Ongc To Install Safety Systems For Hpcls Vizag Refinery

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is to independently conduct corrosion tests, install safety systems, and train officers at the Vizag refinery of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).

The 4.5 million tonne per annum (tpa) refinery of HPCL was partially destroyed by a fire last September. Since then, the corporation has been busy installing the necessary equipment and facilities to recommission the refinery.

Though Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltdhas been conducting pre-commissioning runs for the past one month, it is yet to receive a formal nod from the ministry. Sources claim that the refinery may get the signal only after ONGC hooks up the safety systems and trains its personnel at the refinery.

When contacted, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd officials said the corporation was in advanced stages of negotiation with Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to place the order.

HPCL is talking to two institutes belonging to ONGC - Institute of Engineering and Ocean technology, Panvel, to perform corrosion analysis of the plant, and Institute of Petroleum Safety and Environment Management, Goa, for conducting safety tests at the refinery site. These two institutes will also suggest installation of safety equipment at the refinery.

Once the safety systems are in place, HPCL has decided to commission the refinery in two phases. In phase I, crude distillation unit 2 and fluid catalytic cracker unit 2 will be commissioned. During phase II, the refinery will be fully operational to process crude.

The fire had partially destroyed the refinery as well as the adjoining marketing facilities including LPG spheres and the administrative building of the corporation.