On May 10, it was reported that the No. 2 MEK-Toluene (ketone-benzene) unit at Daqing Refining & Chemical successfully completed an oil change for its ammonia compressor, fully replacing imported specialty oil with a domestic refrigeration oil. This move not only broke the reliance on imports but also created significant opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement; procurement costs dropped by 62.33% year-on-year, saving approximately 76,000 yuan per oil change for the unit.

The ammonia compressor is a core piece of equipment in the production of paraffin wax at the MEK-Toluene unit. Long-term reliance on imported refrigeration oil entailed high procurement costs and long lead times, while also posing risks of supply interruptions and delayed restocking—factors that placed considerable pressure on cost control and the unit's ability to maintain stable, long-cycle operations.

To resolve this challenge, the unit's technical team conducted a comprehensive review of operating parameters and working conditions. They performed multiple rounds of performance and compatibility testing on domestic oils before finally selecting a product that matched the unit's specific operational requirements. Following the initial fill and thorough circulation under no-load and low-load conditions, the unit operated consistently and smoothly; vibration levels remained stable within the "A" and "B" zones throughout. After 72 hours of operation, oil sample analyses met all standards, confirming good oil quality and a leak-free system.

This successful localization of ammonia compressor oil not only significantly reduced procurement and maintenance costs but also established a comprehensive set of best practices—covering everything from technical selection and standardized procedures to trial-run monitoring. This provides a replicable and scalable model for the localization of lubricants used in similar equipment across the company.