The world’s largest ethylene oxide (EO) reactor, manufactured by China First Heavy Industries (CFHI) for the China-Saudi Arabia Gulei Ethylene Project’s EO/EG unit in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, was shipped from CFHI’s Dalian Nuclear Power and Petrochemical Equipment Manufacturing Base in Dalian, Liaoning Province on December 10.
This delivery sets new world records for both the largest diameter and the heaviest single-piece EO reactor ever produced.
The world’s largest ethylene oxide (EO) reactor was shipped from CFHI’s Dalian Nuclear Power and Petrochemical Equipment Manufacturing Base on December 10. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The China-Saudi Arabia Gulei Ethylene Project, with an investment of 44.8 billion yuan ($6.35 billion), is jointly developed by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and Fujian Energy Petrochemical Group Co., Ltd. As a landmark energy cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, it plays a vital role in enhancing energy security and strengthening the stability of industrial and supply chains.
As the core equipment of the ethylene complex, the EO reactor is nearly 9.3 meters in diameter and weighs 1,540 tons per unit. It contains 32,437 heat-exchange tubes inside. Through technological innovation, meticulous process control, and efficient project management, CFHI successfully overcame multiple manufacturing challenges while ensuring exceptional precision and quality.
To date, CFHI has delivered 37 EO reactors with a combined weight approaching 40,000 tons, solidifying its position as a leading manufacturer of large-scale ethylene oxide reactors.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
