Hanchang Starts Operation of Specialized Pyrolysis Plant Production Factory

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Hanchang announced on the 27th that it has opened a pyrolysis R&D center and a specialized pyrolysis plant production factory on a 5,000-pyeong scale within the national industrial complex in Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do.

With the opening of this facility and specialized plant production factory, Hanchang can simultaneously manufacture up to 10 sets of the VESTA-10. Based on this, it is now possible to stably produce and supply plant equipment in response to large-scale orders. Recently, as preliminary supply discussions for Hanchang's pyrolysis plant equipment have been actively progressing, it is expected that proactive and uninterrupted responses to large-scale domestic and international orders will be possible in the future.

The VESTA-10 is a batch-type system currently capable of processing 10 tons of waste plastic per day per set. Through the R&D center within the Gunsan factory, research and development will continue to commercialize a new pyrolysis facility model capable of continuous processing of 20 tons per day by significantly increasing the processing capacity per set. Additionally, through research on resource recovery of organic waste such as food waste, livestock manure, and sewage sludge, Hanchang plans to expand the waste resource recovery market and prepare for the upcoming hydrogen economy by advancing research and development from pyrolysis-based processes to carbon dioxide capture and hydrogen production processes.

The key core technologies Hanchang possesses for waste plastic chemical recycling pyrolysis are the production process that converts waste plastic into recycled oil and the refining system that converts the produced recycled oil into high-quality light oil.

In particular, the VESTA-10 is equipped with a refining system that adopts technology very similar to the FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) process technology applied by domestic refineries to produce high value-added light oil. It enables the conversion of low-grade medium wax into light oil, improving overall yield. It also improves flow point to prevent solidification even in cold winter temperatures, separates residual carbon tar, water, and oil in recycled oil simultaneously, and reduces chlorine content in the final refined recycled oil to below 20 ppm.

To mitigate demand-side risks associated with large-scale purchases of VESTA-10 pyrolysis equipment, Hanchang has conditionally developed an initial commissioning repair warranty and mid-to-long-term efficiency achievement guarantee product, which is an in-house insurance product of Lloyd’s, the world's largest reinsurance company based in the UK. Furthermore, it is in the process of obtaining ISCC Plus (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certification. Beyond technological capabilities, by securing internationally recognized institutional guarantees, Hanchang plans to accelerate not only domestic market dominance but also overseas market expansion.

A company official stated, “The VESTA-10 can produce high-quality refined oil that can be immediately recycled as chemical raw material through its unique three-stage refining system,” adding, “Together with the plastic marine waste chemical recycling refined oil production factory in Jindo, scheduled for completion at the end of July, the newly opened specialized pyrolysis plant production factory in Gunsan will serve as an advanced base for large-scale turnkey overseas project exports as well as domestic sales.”

He continued, “Currently, several companies are negotiating the purchase of VESTA-10 equipment through MOU agreements, so visible results are expected from the third quarter,” and added, “Following the completion of the Jindo factory in the second half of this year, in addition to refined oil sales, approximately 30 billion KRW in pyrolysis plant sales revenue is expected from the Gunsan factory, and including overseas exports next year, sales are anticipated to grow more than twofold.”