Sinopec: World's First Third‑Generation Aromatics Technology at Jiujiang Plant
- Jiujiang Petrochemical aromatics plant (890,000 t/yr PX capacity) deployed Sinopec's third‑generation aromatics technology.
- The process uses single‑column adsorption replacing double‑column systems, boosting adsorbent utilization by 10% and lowering capital cost by ~20%.
- Plant energy consumption is <220 kg standard oil/ton PX (~30% below comparable units); construction started May 9, 2020 and was handed over Jan 20, 2022, enabling an expected industrial cluster worth >100 billion yuan.
Technology
Sinopec’s third‑generation aromatics process was applied at Jiujiang Petrochemical's 890,000 t/yr aromatics (PX) plant, using single‑column adsorption and separation to replace traditional double‑column systems, increasing adsorbent utilization by 10% and reducing capital expenditure by about 20%.
Performance and energy efficiency
Comprehensive energy integration—whole‑process optimization, integrated heat recovery and low‑temperature heat utilization—results in energy consumption below 220 kg standard oil per ton of PX, roughly 30% lower than comparable units.
Construction, safety and schedule
Construction began May 9, 2020, applying standardized site specifications ("nine unifications"), soilless construction, modular installation and integrated hoisting; on‑site pairing, pressure testing and overall hoisting addressed logistical constraints; safety measures included a "1123" working mechanism and double‑layer protections (hard isolation plus protective nets or safety belts); the plant was completed and handed over on January 20, 2022, on schedule with controls for safety, quality, progress and investment.
Economic impact
The project is expected to support an industrial cluster in Jiujiang valued at over 100 billion yuan.