Smart Management Powers China-Myanmar Crude Oil Pipeline

The China-Myanmar crude oil pipeline has transported over 100 million tonnes of oil, PipeChina said on Monday. The achievement underlines the pipeline's importance to China's energy security and to the development of its southwestern regions.

By improving the flow of oil and gas resources, the pipeline has strengthened supply in Yunnan Province and neighbouring areas. It has also supported stable energy availability for the region's economic and social progress.

As one of China's four main energy import channels, the pipeline runs from Myanmar into Yunnan through Ruili city. The Chinese portion measures 618 kilometres and reaches the Anning refinery of Yunnan Petrochemical. Commercial operations started in June 2017.

According to Chang Yutao, deputy manager of the market department at PipeChina's Yunnan company, supplies of petroleum products to Yunnan once depended mainly on long road journeys from eastern coastal China. The current setup links the pipeline, Yunnan Petrochemical's local refinery and the Southwest Petroleum Products Pipeline into one coordinated network. This arrangement covers crude imports, refining and distribution to other areas.

Maintenance remains a challenge due to Yunnan's mountains and difficult terrain. Relevant units have therefore adopted an intelligent management system. Stations are operated and monitored without routine staffing, and emergency response measures are in place. Five such smart stations have been completed so far.

Daily throughput currently averages 35,000 tonnes of crude oil.