#China #Ningbo #Sinopec #Petrochemical

Sinopec's Remarkable Achievement in the Petrochemical Industry

Recently, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, took a major step in the petrochemical sector by announcing the mechanical completion of the second phase of the expansion project at its Zhenhai refinery. This development not only reaffirms Sinopec's leadership in the industry but also sets a new standard for innovative and sustainable manufacturing practices on a large scale.

Expansion Details

Situated in the Yangtze River Delta — an essential hub for petrochemical products — the Zhejiang Ningbo industrial base has achieved a refurbishment of its refining capacity to a staggering 40 million tons annually, elevating the total refining capacity beyond 50 million tons per year. This accomplishment firmly establishes the Sinopec facility as the most advanced and largest petrochemical industrial base globally.

The second phase of the expansion saw an investment of approximately CNY 41.6 billion, focusing on the establishment of 18 production units. These include units specifically for atmospheric distillation, catalytic cracking, polypropylene production, and propane dehydrogenation. This strategic focus on chemical processes enables multiple high-value-added supply chains tailored to diverse industry needs.

Enhanced Production Capabilities

With the expanded capacity, the facility is projected to produce about 8 million tons of petrochemical products per year. The impact will be far-reaching, significantly bolstering supply chains in key sectors such as automotive, home appliances, and textiles across the region. The economic implications of this expansion are significant, potentially generating trillions of yuan in upstream and downstream industrial value.

Innovations in Technology and Sustainability

Sinopec's expansion project has been marked by remarkable advancements in technology and a strong commitment to sustainability. Notable highlights include:

• - Utilization of ten leading-edge technologies, featuring the world’s highest loading vertical labyrinth compressor.
• - Implementation of smart technologies that facilitate simultaneous operation of both physical and digital factory environments.
• - Introduction of a fully localized industrial operating system and self-developed industrial internet platform, enhancing managerial efficiency and decision-making processes.
• - Adoption of comprehensive energy-saving measures that resulted in an overall energy consumption reduction of 11.7%.
• - A significant emphasis on safety and quality during the construction phase, with over 90 million man-hours logged without incidents and a 100% quality approval rate for all units.

Sinopec's Future in Petrochemicals

The Zhenhai refinery stands as Sinopec's largest integrated chemical and refining enterprise with an ethylene production capacity of 2.2 million tons per year. Its consistent inclusion in the top-performing group of the Solomon Ethylene Global Performance Assessment is a testament to its operational excellence.

In essence, Sinopec's recent developments encapsulate a pivotal moment for the petrochemical industry in China, highlighting the company's pioneering spirit and its unwavering dedication to innovation and quality in an increasingly competitive global market. As the industry evolves, Sinopec’s initiatives will undoubtedly inspire further advancements and set benchmarks for sustainability and efficiency across the petrochemical landscape.