Sinopec Marks Mechanical Completion of China's Premier Petrochemical Base Expansion

Sinopec's Landmark Expansion in China's Petrochemical Sector

Recently, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) announced a remarkable feat in the evolution of its petrochemical industry. The company has successfully completed the mechanical aspects of its ambitious expansion project at the Zhenhai Refinery, located in the strategic Yangtze River Delta. This initiative not only signifies the pinnacle of Sinopec's manufacturing capabilities but also positions the Zhejiang Ningbo Petrochemical Industrial Base as a global leader in petrochemical production.

Unprecedented Refining Capacity

The refinery's capacity has been elevated to an impressive 40 million tons per year, which combined with existing operations, leads to an overall annual refining capacity exceeding 50 million tons. This transformative project, which has seen an investment of 41.6 billion CNY, encompasses 18 advanced production units, including state-of-the-art atmospheric distillation and catalytic cracking facilities. Such advancements underscore a shift towards smart manufacturing, setting benchmarks for energy efficiency and innovation in the industry.

Supporting Multiple Industries

The expanded production capabilities at Zhenhai will deliver around 8 million tons of diverse petrochemical products annually. This is expected to significantly benefit various sectors including automotive, home appliances, and textiles, thus streamlining supply chains that are integral to these industries. The foresight behind this expansion goes beyond immediate operational gains, as it is projected to generate trillions of yuan in economic value across manufacturing and supply chains.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

What sets this project apart are its technological innovations. With the localization of ten core technologies, including a groundbreaking high-load vertical labyrinth compressor, Sinopec has pushed the envelope on what is possible in petrochemical production. The refinery also incorporates smart technologies that facilitate the seamless operation of digital and physical manufacturing capabilities.

In terms of operational management, Sinopec has established a fully localized industrial operating system, coupled with a self-developed industrial internet platform designed to enhance decision-making processes. These systems are designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs while simultaneously addressing sustainability challenges." Acknowledging the importance of energy conservation, Sinopec has implemented comprehensive measures that have led to an overall reduction in energy consumption by approximately 11.7%.

Commitment to Safety and Quality

Sinopec's dedication to safety and quality standards during this expansive construction project has not gone unnoticed. The company has recorded over 90 million consecutive safe man-hours with a 100% quality pass rate for all units—remarkable achievements that set a new industry benchmark for safety in large-scale industrial projects.

A Leader in Ethylene Production

Zhenhai Refinery, as Sinopec’s largest integrated refining and chemical entity, is a cornerstone of their broader corporate strategy. With an ethylene production capacity of 2.2 million tons per year, the facility is also distinguished as the only one in China consistently ranked among the top performers in the Solomon Global Ethylene Performance Evaluation. This accolade underscores Sinopec’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the highly competitive global petrochemical market.

In conclusion, Sinopec's completion of the second-phase expansion at the Zhenhai Refinery is a critical step towards establishing China as a significant player in the global petrochemical landscape. Through innovative technology, increased capacity, and stringent safety measures, Sinopec is poised for a promising future in both domestic and international markets, reaffirming its leadership in petrochemical production.