Pilot Scale Study on Syngas-to-EG Package Technology Passed Appraisal at SINOPEC

The key science and technology development project of SINOPEC—the pilot scale study of syngas-to-ethylene glycol package technology has passed the expert appraisal sponsored by the SINOPEC Science and Technology Division.

This project facility, which is jointly developed by the SINOPEC Shanghai Petrochemical Research Institute in collaboration with the Shanghai Petrochemical Engineering Company (SPEC), and the Yangzi Petrochemical Company, has been set up and tested in pilot scale according to the planned schedule. Test results have revealed that the CO coupling catalyst and dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation catalyst have demonstrated outstanding performance. The syngas-to-EG process scheme is rational and the process unit operates safely and smoothly, with the quality of ethylene glycol peering with the international premium grade. The major process parameters can meet the requirements for designing an industrial demonstration unit to provide technical support for design, construction, startup, and operation of large commercial units. In the course of project research and development, nine key techniques, including the sub-ester formation, the coupling/hydrogenation catalysts and process, the oxidative esterification reaction, the hydrogenation reaction process and product purification technology, the process safety, the startup and shut-down program, and the analytical techniques, have been formed to signify the innovative nature of technical achievement. The project team has applied for 96 China invention patents, and 7 patents have been granted to cover a patented protection network on catalysts, process, reactor and other key pieces of equipment. The implementation of this project has laid a solid foundation for construction of a 200 kt/a syngas-to-EG unit at SINOPEC’s Hubei Chemical Fertilizer Plant to form at the meantime SINOPEC’s package technology with independent intellectual property rights in the coal chemicals domain.