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Zhongan United’s polypropylene plant successfully switched to producing new product grades: PPH-M17 and fiber-grade material PPH-Y26. All of the products met the required standards, marking a successful start to the development of new polypropylene products in the new year. Author/Source: Coal Chemical Industry 114 Forum; Date: 2021-01-11; Views: 9. The switch to production of these new grades took place from January 6th to 7th. Zhang Yuzhuo, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Chairman of Sinopec, emphasized during an inspection of Zhongan United Coal Chemical’s production facilities that it is necessary to actively pursue high-quality development, enhance the comprehensive advantages of products, and improve resilience to risks. Guided by the directives of the Sinopec Party Leadership Group, Zhongan United ensures the stable operation of its production facilities while pursuing a development strategy focused on high-end, differentiated, and high-quality products. It aims to increase the added value of coal chemical products by intensifying efforts in the development of new products. In 2020, six grades of polyolefin products were introduced to the market, effectively enhancing the competitiveness of coal chemical products in the market. The new grade of product produced in this trial run has a high melt index; during production, it is necessary to increase the melt index of this product from 3 to over 25. Due to the significant increase in the amount of hydrogen added, the temperature in the polymerization reactor rises rapidly, making it more difficult to maintain control. A large range in melt index can easily lead to the shutdown of the extrusion granulation unit, resulting in high risks and difficulties throughout the production process. To ensure the success of the trial production on the first attempt, Zhongan United made thorough preparations, collaborated with the Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Technology to form a task force, and intensified efforts in advancing the technology for new product development ； Organize technical personnel to conduct research at peer companies, learn from their colleagues, and acquire production experience ； Carefully prepare production plans for new grade products, and organize multiple discussions and revisions with relevant personnel. During the production process, production technicians strictly control each process parameter and carefully verify the bin switching procedures to ensure that the entire production process remains under control. Thanks to thorough preliminary preparations, the trial production proceeded smoothly, all product inspections were successful, the output of transitional materials was zero, which reduced unnecessary losses, and the production of the new polypropylene grade was a success. The successful pilot production of the new product grade has diversified the polypropylene product portfolio of Zhongan United, increased the proportion of specialty materials in its products, met market demands, and contributed to an increase in the value of Zhongan United’s coal chemical products. The Zhongan United Coal Chemical Integration Project is invested and constructed by Zhongan United Coal Chemical Co., Ltd., a company established jointly by Sinopec Corporation and Anhui Wanbei Coal and Electricity Group Co., Ltd. The total investment for the first phase of this project is 26.7 billion yuan; it involves the construction of facilities for producing 1.7 million tons per year of methanol, as well as 350,000 tons per year of linear low-density polyethylene and 350,000 tons per year of polypropylene. The project also requires 856 million tons of coal resources, and it involves the construction of a coal mine with an annual production capacity of 4 million tons. The core process of the project utilizes S-MTO patented technology owned by Sinopec, while the gasification unit employs SE-Oriental furnace technology also owned by Sinopec. Using coal from the Zhujixi mine as raw material, products such as methanol and converted olefins (LDPE/PP) are produced. Zhongan United Coal & Chemical Co., Ltd. was established on December 18, 2010, with a registered capital of 4 billion yuan. It is funded equally at 50% each by Sinopec Corporation and Anhui Wanbei Coal and Electricity Group Co., Ltd.