The momentum of technological advancement in the science and innovation sector continues to surge forward, with a steady stream of breakthroughs being realised on the ground. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is at the forefront of this drive, recently unveiling a collection of pioneering achievements that are filling critical gaps and setting new industry benchmarks. These high-impact results span from standard-setting international protocols to intelligent field operations, showcasing the company's deep commitment to independent innovation.
In a landmark move for the domestic plastics industry, the CNPC Petrochemical Research Institute led the drafting of ISO 24994:2026, marking China's first-ever ISO-developed method standard in the plastic piping sector. Officially released in August 2026, this international standard outlines a procedure for determining the migration of metals and metalloids in plastic pipes, fittings, and joints. Capable of detecting these substances at concentrations below one part per billion, the method effectively addresses a previously existing detection void. This provides a robust technical benchmark for quality assessment and regulatory compliance worldwide, significantly bolstering quality upgrades, standardised development, and cross-border trade recognition for the global plastic pipe industry.
On the operational front, CNPC has successfully completed a full-chain upgrade and demonstration of its first intelligent fracturing system. Developed through a collaborative effort led by Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company, alongside partners such as CNPC Baoji Oilfield Machinery and PetroChina Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company, the "Qineng iFrac" system has undergone field trials at multiple well sites up to August 31st. The results have been striking, with comprehensive fracturing efficiency improved by an impressive 35 percent. This advanced technology concurrently delivers enhanced safety through intelligent construction management, reduced carbon emissions, and lower overall development costs, fundamentally addressing industry pain points such as inconsistent fracturing quality and limited production gains.
Further addressing domestic gaps, a self-developed platform by Changqing Oilfield has been successfully applied in the 300-million-tonne CCUS demonstration zone in the Ningxia oil region. This platform is capable of concurrently evaluating over 200 projects in real-time, boasting a comprehensive processing capacity that is more than four times greater than comparable domestic systems. It effectively fills a theoretical void in China for full life-cycle, integrated benefit evaluation within the CCUS sector, marking a significant stride in large-scale carbon management technology.
Adding to the list of firsts, China's inaugural 5-meter-class near-shore intelligent unmanned survey vessel has been successfully launched. This vessel, named "Cheng'an-1," was jointly developed by Dagang Oilfield in partnership with CNPC Engineering Technology R&D Company and Hohai University. It integrates autonomous navigation, remote measurement and control, multi-source geophysical exploration, underwater operations, and safety assurance into a single platform. Designed primarily for applications such as seabed pipeline and cable inspection, the vessel's successful deployment signifies a notable advancement in China's near-shore unmanned intelligent equipment for oil and gas facility patrols and seabed infrastructure surveying.
Each of these milestones represents countless hours of dedicated effort and relentless problem-solving. Every technological upgrade reflects a firm commitment to self-reliance and strength in innovation. We extend our gratitude to every petroleum scientist and engineer whose deep focus and perseverance are turning these ambitious goals into tangible realities.