Wenzhou Advances LNG Tech with Smart Manufacturing Breakthroughs

At an extreme temperature of -162°C (-259°F), the safe transportation and efficient utilization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tests both a nation's energy infrastructure and technological capabilities. The question of who can overcome these technical challenges to ensure stable LNG operations has found a compelling answer from Wenzhou-based enterprises in China's Zhejiang province.

Zhejiang's Department of Science and Technology recently announced its first batch of major scientific achievements for 2025 in the "Two New" domains (new industrialization and new urbanization), selecting 76 breakthrough technologies across five key sectors: new industrialization, construction and municipal infrastructure, transportation and agricultural machinery, education/culture/tourism/healthcare, and resource recycling.

Wenzhou companies made a strong showing with nine selected projects, ranking third province-wide in number of recognized achievements—a testament to the city's growing technological prowess.

Two standout achievements from Wenzhou firms highlight the region's leadership in LNG equipment manufacturing:

• Baoyi Group Co., Ltd: High-reliability technology research and industrial application of ultra-low temperature emergency shut-off devices for large-scale LNG applications
• Zhejiang Boteli Technology Co., Ltd: Large-diameter, high-pressure, high-sealing cryogenic ball valves for LNG applications

These innovations not only represent significant technical advances in LNG equipment but also signal new development opportunities for Wenzhou in the renewable energy and process equipment sectors.

Baoyi Group's selected project addresses critical safety challenges in LNG operations through multiple technological breakthroughs:

• Thermo-structural coupling analysis: Precisely mapping stress-strain processes in ultra-low temperature valve structures to inform optimized designs
• Insulation layer thermal conduction experiments: Reducing thermal conductivity losses to improve overall energy efficiency
• Material performance research: Comprehensive study of material behaviors under extreme cryogenic conditions
• Structural optimization: Computer simulations of metal valve seats and non-metal seal shrinkage deformation, validated through experimental testing

The resulting emergency shut-off system offers two critical advantages:

• Rapid response to immediately halt material flow during emergencies
• Reliable sealing performance even at -162°C (-259°F)

Boteli's large-diameter cryogenic ball valve project tackles key challenges in LNG transportation. Unlike standard ball valves designed for room temperature operation, these specialized valves feature:

• Enhanced structural designs for cryogenic environments
• Material selections optimized for low-temperature performance
• Superior sealing capabilities below -40°C (-40°F)

Such cryogenic valves play essential roles in petroleum, chemical processing, natural gas, and liquefied gas industries where precise control of ultra-cold media is required.

The recognition of Baoyi and Boteli exemplifies Wenzhou's commitment to technological innovation and industrial upgrading. These advancements will accelerate energy sector development in Wenzhou and Zhejiang province while supporting China's carbon neutrality goals.

Zhejiang's "Two New" achievement catalog provides a platform for organizations to identify and adopt these cutting-edge technologies, potentially stimulating broader economic growth through technological transformation.