Wuxi Yacai Precision Machinery Co., Ltd , https://www.yacaijm.com
In late 2007, the 800,000-ton-per-year ethylene project in Wuhan officially commenced. According to Sinopec's officials, the localization rate of equipment for this major project is expected to reach 90% in terms of the number of units, and exceed 70% when measured by investment value. This marks a significant step forward in China's efforts to develop its domestic petrochemical industry.
The newly constructed production facilities include a total of 1,588 process equipment units, with 1,435 being domestically produced and 153 imported. The reason for importing these specific pieces of equipment lies in the complexity of internal components and foreign patents that are not yet replicated domestically. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers still lack the necessary experience, and there are limitations in the availability, variety, and quality of raw materials required for producing such advanced equipment.
Currently, the "three core machines" essential for a million-ton ethylene plant have been identified as relying on the Zhenhai, Tianjin, and Fushun projects. Shenyang Blower (Group) Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Steam Turbine Co., Ltd. are leading the development, and the work is progressing smoothly.
The total investment for the Wuhan ethylene project amounts to 14.67 billion yuan. It includes eight new production units, such as an 800,000-ton/year ethylene cracker, a 500,000-ton/year pyrolysis gasoline hydrogenation unit, a 120,000-ton/year butadiene extraction unit, a 400,000-ton/year aromatics extraction unit, two polyethylene units (300,000 tons/year HDPE and LLDPE), a 60,000-ton/year ethylene oxide unit, a 300,000-ton/year ethylene glycol unit, and a 400,000-ton/year polypropylene facility.
This project is the only large-scale petrochemical initiative planned by the country in the central region during the "Eleventh Five-Year Plan" period. It is expected to be completed and start operations in 2010. In terms of procurement, electrical equipment will primarily be sourced domestically, while instrumentation equipment will be procured through open bidding.