June 29, 2025 – Hunan Petrochemical Prepares Styrene Unit Restart with Enhanced Safety Protocols
AsiaMB Exclusive – Hunan Petrochemical’s refining division has entered the final phase of preparations for restarting its 120,000-ton/year styrene unit following a comprehensive two-month maintenance shutdown. The reactivation process, critical for regional color masterbatch raw material supplies, is progressing under strict operational guidelines despite challenging summer conditions.
Technicians recently completed a crucial nitrogen replacement procedure for the gas holder system, a shared facility with the refinery’s low-pressure gas operations. “Our team has implemented additional cooling measures and reinforced safety controls to combat high-temperature risks during this critical phase,” explained the onsite operations manager. The company anticipates successful commissioning by early July.
This maintenance project forms part of Hunan Petrochemical’s 2025 strategic overhaul program for its integrated refining and petrochemical complex. The styrene unit’s performance directly impacts downstream specialty chemical production, including colorant carriers essential for masterbatch manufacturing. Quality assurance teams are conducting final verifications to guarantee a smooth startup.
Industry analysts highlight the importance of this facility’s timely return to operations, particularly for regional polymer additive markets. The plant’s operational status significantly influences styrene monomer availability – a key precursor for polystyrene and ABS resins widely used in masterbatch formulations across Asia.