CBE Summer Study Tour at Towngas Methanol Plant

During June 1-8, 2025, CBE organized a one-week summer study tour to a leading chemical plant, offering students valuable hands-on industry exposure. With the generous support of Towngas, 19 students had the unique opportunity to visit its subsidiary in Inner Mongolia, where coal liquefaction is used to produce 300,000 tons of methanol annually.

The plant features several key units, including air separation, coal gasification, methanol synthesis and purification, as well as utilities, instrumentation, and equipment maintenance. During the tour, students were divided into three groups. Each group began with a thorough introduction to the plant’s process flow chart, followed by guided visits to the actual processes and equipment on site. This immersive experience provided students with a comprehensive understanding of large-scale methanol production and the application of advanced chemical engineering technologies in industry.

To complement the technical learning, students also had the opportunity to explore the scenic Yellow River and nearby desert, adding a memorable and enriching dimension to the trip.