LAN-CHOU CHEMICAL FERTILIZER PLANT LAN-CHOU, CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00909A000400010033-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 12, 2008
• Sequence Number: 33
• Publication Date: November 1, 1971
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2008/06/12 : CIA-RDP79T00909A000400010033-6
Top Secret
Industrial Facilities
(Non-Military)
DIRECTORATE OF
INTELLIGENCE
Basic Imagery Interpretation Report
Lan-chou Chemical Fertilizer Plant
Lan-chou, China
Top Secret
25X1
DATE NOVEMBER 1971
25X1
13/0010/72
COPY 9 A
PAGES
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Directorate of Intelligence
Imagery Analysis Service
UTM COORDINATES GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES
48SUQ742988 36-07-19N 103-36-06E
MAP REFERENCE
ACIC. USATC, Series 200, Sheet M0383-22HL, 3rd ed, Dec 68 Scale 1:200,000
(SECRET
The .primary function of the Lan-chou Chemical Fertilizer Plant is the
production of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Secondary products include nitric
acid, ammonia, and concentrated nitric acid.
In September 1959, when the plant was first seen on overhead photography,
it was complete and operating in all production areas. By March 1963, the
air separation building had been expanded and a cooling tower and numerous
support and storage buildings had been added. Between March 1963 and October
1964, another cooling tower was constructed and the compressor building and
the nitric acid facility were expanded. From October 1964 through July 1971
only minor construction was observed.
Since September 1959, the plant has been seen operating on 20 coverages
including the latest photography in July 1971. During this period activity
could not be determined on three coverages and the plant was not operating
on five coverages.
This report includes a photograph, a process flow chart, a line drawing
of the plant, and a chronological summary of construction and operational
status.
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The thermal power plant supplies electric power and steam to
Lan-chou Chemical Fertilizer Plant is located 11.6 nautical miles west-
northwest of the center of Lan-chou, Kansu Province (see Figure 1). It is
situated - industrial area, which also include-, Ian-chrm etroleum
Refinery Lan-chou Petrochemical Plant , Lan-chou
the entire industrial complex.
Physical Features
The plant occupies about 380 acres in an area measuring approximately
5,155 by 3,480 feet (see Figures 2 and 3). It is partially secured by a wall
on the east and south sides. The plant is served by a rail spur from the
Lan-chou to Ho-kou rail line.
Operational Functions
The primary function of this plant is the production of ammonium nitrate
fertilizer. Secondary products include nitric acid, ammonia, and concentrated
nitric acid. Hydrogen from producer gas and nitrogen from air separation are
utilized as feed material for the synthesis of ammonia. Hydrogen may also
be obtained from the gas fractionation unit and the probable catalytic reformer
located in the Lan-chou Petroleum Refinery. Sulfuric acid, which is used as
a dehydrating agent in the concentration of nitric acid, is probably shipped
in. The sulfuric acid may be recovered and used again. The process flow
for the plant is shown in Figure 4.
Reports from various sources have indicated that methanol and dry ice
are produced at this plant. 1,2/ The specific facilities for these products
have not been identified from photography, but the materials necessary for
their production are available as a result of other production processes
within the plant.
Construction Chronology
In September 1959, when the plant was first seen on overhead photography,
it was complete and operating in all production areas. By March 1963, the
air separation building had been expanded and a cooling tower and numerous support
and storage buildings had been added. Between March 1963 and October 1964, another
cooling tower was constructed and the compressor building and the nitric acid
facility were expanded. From October 1964 through July 1971 only support buildings
were added.
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Operational Status
The plant was in operation in September 1959. Of 28 coverages since that
time, the plant was in operation on.20 coverages including the latest photo-
graphy in July 1971. This was indicated by vapors from the prilling towers,
retorts, and nitric acid unit and by fluctuations in the number of rail cars
observed in the shipping area. On three coverages activity could not be
determined. On five coverages the plant was not in operation, possibly due
to seasonal variations in the production of fertilizer.
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Map
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet M0383-22HL, 3rd edition,
1. State. Hong Kong, Desp 249, Communist China: Chemical Fertilizer Industry
(1955-1959), 12 November 1959 (UNCLASSIFIED)
2. Peking, NCNA, English, July 16, 1960 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Requirement
COMIREX N07
Support Number 422973
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