Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) is planning to replace an old crude processing unit at Mumbai refinery by May 2015.
BPCL officials told Press Trust of India (PTI) that the company is planning to invest Rs 1,419 crore ($236m) to install a new crude and vacuum distillation unit of 6t per annum capacity to replace old crude and vacuum units.
"The new unit would enhance safety and environment with improved mechanical integrity as existing old units have a number of critical equipment and civil structures having lower residual life with a potential safety and environment hazard," the official added.
Meanwhile, BPCL is also considering installing a new crude distillation unit (CDU) of 10.5t, at its Kochi refinery, to replace the existing 4.5mt CDU-1.
The new CDU would increase the capacity of Kochi refinery from current 9.5mt to 15.5mt while the project’s mechanical completion is scheduled by March 2016 and commissioning by May 2016.
Separately, BPCL has plans to invest about Rs13,500 crore to enhance the combined capacity of Numaligarh refinery in Assam and Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh.
The capacity of Numaligarh refinery is being planned to be raised from 3t to 9t while Bina capacity would increase from 6t to 8t.
"The Numaligarh refinery expansion is on drawing-board stage and its viability hinges on tax concessions and other benefits from the state and central government," the official said.