HPCL AP unit commissions mounded bullet storage facility

Visakhapatnam, Sep 14: The Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) here commissioned a 'mounded bullet storage' facility for LPC propxylene here at a cost of Rs 125 crore.

HPCL Visakha Refinery Executive Director A S Rao told newsmen here last night the underground storage facility will have a capacity of 7,500 tonne and was 'one among several steps taken to improve the safety standards in the refinery.' The unit had made substantial improvement to safety measures after the 1997 incident where a blast in the refinery resulted in 12 deaths.

The entire refinery was now a 'complete safety zone' with blast-proof control room, gas, smoke and heat detectors and other new facilities Mr Rao said the bullet storage facility would offer intrinsically passive and safe environment.

The refinery accorded highest priority to safety management with upgraded technolgy.It had recorded 3.47 millon man hours and 1080 fire free days as of date.

On expansion plans, he said the refinery capacity would be expanded to 15 million tonne at an investment of Rs 9,000 crore. He said the single point mooring facility with crude oil terminal was being put up at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore and discussions were on with the Visakhapatnam Port Trust for acquisition of additional land required for exansion activities.

UNI