The Chemical Industry Liming Research Institute started up its low-unsaturation, high-activity polyether polyol production line for trial operation, on Dec 18, 2012, with initial lab results showing advanced level results, compared with similar products from both China and abroad. After 40 hours of operation, it had produced more than 100 tons of polyether polyol. It has a designed capacity of 20,000 tons per year.
Li Zhiqiang, the president of the institute, oversaw the trial operation from the control center from the beginning.
The research institute has been involved in the DMC catalyst and polyether polyol R&D for several years and has gotten several patents for its work. It has developed a continuous polyether polyol production process with small molecular alcohol as the initiator, to synthesize propylene oxide polyether with various molecular size and function, and low-unsaturation and different molecular content, with primary hydroxyl group concentration above 86 percent.
This means a breakthrough for the research institute, and shows its technological ability and leading position in the industry. The device meets low-carbon economy and sustainable-development requirements and has considerable social and economic benefits.