On February 25, the Xinjiang Yihua coal gasification project, constructed by CAS Hefei Coal Gasification Technology Co., Ltd. (“ZHGAS”), was featured on Xinjiang News Broadcast as a model project highlighting the Xinjiang Autonomous Region’s strategic focus on leveraging its resource advantages.
The project uses a circulating fluidized bed gasifier designed specifically for high-alkali coal. Xinjiang holds vast reserves of high-alkali coal, with estimated reserves in the Junggar region alone reaching 390 billion tons. Due to its low ash melting point and issues with slagging and fouling, high-alkali coal commonly causes coking and corrosion in gasifiers. ZHGAS' circulating fluidized bed technology successfully overcomes these challenges.
Since commissioning, the unit has operated smoothly with excellent performance. Previously, Xinjiang Yihua’s shift conversion section required shutdowns every three months for maintenance; now, continuous operation has been extended to seven months, with significant improvements in system stability and automation. The project’s success provides vital technical and equipment support for large-scale gasification and utilization of the abundant Junggar coal reserves.
Xinjiang Yihua Chemical Co., Ltd. is the first large-scale industrial enterprise in Junggar to achieve local coal conversion and operates the world’s largest single-unit melamine production facility. By the end of 2021, the company completed an upgrade of its production line, focusing on strengthening its core industry chain. In January, sales revenue reached 450 million RMB, with profits increasing 260% year-on-year. The upgraded oxygen-enriched circulating fluidized bed gasification technology effectively addresses the industry challenge of efficiently and cleanly using Junggar coal for synthetic ammonia production. Additionally, recovered carbon dioxide is used as a gasifying agent, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the competitiveness of the final melamine products.
