Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a moment of pride and reflection, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) Mumbai Refinery celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Aromatics Recovery Unit (ARU)—a pivotal installation commissioned in 1985 that significantly transformed India’s refining capabilities.
Pioneering Pollution Control Through Innovation
The ARU has played a foundational role in BPCL’s operations, extracting key aromatic compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene during crude oil refining. By recovering these high-value chemicals, the unit not only contributed to downstream production but also curbed their release into the atmosphere, reinforcing BPCL’s environmental stewardship.
Upgrades That Ushered Petrochemical Growth
Marking its journey through continuous innovation, the ARU was later upgraded with advanced features such as a top divided wall column. This technological enhancement enabled the unit to produce high-purity, pharma-grade hexane—positioning BPCL for a smooth foray into India’s burgeoning petrochemicals sector.
A Celebration of People and Progress
To commemorate the milestone, Mr. Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) and holding additional charge as C&MD, joined Mr. Abhai Raj Singh Bhandari, Executive Director (Mumbai Refinery), along with former Directors of Refineries, retired personnel, and current staff in honouring the legacy and progress of the ARU. The gathering paid tribute to the engineers and visionaries who built the unit and kept it relevant through evolving technological needs.
About BPCL
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is a leading ‘Maharatna’ PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India. With major refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina, BPCL is pivotal in meeting India’s energy demands. It continues to evolve with growing investments in renewable energy, natural gas, and petrochemicals, aligning with the nation’s transition to sustainable energy systems.
