On March 30, construction was accelerating on PetroChina Urumqi Petrochemical Company’s new 2-million-ton-per-year purified terephthalic acid (PTA) project. Work on the project began in October 2025; overall progress is currently nearing 20%, with the aim of achieving mechanical completion by the third quarter of 2027.
PTA is a vital bulk organic raw material primarily used to produce polyester, with widespread applications in sectors such as polyester fibers and packaging bottles. Within the textile industry chain, PTA serves as a crucial link, connecting upstream paraxylene (derived from petroleum refining) with downstream polyester and textile/garment industries.
Inside the company's specialized large-scale fabrication workshop, more than 70 workers are collaborating on the welding of a massive reactor. Liu Hu, Deputy Director of the Chemical Department, explained that the key reactor currently under construction—measuring 8.5 meters in diameter and 42.45 meters in length—is the core component of the main PTA unit. The equipment utilizes composite steel plates; welding the inner titanium layer demands exceptionally high standards for cleanliness and welder expertise. To ensure the schedule and quality are met, an additional 40 workers will be brought on board, with fabrication expected to conclude by mid-September of this year.
"The project also employs industry-leading bromine recovery technology, which reduces pollutant emissions while lowering production costs," Liu Hu said.
Xia Gang, another Deputy Director of the Chemical Department, noted that although Xinjiang possesses advantages in petroleum resources and cotton production, its industry chain previously suffered from a critical gap due to the absence of the PTA intermediate link. Once completed, this project will bridge the "oil and gas extraction—refining and processing—textile manufacturing" chain. Upon commencing operations, it will supply ample raw materials to the downstream polyester industry, thereby driving the improvement and upgrading of Xinjiang's textile industry chain.
"Moving forward, we will strictly control the four key areas of design, schedule, quality, and equipment; ensure all parties fully shoulder their responsibilities; optimize construction procedures; and accelerate the construction timeline. Our goal is to ensure the project is delivered and put into operation to high standards and with high quality, while striving to achieve the status of a 'National Quality Project,'" said Xia Gang.
