Overview
- The unit uses LC-Max-based residue hydrocracking to convert about 93% of bottom-of-the-barrel oils into higher-value products.
- HPCL projects up to a 10% increase in distillate yield and stronger gross refining margins by enabling processing of heavier and opportunity crudes.
- Commissioning lifts the Visakh refinery’s Nelson Complexity Index to 11.6 as part of the wider modernisation program.
- The facility houses three LC-Max reactors of roughly 2,200 tonnes each, with key equipment fabricated in India under the Aatmanirbhar initiative.
- Engineers India served as project management consultant and Larsen & Toubro was the EPC contractor, and HPCL has deployed a digital optimisation suite with real-time monitoring and AI-driven control.