China Hangzhou Steam Turbine Group Successfully Completes No‑Load Trial of Single 120,000‑Nm³/h Air Separation Unit Turbine

Recently, a single 120,000‑Nm³/h air separation unit (ASU) turbine independently developed by Hangzhou Steam Turbine Group Co., Ltd. (HTC Group) successfully completed a full‑process no‑load operation test on the in‑house assembly and test stand. During the trial, key performance indicators such as unit vibration and bearing pad temperature exhibited outstanding results, with the customer‘s representative present throughout the entire test.

This product is a major benchmark in the domestic air separation turbine sector, presenting prominent technical challenges including large single‑machine power output, high operating efficiency, complex structure, and stringent vibration control requirements. HTC Group established a dedicated technology task force to focus on core critical technologies, deeply optimized and iterated the flow path layout, and systematically enhanced aerodynamic performance, achieving internationally leading design efficiency at the rated operating condition.

Throughout the R&D process, the project team actively implemented the work philosophy of “engineering excellence and quality‑driven efficiency improvement.” Adopting a modular and standardized design approach, the team developed standardized design schemes and system configurations, effectively reducing non‑standard customization requirements and shortening the R&D and manufacturing cycle. Concurrently, the design process fully accounted for off‑design thermal stress distribution, flow path aerodynamic matching, structural strength, stiffness, and vibration characteristics. Leveraging technical tools such as numerical simulation and lightweight design, the team scientifically optimized key components including high‑temperature hot parts and large welded structures (e.g., cylinders), significantly enhancing overall unit performance and product reliability.

During the unit assembly phase, the assembly team worked in close coordination with the R&D technology team, proactively identifying critical and difficult processes as well as potential risk points, and continuously refining assembly procedures. Front‑line personnel dedicated extra hours to overcome multiple challenges, including the high difficulty of assembling large‑sized components, complex debugging of the novel configuration, and tight delivery schedules, successfully completing the assembly and trial tasks to high standards.

The flawless one‑time success of this no‑load trial marks a leap in HTC Group‘s capability in the R&D and manufacturing of ultra‑large, high‑efficiency, high‑end air separation turbines, further consolidating its technological leadership position in the industry and providing strong support for expanding into both domestic and international ultra‑large air separation markets and capturing market share in high‑end equipment.

Looking ahead, HTC Group will comprehensively consolidate the valuable experience gained from the R&D, manufacturing, assembly, and trial processes, continuously iterate high‑end product technologies, and enhance the independent R&D and intelligent manufacturing capabilities of large integrated power equipment. Concurrently, the Group will strengthen its full‑cycle delivery assurance capabilities by forming a dedicated technical service team to provide on‑site support for equipment installation, commissioning, and operational maintenance, ensuring efficient, reliable, and long‑term operation of the unit.