemical projects ； On the other hand, it is highly suitable for technical upgrades of ammonia and methanol production plants. It not only resolves the current problems of excess methanol and excess synthetic ammonia, but also explores a new path for the transformation and upgrading of traditional coal chemical industries through advanced technologies. ——Revitalize the methanol plant. Luan Group upgraded its methanol plants using cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology to produce high-value fine chemicals such as soft wax, hard wax, heavy oil, and light oil, thereby reviving methanol plants that had been idle for many years. In October 2014, the first phase of the 60,000 tons per year FTO synthesis plant was put into operation ； A 60,000-ton/year oil and wax products plant for the second phase is under construction. Based on current market prices, once the capacity to produce 120,000 tons of refined wax and liquid ammonia is established, annual revenue will increase by 377 million yuan. ——Drive the development of the coking industry. Luan Group’s project to convert methanol into fine chemicals uses excess coke oven gas from the coking plants as raw material; more than 300 million cubic meters of this gas are consumed each year. At a cost of 0.4 yuan per cubic meter, this generates 120 million yuan in revenue for Luan Group’s coking industry, thereby promoting the healthy development of the 2.16 million tons per year coke production sector within the Luan Coking Park. ——It drives the development of synthetic ammonia. The cost of synthetic ammonia directly affects the overall efficiency of the Lu’an Tianji Special Nitrochemicals Circular Park. The methanol-to-high-value chemicals project utilizes cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology to modify and expand the existing 300,000 tons per year methanol production facility using coke oven gas, operated by Shanxi Tianji Lu’an Chemical Co., Ltd.; it aims to produce 120,000 tons per year of oil and wax products, while also generating 120,000 tons per year of synthetic ammonia as a by-product. It not only promotes the development of the synthetic ammonia industry within the Lu’an Group, but also provides abundant and inexpensive raw materials for the development of industries downstream from synthetic ammonia in the group. This is a interconnected systems engineering project. With a long-term perspective, Lu’an Group continues to build on its advantages in cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology, making every effort to advance its \"three-zone strategy\" and refine its \"three business models\" in order to drive the transformation and upgrading of the traditional coal chemical industry. Core area – Fully integrated into the development of Changzhi’s **first batch of demonstration zones for transformation and upgrading. The plan to install two additional carbon monoxide generators has been finalized, addressing issues such as insufficient supply of raw gas for the first-phase project and the high hydrogen content in coke oven gas ； Complete the preliminary preparations for introducing the 180-project FTO synthesis off-gases and using carbon dioxide dry reforming technology to produce syngas, in order to address the gas supply gap in Phase II. Expansion area – A strategic layout is adopted across the province, involving capital increases and share expansions for Zhongke Luanan Energy Technology Company. Actively promote the sharing of advantages and win-win cooperation with sister institutions within the province in the transformation of traditional coal chemical industries, so as to amplify the advantages of cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology and create a spillover effect. Strategic Area – Seizing the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative, Shaanxi Gas Group is advancing its project to produce 300,000 tons of cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fine chemicals; the design work is to be completed within this year, followed by the start of construction. Advance the 200,000 tons per year cobalt-based synthetic high-end chemicals project in Hotan, Xinjiang, as well as the 1 million tons per year (200,000 tons per year in the first phase) natural gas-based high-purity wax project in Rongtai, Xinjiang. This year, ensure that the project capacity reaches 200,000–300,000 tons per year. “By the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, a commercial cobalt-based FTO plant with an annual production capacity of millions of tons would be established, enabling a shift from production and operations to revenue generated through technical services. Luan Group has progressed through exploration, adopting an innovative model that involves upgrading low-end products, improving mid-tier products, and moving towards high-end products. This model can be adapted, replicated, and promoted, and it serves as a valuable example for addressing overcapacity and advancing supply-side structural reforms at present.