Sinopec expands POE capacity with China's first full‑chain domestic IP

Key highlights
  • Tianjin Petrochemical's 100,000 t/yr solution-method POE unit has entered linkage trial operation.
  • Combined with Maoming's 50,000 t/yr demo and Zhenhai's 100,000 t/yr under construction, Sinopec will reach 250,000 t/yr POE capacity.
  • Sinopec developed a domestic metallocene catalyst and devolatilization technology delivering low VOCs and POE grades for photovoltaics and new‑energy vehicles.
  • Full‑chain domestication—catalyst, process, plant equipment and control systems—reports 99% equipment localization at the Tianjin unit.

Project status

Tianjin Petrochemical's 100,000 t/yr solution-method POE unit has entered linkage trial operation; it follows Maoming Petrochemical's 50,000 t/yr independent‑IP demonstration unit and Zhenhai Refining & Chemical's 100,000 t/yr unit currently under construction.

Technology developments

Developments include a domestically produced metallocene catalyst with reported high activity and lower cost, polymerization process controls for producing POE with varied structures and properties, and a self‑developed devolatilization process aimed at low VOC content and reduced odor.

Localization and capacity impact

The Tianjin unit reports 99% equipment localization and full‑chain domestic implementation covering catalyst, process technology, plant equipment and control systems; once Tianjin and Zhenhai are online, aggregate POE capacity will reach 250,000 t/yr, increasing domestic supply for applications such as photovoltaics and new‑energy vehicles.