China National Chemical Corporation's Large-scale Propylene Oxide Project in Quanzhou Is about to Start Trial Operation

China National Chemical Corporation announced that the 600,000 tonnes/year propylene oxide project of its subsidiary China National Chemical Tianchen Quanzhou New Materials Co., Ltd. has been completed and is ready for production. The company disclosed the development through its investor interaction platform on April 22.

Although the mechanical equipment of the large-scale plant has been completed and is ready for operation, China National Chemical Corporation clarified that production has not yet started. The company is tentatively scheduled to start trial operation in May, which is the last stage before the plant is officially put into production.

The project officially started on July 12, 2022, achieving key nodes in a relatively short period of time. The project was executed efficiently, with civil construction completed on November 30, 2022, large equipment hoisting successfully completed in May 2023, and full delivery of the project in October 2023.

The annual 600,000 tonnes propylene oxide production capacity will be implemented in two phases. The initial stage will build a 300,000 tonnes/year hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) unit, which is a more environmentally friendly propylene oxide production route. In addition, two 450,000 ton per year hydrogen peroxide units with a concentration capacity of 50% will be built in the first phase.

In addition to the core production units, the first phase of the project also covers a series of supporting infrastructure to ensure smooth and safe operation. These facilities include raw material and finished product tank areas, air separation and air compression facilities, refrigeration stations, loading and unloading platforms, circulating water stations and condensate refining systems. Environmental and safety considerations are incorporated into the design, including accident pools, flare and incineration systems, and sewage treatment plants. The power supply infrastructure includes main substations and equipment substations, as well as electromechanical instrument maintenance workshops and chemical warehouses.

The core production capacity of the second phase of the project is basically the same as that of the first phase, and it is planned to add a 300,000 ton/year HPPO unit and two 450,000 ton/year hydrogen peroxide units, with a concentration capacity of 50%. The second phase will also be equipped with necessary public works and environmental protection projects, further demonstrating China National Chemical's commitment to sustainable operations.

Propylene oxide is a key intermediate in the production of various polyurethane products, coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and propylene glycol, which are widely used in many fields such as construction, automobiles, furniture and textiles.