On July 2, 2024, the China Association for Science and Technology announced technologies selected for the 2023 "Sci-Tech Innovation China" series. The leading technology list features 150 cutting-edge technologies that boast significant leadership in their respective industries and extensive market potential. Hilong's "Development and Application of High-Grade Sulfur-Resistant Drill Pipe for High-Sulfur, Ultra-Deep, Complex Wells" project was selected for the list.

The Association for Science and Technology of Baoshan District, Shanghai, and the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology to the China Association for Science and Technology recommended Hilong’s project, which was jointly developed by Shanghai Hilong Drill Pipe Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Hilong Tubular Goods Research Institute under Hilong Group. The project addresses issues such as insufficient load capacity and low drilling efficiency of conventional sulfur-resistant drill pipes in high-sulfur, ultra-deep, complex wells located at sites in China and other countries or regions. Several critical technologies were developed as a result of the project, including the special material design for high-grade sulfur-resistant drill pipes, the design and manufacturing of HLUDS/HLIST ultra-high torque special threaded joints, and a low-hardness, corrosion-resistant heat treatment method for weld zones. Consequently, it has led to the development of the next generation HL120S/HL125S high-grade sulfur-resistant drill pipes, featuring high strength, high torque, and high sulfur resistance.

Hilong Group disclosed that the next generation HL120S/HL125S high-grade sulfur-resistant drill pipes have already been widely applied in high-sulfur, ultra-long horizontal well projects in the Middle East. These products also have prospects for broad application in areas such as Sichuan, Xinjiang, the South China Sea, as well as North America and the Middle East. They are expected to significantly contribute to the efficient and safe exploration and development of high-sulfur, ultra-deep oil and gas resources.

Hilong Group emphasized its commitment to technological innovation as a core development strategy in addition to continuous innovation in the niche field of oil and gas energy exploration. Looking ahead, Hilong will continue to concentrate on marine deepwater, land deep strata, and unconventional oil and gas resource exploration and development. The Group will integrate informatization and intelligent technology with their technological advantages to drive innovation in order to establish a high-end oil and gas drilling and production equipment manufacturing chain. This effort is intended to assist China in pioneering ultra-deep oil and gas resource exploration globally.

In 2020, the China Association for Science and Technology launched the "Sci-Tech Innovation China" initiative to drive the deep integration of science and technology with the economy, establish a benchmark for the comprehensive integration of industry, academia, and research, and focus on bridging the crucial steps from technological strength to industrial and economic strength. The lists from the 2023 "Sci-Tech Innovation China" series focus on the entire innovation ecosystem, including technological breakthroughs, achievement transformation, organizational empowerment, and talent support to identify cutting-edge technological achievements, potential sci-tech innovation enterprises, collaborative innovation organizations of industry, academia, and research, and talent in technology transfer and transformation. Seven technologies from the petroleum industry were selected for the 2023 "Sci-Tech Innovation China" Leading Technology List, including five from Sinopec, one from CNPC, and one from Hilong Group.