A set of compressed natural gas (CNG) decompression equipment has been successfully installed at the Shanhaiguan Shipyard, marking a significant step toward greener and safer industrial practices. For over three decades, the plant has relied on acetylene gas for steel sheet cutting, but this is now coming to an end. The shipyard has become the first shipbuilding company in China to transition to using compressed natural gas, setting a new standard in the industry.
According to the plant's manager, the previous use of acetylene gas involved consuming approximately 720,000 cubic meters annually, along with around 2,400 tons of calcium carbide. This process generated substantial waste, including carbide slag, which posed serious environmental challenges. Moreover, the operation of the acetylene gas production facility was considered extremely hazardous, making it one of the top safety concerns for the company. Not only did these issues lead to high operational costs, but they also created significant pressure on the management team.
In the 21st century, the shift toward clean energy has become a global trend, and the adoption of eco-friendly, efficient industrial gases has become a key focus for many enterprises. In late 2005, the shipyard sent a team to visit several shipping companies in Shanghai and Jiangsu, where they observed the growing popularity of compressed natural gas. Through peer recommendations and on-site inspections, they recognized the numerous advantages of CNG, including its safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and high efficiency. These factors led the company to conclude that replacing acetylene with CNG was the most effective solution to address both energy conservation and environmental protection challenges.
As explained by Wu Weibing, a process technician at the plant, compressed natural gas is a new cutting gas composed of natural gas mixed with special additives. This blend allows for a much higher combustion temperature without altering the fundamental properties of natural gas. Compared to acetylene, CNG offers greater flexibility, no excess emissions, lower oxygen consumption, and annual cost savings of up to 30%. It is also environmentally friendly, safe for workers, and provides precise cutting with a low tempering rate. Additionally, its lightweight nature makes it ideal for deep and confined spaces, enhancing its practicality in shipyard operations.
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