Refining-chemical integration represents the extension of the petroleum refining industry toward the chemical sector, aiming to maximize both resource utilization and economic benefit by producing high value-added products and implementing integrated operations.

The Shenghong Refining & Chemical 16-million-tons-per-annum (MTPA) integrated project is designed to produce:

• 16 million tons of refined oil products,
• 2.8 million tons of aromatics,
• 1.1 million tons of ethylene and downstream derivatives annually.

This project forms two advanced industrial chains:

• Crude oil – aromatics – PTA – polyester – chemical fiber (high-end textile materials),
• Crude oil + alcohol-based – olefins – fine chemicals (specialty petrochemicals).

Atlas Copco Solutions in the Shenghong Project

To date, Atlas Copco Gas and Process Division has delivered five centrifugal compressor systems to this landmark project, including:

• 2 Methanation recycle gas compressors
• 2 Carbon dioxide compressors
• 1 Process air compressor for phenol-acetone production

2 CO₂ Compressors: Reliable Power for Coal Powder Transport

The CO₂ compressors supply carrier gas for coal powder conveying. In the low-temperature methanol wash unit, carbon dioxide is absorbed and enriched from syngas, then compressed and reused as conveying and purge gas for delivering coal powder to the gasifier.

Atlas Copco CO₂ compressors are designed for continuous, stable operation, ensuring long-term performance under demanding conditions.

2 Methanation Recycle Gas Compressors: Safe and Stable Performance

Shenghong’s coal-to-gas system employs Haldor Topsoe’s methanation technology, powered by Atlas Copco’s high-efficiency centrifugal compressors.

After coal gasification, the crude syngas undergoes desulfurization and CO₂ removal. The purified gas enters the first methanation reactor, where part of the output is recycled through the compressor, mixed with feed gas, and reintroduced for further reaction. The generated methane (CH₄) serves as a key fuel source for subsequent refining processes.

1 Process Air Compressor for Phenol-Acetone: Engineered for Excellence

The phenol-acetone unit at Shenghong uses an Atlas Copco GT Series process air compressor, specifically designed to meet process gas application requirements and manufactured to API 617 standards.

The plant adopts the cumene process to produce phenol and acetone. Cumene is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), which then decomposes into phenol and acetone. The centrifugal compressor delivers fresh air via spray towers to the base of oxidation reactors, enabling the gas-phase oxidation of cumene to CHP, which is subsequently decomposed into target products and by-products.

More Applications in Refining-Chemical Projects

Atlas Copco centrifugal and process gas compressors are also suitable for:

• Polypropylene (PP) recycle gas compressors
• PO/SM (propylene oxide/styrene monomer) compressors
• Ethylene, hydrogen, and oxygen service compressors

Need a Rental Solution? FOOEN Rental Has You Covered

If your project requires temporary or long-term compressor rental, FOOEN Rental offers comprehensive, cost-effective compressed air solutions tailored to complex chemical and refining applications. Contact us for a free, professional rental consultation!