A Methanol-to-Clean-Diesel Addictive (MTCD) method for producing 30,000-tons of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers went into trial operation, on Dec 5, in the Guangrao Economic Development Zone in the city of Dongying, Shandong province, proving that this MTCD technology can be used for large industrial production.

Methanol-to Clean-Diesel plant, in Dongying, Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

This is an environmentally friendly fuel component that is expected to cut PM2.5 emitted by diesel vehicles by 75 percent, to improve diesel utilization, developed by the Dongying Runcheng Carbon Material Science and Technology Co, with support from R&D institutes, which uses industrial methanol as raw material. The company focuses on high value-added products for clean energy, explained Si Jiliang, its president.

Si Jiliang (2nd L), president of Dongying Runcheng, explaining the method. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Si said that the project will be helpful for China's emissions standards and the consumption of methanol, and that more than two dozen petroleum enterprises from China and abroad has been in talks with the company.

Getting a look at the MTCD method. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Bai Xuesong, of China's Petroleum and Chemical Planning Institute, praised the new method, saying that it shows progress in clean energy technology for coal-based fuel, and is energy-saving and cost-cutting and demonstrates the role of green chemicals.

Wang Qian contributed to the story