BASIC IMAGERY INTERPRETATION REPORT CHU-CHOU CHEMICAL PLANT CHU-CHOU, CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00909A001000010007-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 29, 2008
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: May 1, 1970
• Content Type: REPORT

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Top Secret
Industrial Facilities
(Non-Military)
DIRECTORATE OF
INTELLIGENCE
Basic Imagery Interpretation Report
Chu-chou Chemical Plant
Chu- thou, China
Top Secret
RCS I z lnnc t /-,
25X1
DATL MAY 1970
COPY 117
PAGES 8
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UTM COORDINATES
49RGA047853
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Directorate of Intelligence
Imagery Analysis Service
GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES
27-52-38N I13-04-50E
MAP REFERENCE
ACIC. USATC, Series 200, Sheet M0498-0IAL, 2nd ed, Sep 60, Scale 1:200,000
(SECRE
Analysis of the Chu-chou Chemical Plant in China on high-resolution photo-
graphy shows that the primary products of the plant are sulfuric acid, super-
phosphate fertilizer, caustic soda, bleaching powder and chlorine.
This study covers the period from March 1962 to October 1969. The major
facilities in the chlorine, caustic soda, and bleaching powder production areas
were complete and operational when observed in March 1962. Between March 1962
and June 1963 the sulfuric acid production facilities were constructed, and by
October 1966 superphosphate production facilities had been added. Unidentified
new construction in the northwestern section of the plant was observed in August
1967, but it has shown little progress through October 1969. From March 1962
through March 1965, the plant was probably in partial operation. Since that
time, it has been in full operation on all photographic coverage.
This report includes a photograph, a process flow chart, a detailed line
drawing of the plant and a chronological summary of construction and operational
status.
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The Chu-chou Chemical Plant is located 3.5 nautical miles northwest of the
center of Chu-chou, Hunan Province (see Figure 1). It is collocated with Chu-
chou Nonferrous Metals Plant 601 and utilizes the sulfur dioxide25X1
waste gas from the copper and zinc production facilities in the formation of
sulfuric acid. Steam is supplied to the chemical plant by the steam plant located
within the nearby Chu-chou Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant Electric 25X1
power is provided by the Chu-chou Thermal Power Plant
Physical Features
The plant occupies an area approximately 7,600 by 5,000 feet which con-
tains about 875 acres (see Figures 2 and 3). It is served by rail spurs from
the Chu-chou to I-chia-wan rail line. Two roads enter the plant through
controlled-access entrances, one on the northwestern side and the other at the
northern corner.
Operational Functions
The primary function of the plant is the production of superphosphate
fertilizer, sulfuric acid, chlorine, caustic soda and bleaching powder (calcium
hypochlorite or sodium chlorite). The process flow for the products of the plant
which have been identified is shown in Figure 4. The processes utilized in
Areas A and C cannot be determined from photography.
Construction Chronology
In March 1962, when the plant was first covered on overhead photography,
the major facilities in the chlorine and caustic soda area, the bleaching powder
area, and in the unidentified production area (Area C) were complete and appear-
ed to be operational. Between March 1962 and June 1963 the sulfuric acid pro-
duction facilities were added. In March 1965 the superphosphate production
facilities were in the midstage of construction and by October 1966 they were
complete and operational.
Between March 1965 and August 1966, a flue was constructed to bring sulfur
dioxide waste gas from the stack of the copper and zinc production facilities
at Chu-chou Nonferrous Metals Plant 601 to the converter in the sulfuric acid
production area of the chemical plant. During this time period, three water
treatment basins were constructed adjacent to the plant.
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In August 1967 new unidentified construction was seen in the
northwest section of the plant (Area A) and by October 1969 it had
progressed only slightly.
In April 1968 an earth-mounded bunker of undetermined function
had been completed in the northwest corner of the plant (Area, B).
The chronology of construction is shown graphically in Figure 3.
Operational Status
The chlorine and caustic soda production area was probably operating
in March 1962 as indicated by sodium chloride in open storage and
several rail cars nearby. The bleaching powder production area was
probably operating in March 1965 when residue from the production process
was observed. The sulfuric acid production area was operating in
October 1966 as, indicated by smoke and vapors emanating from the
sulfuric acid roasting uh.~t and by tank cars observed in the area.
Since October 1966, the plant has been operating on all photographic
coverage. There has been ground phosphate ore in the superphosphate
fertilizer production area, residue in the bleaching powder production
area, and unidentified powdered materials in the unidentified production
area (Area G).
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PYRITE
ROASTER
CRUSHING
BUILDING
S03
ACID
EGENERATING
FACILITY
SPEN
ACI D
BRINE
PREPARATION
MIXING
BUILDING
ELECTROLYSIS
BUILDING
DRYING
TOWER
C12
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a.SUPERPHOSPHATE
CHLORINE
-BLEACHING POWER
'0- CAUSTIC SODA
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Map
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ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet M0498-IAL 2nd edition Se 60,
Scale 1:200,000 (SECRET 25X1
CIA. PIR 75071, Chu-chou Chemical Fertilizer Plant, Chu-chou, China,
January 1967,1 I (TOP SECRET RUFF)
Requirement
COMIREX N02
Support Number 420506
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