In a recent announcement by the Qingdao Federation of Trade Unions regarding the 2026 "Qingdao Craftsman" centralized cultivation results and the "Zhen Chao Cup" employee innovation competition, the Qingdao Water Group Seawater Desalination Co., Ltd. achieved a double success. Their mechanical manager, Zhang Lei, was honored as a "Qingdao Craftsman," and the Deng Dinghua Grand Craftsman Innovation Studio was recognized as a Qingdao Model Worker and Craftsman Talent Innovation Studio.
Refining Craftsmanship Skills: Frontline Talent Breaks Through Core Technologies
As a mechanical manager rooted in equipment maintenance and operations for eight years, Zhang Lei has consistently adhered to the work philosophy of "independent thinking, scientific reasoning, bold questioning, and careful verification." He integrates the spirit of meticulous craftsmanship into his daily practice, continuously tackling common industry challenges. Addressing the "bottleneck" issue of relying on original manufacturers for the maintenance of imported equipment, which is costly and restrictive, he independently conducted mapping, design, and repeated experimental verification. He pioneered a non-destructive repair process for high-pressure stainless steel pipelines, enabling in-situ repair of corroded pipes without halting production. He also led the localization of key imported components, developing wear-resistant parts such as self-cleaning filter brush nozzles and intake pump shaft sleeves, effectively breaking the cycle of technical dependence on foreign suppliers.
In the field of membrane element operation and maintenance, Zhang Lei optimized the full lifecycle management system, enhancing chemical dosing efficiency and extending the service life of membrane elements. He also participated in the design of an air-energy heating system, leveraging peak and off-peak electricity pricing to optimize the energy supply structure, supporting a green and low-carbon transition. Since entering the profession, Zhang Lei has applied for 10 patents, and his various innovations have saved the company over 22 million yuan in production and operational costs. These efforts have reduced the chemical cost per ton of water to an industry-leading 0.15 yuan and kept the electricity consumption per ton of water at an internationally advanced level of 2.8 kW·h/m³. He has received honors such as the Third Prize of Qingdao Employee Innovation Achievement and the title of Advanced Individual in the Water Industry of Qingdao West Coast New Area, exemplifying the craftsman spirit of modern industrial workers through his dedication and innovation at the frontline.
Strengthening Innovation Platforms: Team-Based Studios Release Cluster Synergy
Since its establishment in 2022, the Deng Dinghua Grand Craftsman Innovation Studio has been positioned as a "big classroom" for employee growth, an "incubator" for technological innovation, and a "task force" for on-site problem-solving. It brings together 17 core members across three major directions: technological innovation, project tackling, and women's contribution, building a five-in-one functional system for "learning, exchange, research, mentoring, and demonstration." The studio focuses deeply on seawater desalination technology research and talent development.
In terms of talent pipeline construction, the studio has created a tiered development path from "skilled worker" to "engineer" to "leading talent." Through mentoring and an industry-university-research collaboration model, it has established a joint internship and training base with Ocean University of China and co-trained two postdoctoral researchers. It has cultivated one senior technician, seven technicians, and 28 senior-level workers, with emerging talents like the Qingdao Grand Craftsman and the Shandong Provincial Water, Forestry, and Meteorology Systems Craftsman Figure, continuously supplying high-quality technical talent to the seawater desalination industry chain.
On the technological innovation front, the studio aligns with the national marine power strategy and the "dual carbon" goals, persistently tackling industry pain points. It has accumulated 13 invention patents, 21 utility model patents, and 12 software copyrights. The studio has deeply participated in the development of three national standards and five local and industry standards, forming a comprehensive technical achievement matrix covering process innovation, equipment optimization, digital empowerment, and standard setting. Over the past three years, through core achievements like smart applications in membrane systems, energy-saving research in membrane-based seawater desalination, and high-pressure feed pump modifications, the studio has saved over 12 million yuan in costs. It has improved the operating efficiency of high-pressure feed pumps from 50% to 80%, reduced intake pump energy consumption by 30%, and increased daily production during peak water supply periods by 5,000 cubic meters. These technical solutions have been widely promoted within the industry, helping the company gain recognition as a Shandong Province Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base and a Qingdao "Specialized and New" enterprise, establishing it as a model innovation hub in the marine economy.
In recent years, Qingdao Water Group Seawater Desalination Co., Ltd. has prioritized the reform of the industrial workforce, building a three-tier cultivation system of "innovation studios + craftsman talents + innovation teams." It has extensively carried out employee skill competitions and "five small" innovation achievement evaluations, fostering a strong atmosphere that values skills, encourages innovation, and promotes the pursuit of craftsmanship. Looking ahead, the company will continue to deepen its craftsman talent development system, fully leverage the exemplary role of model workers and craftsmen, and the collective problem-solving power of innovation studios. It aims to mobilize employees to engage in technological innovation and excel in their roles, continuously overcoming key technical challenges in seawater desalination. This will drive more innovative achievements into practical productivity, contributing to Qingdao's goal of building a modern marine city and nurturing new quality productive forces.
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