Went into operation Monday a "big-helical welding pipe" production line in Baoji Petrol Steel Pipe Works, China's largest petrol steel pipe producer for manufacturing high-quality large caliber steel pipes for the project of "moving gas east from west". "This represents another important progress made in preparations for the project of moving west gas east", said Shi Xingquan, vice president of PetroChina Co., Ltd. and general manager of the branch pipe company of the project.
It is reported that related units including China National Petroleum Corporation and PetroChina Co., Ltd. have made great efforts to many a varied lines as resources exploration, engineering technology, investment invitation, materials and equipment in preparing for launching of the project. So far, feasibility study of the project has been made and passed expert assessment organized by the state.
Since the project demands extremely high standard for engineering technology, related departments and enterprises have picked an excellent staff to pull out all stops to go in for technological renovation and scientific research. They have achieved a group of sci-tech successes at a world advanced level. Bao Steel has succeeded in producing a rolling board steel material for the X70 large-caliber pipe. Baoji Petrol Steel Pipe Works has set up a manufacturing line for producing largest-diameter steel pipes in need.
The project of "moving gas east from west" follows an all-round open policy to foreign investment and technological cooperation. Some international petroleum companies such as US Exxon Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, UK BP and Russia Natural Gas Co., Ltd. have all entered with great zeal as a contesting party upon the bid extended.
(People's Daily 08/21/2001)
