CHING-TAO CHEMICAL FERTILIZER PLANT CHING-TAO, CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00909A000400010011-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 12, 2008
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: January 1, 1969
• Content Type: REPORT

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Top Secret
DIRECTORATE OF
INTELLIGENCE
Industrial Facilities
(Non-Military)
Basic Imagery Interpretation Report
Ching-tao Chemical Fertilizer Plant
Ching-tao, China
DATE JANUARY 1969
COPY 9 5
PAGES
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Ching-tao C
US Naval Oceanographic Office. USATC 200, Sheet M0381-24HL, 4th edition. Anr 68
Scale 1:200,000 (SECRET
MAP REFERENCE
Not Required
The Ching-tao Chemical Fertilizer Plant was in an early stage of con-
struction in August 1962. By November 1964, all major facilities for soda
ash production were completed, and the plant was at least partially in
operation. A second phase of construction, which included the probable
ammonia production facilities, was started between October and December 1966,
and these facilities were in operation by August 1967. The principal product
of this plant is soda ash, produced by a modified Solvay process. Ammonium
chloride fertilizer could be obtained as a by-product; however, this is
considered uneconomical, and there is photographic evidence that the
ammonium chloride is being treated to recover the ammonia instead. On all
photo coverage since October 1965, the plant appears to be operating at a
high rate of production.
-I-
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The Ching-tao Chemical Fertilizer Plant is located on the Shantung
Peninsula approximately 8 nautical miles (nm) north-northeast of the center
of Ching-tao. This plant is part of a partially walled industrial complex
which also contains two unidentified processing plants, a brick and tile
plant, a transformer substation, and an administration and support area
(Figure 3). In turn, this complex is a small segment of the highly industri-
alized area which lies along the eastern edge of the Chiao-chou Wan (Bay)
and extends northward approximately 6.5 nm from the edge of Ching-tao
(Figure I)..
The only access road into the chemical plant is through the administra-
tion and support area of the complex. Rail service into the plant is
provided by a spur from the main rail line between Ching-tao and Lan-tsun.
-2-
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Physical Features
The plant is a modern, well-designed soda ash plant. It is essentially
rectangular in shape, has maximum dimensions of 3,285 by 880 feet, and
occupies 55 acres. The chemical plant is not "separately secured, and the
complex of which it is a part is only partially secured by walls.
Operational Functions
The primary function of this plant is the production of soda ash by a
modified Solvay process. In practice, the process includes the treatment of
a saturated salt. solution with ammonia gas and then saturating the resultant
solution with carbon dioxide. A suspension of sodium bicarbonate in an
ammonium chloride solution is thus formed. After filtering, the sodium
bicarbonate is dried and calcined to form soda ash. The ammonia can then be
recovered by treating the filtrate with lime and steam which liberates the
ammonia in the gaseous form and produces a waste solution of calcium chloride.
It has been reported that ammonium chloride for use as a fertilizer is
produced as a by-product of soda ash production at this plant. However, the
soda ash process involved is generally considered to be uneconomical unless
the ammonia is recovered. Prior to August 1967, the ammonia used in the
process was shipped into the plant by railcar which would probably prohibit
fertilizer production. After August 1967, the probable ammonia production
facilities appeared to be in operation which would enhance the possibility
of ammonium chloride fertilizer production because of the more economical
supply of ammonia. However, it should be noted that the continual discharge
of calcium chloride waste, which is very distinctive on photography,
indicates that the ammonia is probably still being reclaimed for the soda
ash process even after the probable ammonia production facilities went into
operation.
The raw materials used at this plant are coal, limestone, salt, and
probably natural gas for ammonia production.
Chronology
August 1962 to October 1965 1/ - The plant appeared to be in the early
stages of construction when first studied on photography of August
1962. Photography of November 1964 showed the soda ash plant to
be at least partially in production with all major facilities
completed. Some rail traffic, stockpiles of raw materials, and
minor amounts of waste material at the disposal area were evident.
The plant appeared to be in full operation by October 1965.
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December 1966 - The only significant construction activity in the plant
was at the probable ammonia production facilities where., the
compressor building and the probable reform unit were in the very
early stages of construction. There was no indication of construction
in this area on photo coverage of October 1966. In the soda ash
production area, a protective covering/building. was constructed in
the salt storage area, and a shed roof that extends over the rail
tracks was attached to the packing and shipping building.
August 1967 - The facilities in the probable ammonia production area and
the pipelines that join it with the soda ash facilities were completed.
Atmospheric emissions and the filled gasholder indicated that the
probable ammonia production area was in operation. Lack of raw
material stockpiles would indicate that if ammonia is being made, the
necessary hydrogen is being obtained by the reforming of natural gas.
December 1967 - The only changes noted were the addition of one brine
preparation tank and the beginning of construction on an addition to
the packing and shipping building.
June 1968 - The addition to the packing and shipping building was
completed. No other significant changes in facilities were noted.
Operational Status
On all photo coverage from October 1965 through June 1968 the soda ash
production area appeared to be operating at a high level. This was indicated
by stockpiles of raw materials, by atmospheric emissions, by railcar and
vehicular traffic, and by the discharge of waste materials into the nearby
bay.
The probable ammonia production facilities appeared to be in operation
on all missions from August 1967 through June 1968. This was shown by
atmospheric emissions and by the filled position of the gasholder. No tank
cars have been observed at the liquid ammonia unloading, handling, and
storage facilities since this area went into operation. This would tend to
confirm that this area is for ammonia production.
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Maps
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US Naval Oceanographic Office. U.S. Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M - L,
4th edition, Apr 68, Scale 1:200,000 (SECRET 25X1
I. CIA/IAD. PIR 75051/66, Soda Ash Plant, Tsing-tao, China, Oct 66,
(TOP SECRET RUFF)
Requirement
EXSUBCOM - BR-N/002-69
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