Work on the modernisation project of the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) at its Visakh refinery has resumed with the arrival of two pipe rack modules, each weighing 600 tonnes, from Chennai.
The project is aimed at augmenting its existing capacity of 8.3mmtpa (million metric tons per annum) to 15 mmtpa. The Vizakh refinery is located near Yarada hills in Malkapuram limits of the GVMC. The two modules arrived at the jetty of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) at Lova Gardens from the L&T Fabrication Works, Kattupalli, near Chennai.
These modules were fabricated and transported in a single piece through a barge. These will be installed in the residue up-gradation (RUF) unit being constructed under the HPCL’s Visakh refinery modernisation project at an estimated cost of Rs 26,264 crore.
The approximate dimensions of the modules are 14 metre in height, 12 metre width and 24 -30 metre in length.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the HPCL Visakh Refinery general manager (HR) Nagesh said, “We are planning to move these modules to our unit at night on October 31 after taking clearance from the police. The modernization project is now in the full swing.”
The HPCL Mumbai Refinery modernization project costs Rs 5,060 crore whereas the Vizag’s cost is almost five times higher than the Mumbai’s.
The modernization project comprises the setting up of a new crude unit, RUF facilities, revamp of motor spirit (MS) and diesel hydro-treating (DHT) block to produce BS-VI grade MS and HSD, augmentation of utility systems, integrated effluent treatment system, offsite facilities and a captive power plant along with grid connectivity and associated facilities.
The Mumbai refinery expansion project consists of capacity expansion from design 7.5mmtpa to 9.5mmtpa, revamp of MS block and DHT units to produce fuel products that are compliant to BS-VI and tankage facilities. New hydrogen unit would meet enhanced hydrogen requirements, up-gradation of utilities and facilities like steam, air, freshwater, saltwater for cooling purposes and construction of a new tank farm for various products.
At A Glance
– Originally commissioned in 1956 with a capacity of 0.675mtpa
– HPCL owned it in 1978
– The existing capacity of 8.3mtpa was augmented in 2010
– The 15mtpa was proposed subsequently as part of the expansion.
– Rs 26,264 is the estimated cost for modernization of Visakh refinery
Source : Deccan Chronicle
