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Jinmei Group: Paving the way for efficient utilization of anthracite / Author/Source: Sinochem New Network / Date: 2020-09-14 / Clicks: 4 The rapid development of modern coal chemical industry in China has caught the world’s attention; however, due to its short history and insufficient technical maturity, issues related to poor quality in development are becoming increasingly apparent. “During the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans, modern coal chemical industry will remain a strategic focus for the development of this sector; it is a key industry that symbolizes China’s progress from a major petrochemical country to a powerful one, and transformation and upgrading are imperative. At the 2020 (4th) China International Gasification Technology and Industry Conference, held from September 9 to 11 in Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, over 120 experts and scholars in the gasification industry from home and abroad, 65 project owners, as well as more than 700 guests and representatives gathered together. They listened to 40 industry reports and participated in 7 thematic discussions on topics such as innovation in gasification technology and operational optimization, smokeless coal gasification technologies and their practical applications under new circumstances, as well as intelligent manufacturing and localization of gasification equipment. Discussions were held on upgrading gasification processes, and the advanced gasification technology for smokeless lump (crushed) coal developed by Shanxi Jincheng Smokeless Coal Industry Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Jinmei Group”), which involves the simultaneous use of three types of furnaces, was presented. These efforts aim to promote high-quality transformation and development of the coal chemical industry, thereby paving a new path for the clean and efficient utilization of smokeless lump coal in Shanxi Province and across the country. Meeting the Challenges: Fighting to Break Through in the Field of Anthracite Use. Wang Suokui, member of the Party Committee of Jinmei Group and its full-time deputy secretary, pointed out that anthracite, as the highest-quality raw material for gas production in traditional coal chemical industries, boasts various advantages: good thermal stability, high calorific value, high mechanical strength, low ash and sulfur content, low volatile matter, high fixed carbon content, high chemical reactivity, high ash fusion point, and high lump formation rate. It is also an excellent raw material and fuel for metallurgy, lime production, and even hydrogen production in the future. In Jincheng, Shanxi, the total reserves of anthracite amount to 80.8 billion tons, accounting for one-quarter of China’s anthracite reserves. As the coal traditionally used in British royal fireplaces, anthracite became the preferred choice for domestic use due to its long burning time, strong heat output, and smoke-free combustion. There was a golden age during which it was the only coal suitable for producing urea, leading to the saying that \"the daughter of an emperor would never have trouble finding a husband.\" The annual ammonia production capacity using the fixed-bed process (UGI) with Jincheng anthracite as raw material reached 41 million tons at its peak, accounting for about 61% of the country’s total annual production capacity. Jinmei Group, a state-owned, large-scale comprehensive energy enterprise group located here, has a history of over 60 years of development. It is the largest enterprise in China for the development and utilization of coalbed methane, an important production base for high-quality anthracite, the largest coal chemical enterprise group, and the largest enterprise for gas-powered power generation. From the 1950s until around 2010, the anthracite produced by Jinmei Group served as the highest-quality coal material for use in atmospheric UGI gasification processes, and it remained the only source of coal raw materials for the coal chemical industry across the country. This clean anthracite became the sole fertilizer raw material available for increasing production during periods of food shortage. Leveraging its advantages in anthracite and coalbed methane resources, since 2003 Jincheng Coal Group has adopted an overall strategy of \"new construction, mergers and acquisitions, and research and development,\" following a strategic approach that focuses on coal as the foundation with integrated coal chemical processes. It has implemented a \"35·51\" development and operation model that combines state-owned strength with private sector vitality. The group’s coal chemical industry operates 20 chemical enterprises and 1 professional research institution in 10 provinces and cities across the country, steadily growing stronger, larger, and more efficient. It possesses production capacities of 17.75 million tons of ammonia and alcohols, 6.3 million tons of methanol, 10.82 million tons of urea, 2.08 million tons of fine chemicals, and 600,000 tons of coal-derived oil products. The output of synthetic ammonia and urea accounts for about 20% of the national total, while the volume of commercial methanol circulated accounts for around 25% of the national total. In 2019, Jinmei Group achieved operating revenue of 175.3 billion yuan. It made it onto the list of the world’s top 500 companies for 2020, ranking 117th among China’s top 500 companies and 10th among China’s top 50 coal-related companies. For 12 consecutive years, it has remained the largest coal chemical enterprise group in the country. However, with the acceleration of **supply-side structural adjustments and the energy revolution, as well as the rapid advancement of new technologies, a transformative \"gas revolution\" is sweeping forward with great momentum. The coal gasification industry is undergoing changes, and even those once in advantageous positions are now facing difficulties in finding buyers for their products. Since 2006, pulverized coal gasification and water-coal slurry gasification technologies have become increasingly mature. The coal chemical industry has seen rapid development in modern pressurized gasification processes represented by space heaters and water-coal slurry systems; driven by the low prices of long-flame coal, these processes have put significant pressure on the UGI gasification technique. Furthermore, **as environmental policies become increasingly strict, the policy space available for the UGI gasification process shrinks, which further weakens the competitive advantages of anthracite. The market for chemical-grade anthracite contracts sharply; by the end of 2019, the capacity for synthetic ammonia production had dropped to 22.2 million tons, accounting for 33.5% of total production. Jincheng Coal Group owned 501 gasification units, of which 452 were of the UGI type, resulting in an ammonia and alcohol production capacity that accounted for around 45%. Where is the way? Is bituminous coal about to fade from the history of the coal chemical industry? Living in this new era of unprecedented changes, the people of Jin Coal remain undaunted and diligent. Adhering to the corporate spirit of \"not fearing to be unnamed on the lists, but believing that there is always a path ahead,\" they are determined to get back up where they fall. As a key enterprise under the provincial government, Jinmei Group takes it as its responsibility to ensure **food and energy security. It firmly implements the new development concepts and the strategy for an energy revolution, earnestly follows the overall guidelines and requirements set by the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee, adheres to the principles of high-end development, differentiation, market orientation, and environmental friendliness. By aiming for innovation in the “six new areas,” it has put forward the development strategy of “simultaneous advancement of three aspects” as well as the strategic approach of “selling coal and gas while carrying the relevant processing units with us.” This has led to efforts to achieve efficient gasification of smokeless lump coal. Central control room for the industrial trial of Jinmei H furnace. Energy Revolution: “Three types of furnaces” pave the way for transformation. Yuan Fengzhen, director of the Coal Chemical Engineering Research Institute at Jinmei Group and deputy general manager of its Coal Chemical Business Unit, explained that Jinmei Group, in collaboration with Siding Engineering Co., Ltd. of China National Chemical Corporation, Xi’an Sixth Academy of Aerospace Technology under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and Shanghai Binen Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., has developed three large-scale pressurized gasification processes for anthracite (crushed) coal – the Jinmei S furnace, Jinmei H furnace, and Jinmei L furnace – tailored to the characteristics of this type of coal in Jincheng. By seizing the opportunities presented by the market adjustments over the next 2–3 years, the group aims to accelerate research and development in technologies suitable for gasifying anthracite coal, as well as promote the high-quality transformation of the coal chemical industry. This approach will serve as a model for the clean and efficient utilization of anthracite coal across the province and even nationwide. Jinmei S furnace is a new type of high-efficiency solid slag-discharging gasification technology with pressurized fixed-bed heat recovery, jointly developed by Jinmei Group and CDI Engineering Co., Ltd. of Sinochem Group. Currently, Jinmei S furnace offers a range of products with inner diameters of 3.8 meters and 5 meters (at pressures of 4.0–6.0 MPa). A gasification furnace with an inner diameter of 5 meters can achieve an ammonia production capacity of 300,000 tons per year; it also produces approximately 8,000 cubic meters of SNG per hour, thereby enabling the large-scale application of coal pulverization pressurized gasification technology. This device is under construction at Henan Jinmei Tianqing Company. It features stable operation, a long service life, high heat recovery efficiency, and a high methane content, and can be used in areas such as ammonia synthesis production, urban gas supply, and fuel gas for glass and ceramics manufacturing. The Jinmei H furnace was developed through a joint effort by the Jinmei Group and Xi’an Aerospace Sixth Academy. By drawing on numerous research achievements in slag gasification, it successfully overcame the key technical challenges associated with the liquid discharge of coal ash with high melting points. It boasts advantages such as wide adaptability to different raw materials, high gasification efficiency, a short construction period, and low operating and maintenance costs; it is thus an advanced gasification technology that meets the requirements of industry development. On April 27, this technology successfully completed a 168-hour operation test at the industrial facility of the Jinfeng Wenxi branch; throughout the process, there was zero discharge of wastewater, all exhaust gases met the required standards, and all waste solids were recycled. The carbon conversion rate exceeded 99%, resulting in significant environmental, economic, and energy-saving benefits. The Jinmei L furnace was developed through a collaboration between Jinmei Group and Shanghai Bener Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. It builds on traditional moving-bed pressurized gasification technology for coal crushing, while incorporating modern gasification techniques; it represents one of the best solutions for the efficient and safe gasification of high-ash-melting-point Yuncheng anthracite coal. It features safe operation, high production intensity, high operating pressure and high gasification temperature, as well as being environmentally friendly and suitable for bituminous coal with a high ash fusion point. Jinmei S Furnace, Jinmei H Furnace, and Jinmei L Furnace all possess outstanding advantages such as high carbon conversion rates, low consumption levels, favorable gas composition, and zero pollution. They represent the world’s leading large-scale pressurized gasification technology; moreover, the technology has been fully localized, with complete independent intellectual property rights, thus paving a path for innovation through integration of military and civilian applications as well as collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions. At present, Jinneng Group’s \"three furnaces in operation simultaneously\" technology has achieved phased results, and its competitive advantages in the market are gradually becoming apparent. With the price per ton of smokeless blended coal being 166 yuan higher than that of Shenmu bituminous coal, the ammonia production cost per ton for both H and S furnaces is similar to that of using Shenmu coal in a fluidized bed furnace; meanwhile, the ammonia production cost per ton for furnace L is 73 yuan lower than that of using Shenmu coal in a fluidized bed furnace, making all of them highly competitive. Zhang Jinqiao, assistant to the chairman of Jinmei Group and general manager of the Coal Chemicals Division, said that the simultaneous operation of three furnaces constitutes an important technical foundation for Jinmei Group to implement its new strategies. By moving toward higher pressure levels, larger scale, and more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly operations, the group can enhance its competitiveness and ensure the coordinated development of the coal and chemical industries. The Jinmei S-furnace demonstration plant that Henan Jinmei Tianqing Coal Chemical Co., Ltd. is constructing. Embracing spring: Accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing processes. Zhao Xuebin, member of the Party Committee and deputy general manager of Jinmei Group, stated that the coal chemical industry will focus on four key areas: accelerating the optimization and upgrading of basic chemicals, extending the industrial chain toward products with higher added value, expanding the market for anthracite, and exploring new business models. Five priority tasks need to be carried out, namely strengthening group management, improving operational efficiency, optimizing the industrial layout, enhancing technological innovation, and strengthening party building as well as corporate culture development. Efforts should be made to improve three aspects: the overall strength of various business units, the profitability of enterprises, and the core competitiveness of their products. The goal is to create a coal chemical enterprise group that leads in China and has international competitiveness. This will be achieved by continuously optimizing the industrial layout and product structure, thereby promoting high-quality development in the coal chemical industry and establishing a company that is leading in China and holds significant international influence. To accelerate the implementation of advanced gasification technologies, the construction of 9 large-scale gasification plant projects under Jinmei Group is advancing at full pace. Nine large-scale gasification island projects, including those in Yanhua, Henan; Huaqiang, Hubei; Hengsheng, Jiangsu; Riyue, Shandong; Shuangduo, Jiangsu; Shahe, Hebei; Yubei, Henan; and Macun, Gaoping, have invested a total of around 33 billion yuan. Once operational, they will be able to convert 9.31 million tons of raw coal from the Jin Coal Group each year. This move will help Jinnan Coal Group overcome the challenges associated with bituminous coal gasification, and a \"spring\" for bituminous coal will arrive once again. At the same time, it works to strengthen and deepen the integration between coal processing and chemical production, advancing the strategy of developing \"three types of furnaces simultaneously\" – using these furnaces to sell coal as well as gas. Through the \"island construction + gas supply\" model, it integrates the best resources from various industries to provide target customers with industrial synthesis gas and fuel gas, along with comprehensive technical support and package services... Jincheng Coal Group is striving to find new paths for the high-quality transformation and development of the traditional coal chemical industry, working to contribute to the clean and efficient utilization of low-sulfur coal across the country, and offering its own solutions for the research and development of technologies related to the gasification of coal with high ash fusion points. Wang Dezhang, the chief engineer of Jinmei Group, said that looking ahead to the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Jinmei Group will continue to strengthen its core business in gas production and take the lead in building bases for unconventional natural gas; it will consolidate the foundational role of the coal industry and pursue a development path focused on reduction, optimization, and sustainability; it will further develop the “coal–gas–chemicals” industrial chain in order to build a strong brand in the coal chemical sector; it will expand the scale of gas power generation to strengthen this industrial chain. The group will also focus on making breakthroughs in six new areas, actively and prudently investing in emerging industries, accelerating the development of gas equipment manufacturing bases, vigorously developing hydrogen production from by-products of coal chemical processes, establishing demonstration projects for hydrogen production via methanol reforming and for the use of hydrogen in heavy trucks, promoting the utilization of geothermal resources in Shanxi, developing graphene and anode materials for energy storage batteries from anthracite, and exploring new materials such as coal-based fibers, plastics, and silicone chemicals… All these efforts are aimed at improving the quality of basic chemical products and reinforcing the group’s position as an industry leader; it will also strengthen its position in the high-end fertilizer market and become a top-tier supplier of fertilizers; it will deepen its presence in the industrial gases market, ensuring a stable supply of coal and gas by providing these products along with related equipment, and it will focus on developing new coal-based materials and specialty fine chemicals to enhance its ability to create value. Jinmei Group is constantly seeking new ideas, methods, and approaches to the clean and efficient utilization of anthracite, as well as to the transformation and upgrading of modern coal chemical industries. downLoad-20200914095508.jpeg is the office building of Jinmei Group. A bright future ahead – Contributing to the development of the industry through Jinmei’s efforts. Industry experts highly appreciate Jinmei Group’s commitment to integrating coal production with chemical processing, making technological advancements, and pursuing transformation and upgrading, while also offering forward-looking suggestions. Gu Zongqin, vice president of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation and secretary of the Party committee of the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Planning Institute, said that Jinmei Group ranks first in the country in five aspects: anthracite production, synthetic ammonia production, urea production, coalbed methane extraction, and gas-powered electricity generation. It has a strong foundation for development; it is an important enterprise in China’s fertilizer industry and a key force in promoting agricultural development in the country. It is necessary to take advantage of the fact that fertilizers represent a vital demand, to steadily improve their efficiency, and to focus on moving toward higher-end products. The coal chemical industry must adhere to cleanliness and efficiency; practical measures must be taken to focus on energy conservation and emission reduction, with the key being to address environmental protection issues. If environmental problems are not resolved, there is no way forward; as long as environmental standards are met, it is profitable and survival is possible, then any process or technology can be used. Jin Yong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University, believes that for coal chemical enterprises that produce gas from coal, it is crucial to consider what will be done in the downstream stages. Jinneng Group persists in pursuing technological innovation and focuses its efforts on breaking through key technical barriers. In the future, it can further strengthen industry-university-research cooperation in areas such as the direct conversion of syngas into ethanol, renewable energy, lithium batteries, oil production using photosynthetic microalgae, renewable hydrogen production, electronic chemicals, and new chemical materials, thereby achieving new technological breakthroughs and sustainable development. Liu Ke, an foreign member of the Australian Academy of Engineering and director of the Institute for Clean Energy at Southern University of Science and Technology, pointed out that, given the new trends in energy development both domestically and internationally, energy sources need to be diversified, and various technological approaches should be developed; ultimately, it is the market that should decide which technology to adopt. He hopes that Jinmei Group will embrace forward-thinking approaches, seize the opportunities presented by the development of new energy sources in the future, vigorously promote the \"methanol economy,\" explore avenues for the development of hydrogen energy, and pursue a path toward more precise and high-quality fertilizer products. Mao Baoqi, vice president and secretary-general of the Shanxi Chemical Industry Association, pointed out that the successful development of Jinmei’s S, H, and L furnaces has opened up a new path for the clean and efficient utilization of coal, which will help alleviate the problem of poor sales in the market for anthracite coal. He hopes that Jinmei Group will make full use of the advantages of the \"three furnaces\" in terms of technical efficiency and intelligence, adopt a market-oriented approach, and accelerate the industrial application of these furnaces, thereby providing effective solutions to improve the economic efficiency of anthracite production enterprises. Representatives from all parties involved in the research, development, design, manufacturing, and construction of the \"three furnaces simultaneously\" project are also full of confidence in the future prospects of this technology as well as its market promotion. Zhou Enli, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of Saiding Engineering Co., Ltd., explained that coal crushing pressurized gasification (Saiding furnace) technology is currently the only modern large-scale pressurized gasification technology that utilizes smokeless lump coal as raw material on an industrial scale. The projects carried out by Jinmei Jinshi and Jinmei Tianqing have also fully demonstrated the advantages of using the Jinmei S furnace for the gasification of smokeless lump coal. Based on actual operation data, Jinneng Group and Saiding Engineering formed a R&D team. Through measures such as optimizing the furnace structure, adding an integrated gasification waste boiler system, optimizing the heat distribution throughout the system, improving the water treatment process, reusing carbon dioxide in the furnace, and pressurizing the coal gas with air, they developed the Jinneng S furnace technology, which is more suitable for the gasification of smokeless lump coal. This technology has resulted in a process package with independent intellectual property rights. Expected outcomes of the new process: continuous operation for at least half a year; a 50% reduction in the land area required for the water treatment process and associated investment costs; a reduction of steam consumption by over 40%; and a reduction in the amount of gas and water used by over 25%. Huang Rui, deputy general manager of Shanghai Binen Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., said that the Jinmei L furnace employs pressurized slag moving-bed gasification technology; building on existing slag fixed-bed gasification technology, it incorporates modern concepts of coal gasification as well as new processes and materials, such as water-cooled walls, forced-cooling dual-protection water-cooled burners, and pipeline-type coal transfer cut-off valves. This furnace features significant technical advantages, including a high gasification temperature, high carbon conversion rate, and high efficiency in producing cold gas; it is suitable for the gasification of anthracite coal, and enables efficient conversion of Jincheng anthracite coal. Li Hongshuang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Jinmei Group, emphasized that in the future the group will adhere to the \"three modernizations and one type\" development strategy in the coal chemical industry. It will further advance the construction of \"gasification islands,\" vigorously implement the \"three furnaces in parallel\" strategy, make significant breakthroughs in establishing demonstration bases for the upgrading of traditional coal chemical processes, and strive to become a leader in the green development and utilization of coal. The group aims to pave the way for a new approach to the clean and efficient use of anthracite characterized by excellent industry standards, high quality, good efficiency, and sustainability. It aspires to be at the forefront of Shanxi Province’s energy revolution, contributing to the high-quality transformation and development of the traditional coal chemical industry through the efforts of Jinmei Group.