【Haichuan’s Insights from Other Places】Yanshan Petrochemical’s pilot project for the green recycling of retired motors is yielding results

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“The retired motor YBX3-180M-2 WF2TH was remanufactured and reused in the seal oil pump of a delayed coking unit, fully meeting the on-site usage requirements with an efficiency increase to 92.7%. Since its operation began 8 months ago, all parameters have been normal and its performance has been good. ”As explained by Zhang Sai, an employee of the delayed coking unit at Yanshan Petrochemical Refinery.   In accordance with the unified arrangements of the group company, Yanshan Petrochemical, as a pilot enterprise, has joined forces with Harbin Electric Group, Baosteel Group, Tsinghua University and other organizations to carry out research on the green recycling, remanufacturing, and reliable operation of motors. To date, Yanshan Petrochemical has carried out green dismantling, auctioning, or remanufacturing of 1,020 retired motors, innovatively exploring the standardization of the dismantling process as well as the application of remanufacturing technologies, thereby achieving dual benefits in terms of economic and social outcomes.   Currently, the common method for disposing of used motors is through overall auctioning. High-value materials such as copper and silicon steel found in these motors are not separated out, and components with high reuse value like rotors, stators, and spindles are not recycled, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes in terms of economic efficiency and environmental protection.   Yanshan Petrochemical is addressing industry-wide challenges by taking the lead in researching new models for the green and precise disassembly and remanufacturing of used motors within the company, while exploring standardized procedures for the disassembly process as well as the establishment of relevant facilities. Joint task forces are formed with affiliated organizations and research institutions to fully leverage advantages in research and development, technical design, and practical application, in order to explore sustainable ways of disposing of retired motors.   Focusing on value maximization, we pursue a path for the green dismantling of retired motors. Guided by standardization, refinement, and scale expansion, Yanshan Petrochemical adopts a model of \"refined environmental protection-based dismantling + targeted professional disposal + platform-based support\" to explore pathways for green and circular industrial development. A disassembly facility has been established using the existing motor inspection and maintenance plant to carry out standardized disassembly; at present, the capability for mechanized disassembly of motors with a capacity of 132 kilowatts or less is available.   \"In the specialized disposal process for dismantled used motors, those that have been assessed as not suitable for remanufacturing are carefully disassembled, and then recycled through group framework agreements. This approach enables effective control over the flow of valuable materials, facilitates value addition through premium pricing, and promotes cooperation within the industry as well as resource recycling.\" ”As introduced by Shang Chao, an employee from the company’s Materials and Equipment Center.   In January this year, Yanshan Petrochemical organized an auction of dismantled used motors, resulting in proceeds that were about 28.99% higher compared to those from auctions of complete machines. At the same time, they collect all the solid and hazardous waste generated during the disassembly process and send it to the \"Blue Kingfisher\" hazardous waste treatment facility for centralized disposal, thereby achieving coordinated development of a green economy and environmental protection throughout the entire process of handling waste materials.   Achieve multi-dimensional benefits and explore the path for remanufacturing and reuse of retired motors. Yanshan Petrochemical selected 5 retired motors for remanufacturing tests and conducted statistical analysis on the remanufacturing costs of these motors; these costs were only 30% to 45% of those for newly purchased motors. Professional personnel are organized to conduct factory testing on remanufactured motors in accordance with the new motor standards, to assess the application of remanufacturing techniques and the performance during trial operations, and third parties are commissioned to carry out energy efficiency tests.   In September 2024, two remanufactured motors were put into operation in two production units at Yanshan Petrochemical, resulting in a 2% increase in efficiency at the rated operating point, a 5% increase in efficiency under various operating conditions, and an improvement of more than one standard level in energy efficiency. The vibration parameters of these motors met or exceeded the standards set by ** as well as those specified by Sinopec.