Sinopec is nearing the completion of an expansion at its lubricant blending plant in Chongqing, China. The project, which will bring the plants capacity to 215,000 metric tons per year, is part of a strategy to turn the facility into a regional supply point for the southwestern part of the country.
According to the state-owned energy giant, the new part of the plant is undergoing tests now and is scheduled to begin full operations in October. Officials declined to disclose the plants capacity before the project.
Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is the sprawling economic center of Western China. Traditionally the Sinopec blending plant there has been known for research in certain lubricants and greases. In 2008 the company began planning the expansion, intending to establish a source for high quality lubes and greases used in expensive equipment employed by industries in the region.
The work that is wrapping up is the first phase of a broader plan to raise capacity to 300,000 t/y.