[Seeking Filial and Virtuous Craftsmen] Wu Haiqing: From a Latecomer to a Desulfurization Expert
Release Date:
2018-01-12
Using his hands to measure temperature, he keeps the margin of error down to within a hair’s breadth; with his eyes covered, he can still clearly visualize the intricate piping and wiring in that tiny space. A master craftsman’s skill—always striving for perfection. Let’s step inside the world of Wu Qinghai, a desulfurization expert who wields precision with his own hands. Wu Qinghai, section chief of the desulfurization unit in the chemical production workshop at Xinyu Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. of Pengfei Group: “In weather like today, if you just touch it with your hand, the temperature is at most around forty degrees Celsius. But our output must reach at least seventy-five degrees.” The man currently using his hands to gauge the temperature is Wu Qinghai, section chief of the desulfurization unit in the chemical production workshop at Xinyu Coal & Coking Co., Ltd. of Pengfei Group. Relying solely on the sensitivity of his fingertips…
Using his hands to measure temperature, he keeps the margin of error down to the tiniest fraction of a hair’s width; with his eyes blindfolded, he can still discern every intricate pipe and wiring within a space no larger than a few square inches. A craftsman’s masterful skill—always striving for perfection. Let us step into the world of Wu Qinghai, a desulfurization expert who wields precision with his own hands.
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
In weather like today, if you touch it with your hand, the temperature is at most around forty degrees, but our lower limit has to be at least seventy-five degrees.
The person currently using his hands to measure temperature is Wu Qinghai, section chief of the desulfurization unit in the chemical production workshop of Xinyu Coal‑Coke Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Pengfei Group. Relying solely on the tactile feedback from his fingertips, he can accurately gauge the temperature inside pipelines—skill that makes him the first of his kind at Pengfei Group. His coworkers jokingly call him “Iron Sand Palm,” and the few temperature‑sensitive areas he’s inspected have already been polished smooth by his touch.
Using your hands to gauge temperature is the first step; when it’s too hot or too cold, the key lies in making adjustments.
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
The opening degree of the clear‑liquid valve determines the temperature; therefore, when adjusting it, we must avoid making large, abrupt changes and instead fine‑tune it incrementally, thread by thread.
Holding the valve handle in his hand, he quietly senses the flow rate of the liquid within the pipe against the palm of his hand. Once adjusted to the optimal position, and barring exceptional circumstances such as water, power, or gas outages, or extreme temperature differences, this valve can remain unchanged for an entire day—or even longer. A difference of just a few millimeters can have a profound impact on the entire production process—this is one aspect of Wu Qinghai’s daily work. At the age of 45, he took up a role in flue‑gas desulfurization; over seven or eight years, he transformed himself from a newcomer to a seasoned expert. His secret? Two simple words: “with care.”
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
When I first arrived at this desulfurization station, the sight of pipelines and valves stretching as far as the eye could see left me utterly dizzy. But once I’d committed to the job, I resolved not to give up halfway. From that day on, my approach was twofold: first, I observed and learned from my senior colleagues; second, I set myself the daily goal of memorizing one pipeline—its flow rate, routing, the substances it carries, and the potential hazards involved. Gradually, I found my footing, and the work began to feel much smoother.
Desulfurization is the first critical step in chemical production and the linchpin for ensuring both life safety and operational safety.
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
In the chemical production process, desulfurization is the critical first step; to purify coal gas, sulfur must be removed upfront. Our standard sets a maximum hydrogen sulfide level of 50 mg/m³, which lays a favorable foundation for subsequent LNG production. To further ensure operational reliability, our company has set an even more stringent internal target of below 30 mg/m³, thereby better safeguarding the requirements of downstream processes.
Hydrogen sulfide poses significant hazards to human health and the environment. It is a colorless gas that, in simple terms, has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. When mixed with air, it can form an explosive mixture. Inhalation by humans can damage the central nervous system and respiratory system, irritate mucous membranes, and cause symptoms such as tearing, eye irritation, coughing, chest tightness, and, in severe cases, convulsions and difficulty breathing.
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
If hydrogen sulfide levels exceed 10 to 20 ppm, even a single deep inhalation can cause asphyxiation. Therefore, compliance with regulatory standards is mandatory. To protect the environment and safeguard public health, we must strive to achieve the highest possible performance, pursue continuous improvement, and reduce hydrogen sulfide concentrations to the lowest feasible levels.
Deep in their hearts lies an unwavering commitment to environmental protection, while in their hands resides the honed craftsmanship born of relentless practice. It is precisely these dedicated stewards at every post—meticulous, focused, and innovative—who continually refine their products and perfect their processes, savoring the transformative journey of their creations as they pass through their hands. They strive to elevate quality ever so slightly, to reduce pollution bit by bit; though the gains may seem modest, they yield enduring benefits for generations to come.
Wu Qinghai, Section Chief of the Desulfurization Section at the Chemical Production Workshop of Xinyu Coal and Coking Co., Ltd., Pengfei Group:
We operate in the hazardous chemicals industry, which demands that we approach every task with meticulous care—safeguarding not only our own safety but also that of others—so as to ensure safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient production. This is the standard I set for myself.
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