VRMP Main part reached to HPCL-VR

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited is undertaking the Visakh Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP) at Visakh Refinery at a cost of approximately Rs.21,000 crore. The Engineers India Limited is the project management consultant for the VRMP.

The Crude and Vacuum columns are the main equipment in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) being set up under this project. The Crude Column was received in HPCL Visakh Refinery on February, 17. The Vacuum Column which is transported today is approximately 63 meters in length, 12 meters at its maximum diameter and 920 MT in weight. The Vacuum Column is the largest equipment in single piece received in HPCL-Visakh Refinery.

The columns were manufactured by Larsen and Toubro Limited, at their Hazira works, in 18 months, at an approximate cost of Rs.53 crore. For ensuring better quality as well as to expedite the project, these Columns have been procured in a single piece construction. Considering their length, girth and weight, these columns were transported around the coastline of the Indian sub-continent and around Sri Lanka, using a 280 class, 7,000 MT capacity barge, with a 2,000 HP tug from Surat to Visakhapatnam, with a total voyage time of 30-days. From the jetty, these Columns have been transported by road to HPCL Visakh Refinery, using 32 x 32 sets of hydraulic axles comprising 512 wheels and propelled by 800 HP power pack.

HPCL acknowledges and conveyed its thanks for the support extended by the Andhra Pradesh State Government, GVMC, Andhra Pradesh Police, Traffic authorities, AP Transco, APEPDCL, Visakhapatnam Port Trust and Hindustan Shipyard Limited.