MRPL Secured ‘Best Innovation in Refinery’ Award For 2022-23

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has once again clinched the prestigious ‘Best Innovation in Refinery‘ award for the year 2022-23, bestowed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the 26th Energy Technology Meet 2023. This significant achievement comes after a stiff competition with prominent players in the industry, including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, marking the second consecutive year that MRPL has received this accolade.

A Milestone in Energy Technology

The basis for MRPL R&D’s well-deserved recognition and award was a groundbreaking patent. This patent revolved around an energy-efficient hydrocarbon distillation process, a true milestone in energy technology. The innovative process included several key components:

1. Energy-Efficient Hydrocarbon Gas Composition

One of the pivotal aspects of the patent was the development of a hydrocarbon gas composition that could effectively replace energy-intensive stripping steam in the distillation process. This breakthrough not only reduced energy consumption but also contributed to environmental sustainability by minimizing resource usage.

2. Raising the Overhead Vapor’s Dew Point

Another critical element of the patent was a method to raise the dew point of the overhead vapor while employing gas stripping. This ingenious technique enhanced the efficiency of the distillation process, ultimately leading to substantial energy savings.

3. Manipulating Refinery Gas Streams

The MRPL R&D team also introduced a technique to achieve the required stripping gas composition by manipulating refinery gas streams. This approach offered more flexibility and control over the distillation process, further improving its energy efficiency.

Thorough Evaluation Process Led by Eminent Scientists and Institutions

The proposal for this innovation underwent rigorous scrutiny, with the Centre for Higher Technology playing a pivotal role in the initial evaluation. Subsequently, the final evaluation was conducted by the distinguished Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC boasts prominent scientists, including Anil Kakodkar, and other representatives from esteemed institutions such as CSIR labs and IITs.

Recognition by the Union Ministry

The ‘Best Innovation in Refinery’ award was presented to a team led by MRPL’s Managing Director, Sanjay Varma. This recognition ceremony took place at the Energy Technology Meet 2023, a prestigious event held in New Delhi. The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, had the honor of presenting the award to MRPL’s accomplished team.

Implications for the Industry

MRPL’s award-winning innovation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the petroleum and petrochemical industry. The energy-efficient hydrocarbon distillation process not only promises to enhance the efficiency of refinery operations but also contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. It aligns with the broader global goal of reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner energy practices.