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News: The Prime Minister lauded the commissioning of HPCL’s Residue Upgradation Facility at Visakh Refinery as a significant step for energy security.
About Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) and Hydrocracking Technology
- The Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) is a hydrogen-based residue hydrocracking unit that converts low-value residual oils into high-value petroleum products.
- Commissioned by: The facility has been commissioned by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
- Location: The facility is located at the Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh.
- Capacity: The RUF has a capacity of 3.55 million metric tonnes per annum.
- Efficiency: The facility converts nearly 93 % of bottom oils into high-value petroleum products, making it highly efficient.
- Key features
- Technology: The facility uses advanced LC-Max based residue hydrocracking technology for deep-conversion refining.
- Complexity: It houses three LC-Max reactors weighing about 2,200 metric tonnes each, which are among the heaviest in the world and are indigenously manufactured.
- Digital integration: HPCL has deployed the RUF (LC-Max) Digital Suite, which is an industry-first in Indian refineries and enables real-time monitoring, predictive analytics using proprietary thermodynamic models, and AI-driven optimization to ensure stable and efficient operations.
About Hydrocracking Technology
- Hydrocracking technology is a hydrogen-based process used for upgrading heavy residual oils into lighter and more valuable petroleum product.
- It enhances refinery complexity and improves gross refining margins by producing a superior product slate and improving overall operational efficiency.
