Optimizing Low-Pressure Steam Usage: Maoming Base Cuts Costs and Boosts Efficiency

The Maoming Base organized meetings among various production departments to explore new energy-saving measures and conducted a comprehensive review of the plant's steam pipeline network. The original design, characterized by low usage and intermittent operation, featured pipelines exceeding 4 kilometers in length. Maintaining the required temperature and pressure in such an extensive network consumed significant energy, leading to high costs. After thorough research and deliberation, the Maoming Base decided to retrofit the sub-medium-pressure steam system for low-pressure steam applications.

On February 14, 2025, the ammonia synthesis unit and equipment department, along with key personnel, collaborated with Hangqi (Hangzhou Steam Turbine Co.) to modify the ammonia compressor shaft seal ejector, switching from sub-medium-pressure steam to low-pressure steam. The retrofit plan was drafted, approved, and promptly implemented, successfully completing the steam pipeline upgrade. Post-retrofit, the ammonia compressor shaft seal ejector operates stably, meeting all performance requirements. By staggering steam usage during off-peak periods, the base ensured the continuity and stability of low-pressure steam supply.

With these measures in place, the Maoming Base has decommissioned the sub-medium-pressure steam pipeline network. By saving approximately 0.5 tons of propane fuel per hour, the base is projected to reduce annual costs by 15–20 million yuan.