Operation of the gasifier in the world’s largest coal-to-natural gas project currently in use sets a new industry record

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【Luchi Furnace】The gasifier of the world’s largest operational coal-to-natural gas project has set another industry record in terms of operation efficiency! 2025-08-06 On August 5, the Datang Keqi Coal-to-Natural Gas Project, the world’s largest operational coal-to-natural gas facility, achieved a breakthrough in its operation: the gasification unit used in this project was able to operate continuously and stably for a maximum period of 355 days, setting a new record for such technologies in the industry. It is reported that, in order to ensure the stable, efficient, and optimal operation of its gasification furnace systems, the company formed specialized technical teams in collaboration with domestic research institutions and industry partners. Based on the reaction mechanisms of low-grade lignite as raw material and the actual conditions of project operation, it developed an integrated optimization technology framework for gasification furnaces. By implementing innovative improvements such as optimizations to the furnace grates and filler sealing systems, the company successfully overcame 6 industry-related technical challenges falling into 3 categories, which hindered the efficient coordinated and integrated operation of the gasification furnace systems. At the same time, the company has introduced innovative operation manuals such as the \"Standardized Operation Plan for Gasification Furnaces,\" to establish a \"trinity\" process control system. It has also set up a dynamic response mechanism featuring \"24/7 monitoring, analysis, early warning, and adjustment,\" thereby enhancing the overall stability of plant operations. The first phase of the coal-to-natural gas project in Keqi, Inner Mongolia, operated using Lurgi coal pulverization pressurized gasification, partial shift, and DAVY methanation processes. Designed to produce 1.33 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. It came online in December 2013. Phase 2 also uses Lurgi reactors, which produce not only natural gas but also methanol and ethylene glycol. At the end of October 2023, the second-phase facility began producing qualified natural gas. In August 2024, the entire second phase was put into operation.