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The key to localization of refining equipment is the combination of production, education and research
Modern process equipment and control engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines chemical engineering, materials science, and mechanical systems. The advancement of this discipline is closely tied to the degree of localization in China's refining and petrochemical industry. Despite significant progress, there remains a noticeable gap between China's refining equipment manufacturing capabilities and those of global leaders. To bridge this gap, enhancing collaboration among universities, enterprises, and research institutions to build integrated production, engineering, and research bases has become a critical strategy for improving the industry’s overall technical level.
This was highlighted at the first Forum on Process Equipment and Control Engineering, where experts shared insights on the current state and future direction of the sector. According to Cao Xianghong, Chief Engineer at Sinopec, the rapid growth of China’s refining and chemical industry has brought new opportunities for equipment manufacturing. Several key pieces of equipment, such as reactors, separators, heat exchangers, and storage systems, have achieved domestic localization. However, some high-end equipment—like ethylene refrigeration compressors—still requires imports, indicating a technological and quality gap compared to international standards.
Gao Jinji, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, emphasized that the lack of strong independent innovation and comprehensive design capabilities has led to heavy reliance on imported technology. Over two decades, China imported over 31 ammonia synthesis units, 26 urea plants, and 47 phosphate fertilizer systems, costing nearly $4.8 billion. Similarly, 18 imported ethylene plants added another $20 billion in costs. These figures underscore the urgent need for better innovation and talent development.
Experts suggest that universities, industries, and research institutes must work together to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals, including engineers, managers, and technicians, with a focus on leading figures in equipment development and system design. Strengthening the application of patents, technical secrets, and new product development within projects is equally important. Encouraging young talents to engage in practical projects can help bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.
The trend toward service-oriented manufacturing is also gaining momentum. For example, GE and Harbin Power Equipment Co. established a joint venture to provide maintenance and on-site services for gas turbines, while Shell and Shanghai Automotive formed a service company. This shift not only enhances value creation but also improves service capabilities, helping the industry catch up with global competitors.
Researchers from the Hefei General Machinery Research Institute noted that China’s manufacturing sector still faces challenges like high energy consumption, pollution, low-value products, and an imbalanced industrial structure. Currently, core equipment manufacturing accounts for just 26.46% of the added value in the manufacturing industry, which is about 10 percentage points lower than in developed countries. Building a robust innovation system involving enterprises, education, and research, along with attracting top talent, is essential to reversing this trend.
However, existing cooperation between industry, universities, and research institutes still faces obstacles. Some companies are content with their current tech levels, while some academic institutions prioritize short-term gains over long-term collaboration. Experts recommend clearer roles: universities should focus on fundamental and forward-looking research, enterprises should concentrate on practical and integrated equipment innovation, and research institutes should act as bridges. At the national level, policies should encourage stronger ties between all parties, ensuring that enterprises take the lead in innovation with clear responsibilities and incentives. Through such efforts, the localization of refining equipment can be accelerated, bringing China closer to global competitiveness.