Technological breakthroughs

Awarded the Creative Labour Certificate by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour in 2025, Mrs. Vũ Thị Thu Hà, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry and Director of the Key Laboratory for Petrochemical Technology, has been recognised for the ECOAL additive invention—a technological solution already applied in industrial production, helping reduce fuel costs, improve energy efficiency, and deliver estimated savings of VND 110 billion for enterprises.

Mastering Solid Fuel Combustion Additive Technology

In the context of many industries still being heavily dependent on coal, improving combustion efficiency, saving energy, and reducing emissions are pressing requirements. In response, Mrs. Vũ Thị Thu Hà and her research team developed the invention “Additive for solid fuel combustion and its production process”, providing the basis for the application of the ECOAL product in industrial production.

The invention aims to enhance the efficiency of solid fuel use by adding an additive tailored to the specific characteristics of the fuel and the operational conditions of each production line. ECOAL directly influences the combustion process of coal and other solid fuels, helping increase burnout, improve thermal efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption per unit of product.

To perfect the solution, the research team focused on optimising ECOAL additive production parameters and determining the appropriate mixing ratios and conditions to enhance combustion and heat generation. Notably, the additive can be added directly to fuel at the point of use, requiring no technological upgrades, new equipment investment, or changes to existing operating procedures. This advantage facilitates enterprise adoption and limits additional investment costs.

The solution can be applied to various solid fuels such as anthracite, bituminous coal, mixed coal, alternative biomass-origin fuels, and fuel blends in cement, thermal power, and energy industries. In addition to fuel savings, ECOAL also helps reduce dust, CO₂, and other pollutants generated during combustion; minimise fouling in kilns; reduce maintenance costs; and improve operational stability.

The value of the invention has been affirmed through practical application. Since 2021, ECOAL has been used at Tan Thang Cement Plant during clinker and cement production. Its introduction into industrial production demonstrates the ability to transform scientific research into valuable products, meeting the needs for energy saving and increased production efficiency in enterprises.

The invention has been granted Patent No. 48673 in Vietnam and US Patent No. US 12,258,529 B2 in 2025. Intellectual property protection in both countries is a key factor confirming the novelty of the solution within its protection scope and facilitates commercialisation and market expansion.

Clear Economic Benefits, Spreading the Value of Creative Labour

The outstanding effectiveness of the ECOAL invention is evidenced by production results at Tan Thang Cement Plant. During 2021–2024, as coal prices soared, using the additive helped reduce coal consumption, with average net production cost savings of around VND 100,000 per tonne of clinker, after deducting all additive costs.

With total clinker output using ECOAL reaching about 1.1 million tonnes in this period, the estimated saving for the enterprise is around VND 110 billion. This result is significant given the high proportion of fuel costs in cement production, helping reduce input costs, improve production efficiency, and enhance competitiveness.

Calculations suggest that, in more stable coal price conditions, production cost savings could reach around VND 80,000 per tonne of clinker. With a design capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of clinker per year, the potential benefit could reach up to VND 120 billion annually for a single plant. This demonstrates the application potential of ECOAL at facilities using solid fuel with appropriate technology.

Beyond direct economic benefits, the invention also promotes more efficient fuel use, reduces emissions, and limits environmental impacts during production. The solution aligns with the need for technological renewal, resource saving, and green, sustainable industrial development.

With these results, the ECOAL invention is testament to the effectiveness of scientific research aligned with practical production needs. Its value lies not only in technological novelty but also in its applicability, economic efficiency, and tangible contributions to enterprise operations. This achievement also highlights the role of scientists at the Vietnam Institute of Industrial Chemistry in developing and mastering technological solutions for industry.

The Creative Labour Certificate 2025 awarded by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour is recognition of Mrs. Vũ Thị Thu Hà’s efforts and contributions in research, invention development, and translating scientific results into practice. This accomplishment helps spread the spirit of creative labour, encouraging staff and workers throughout the Vietnam National Chemical Group to innovate, improve techniques, master technology, enhance production efficiency, and contribute to the Group’s sustainable development.