On April 9, the first train of the 800 kt/a full‑density polyethylene unit at Sinopec Guangdong Petrochemical operated in condensed‑mode production using chromium‑based catalysts, achieving stable long‑cycle operation for more than 40 consecutive days. This sets a new record for condensed‑mode runtime since the unit was commissioned, marking a critical breakthrough in process control for chromium‑based condensed‑mode technology and ushering in a new phase of stable, efficient and low‑consumption operation for the facility.
Chromium‑based condensed‑mode technology represents an advanced process in polyethylene production and a key industry pathway for quality improvement and efficiency gains. Nevertheless, this technology has long confronted industry‑wide challenges including stringent control precision requirements and difficulties in sustaining system stability. Long‑term stable operation has remained a core goal pursued by the sector.
To tackle this industrial bottleneck, Sinopec Guangdong Petrochemical formed a dedicated technical team in 2025 to launch research on chromium‑based condensed‑mode technology for the first production train. The team addressed multiple technical hurdles such as enhanced reactor heat removal, precise adjustment of induced condensing agent concentration, reactor activity modulation and oligomer control. A five‑day condensed‑mode operational test was successfully completed in January 2026, delivering the milestone initial technical breakthrough.
This technical advance delivers substantial capacity growth. Preliminary estimates indicate the 800 kt/a full‑density polyethylene unit can achieve an additional output of 50‑80 kt per annum. Meanwhile, ethylene consumption under condensed‑mode conditions rises by 10‑15 tonnes per hour, effectively easing ethylene tank storage pressure and enabling efficient upstream‑downstream coordination. It injects fresh momentum into the enterprise’s high‑quality development.
