Noida: In a remarkable stride toward innovation and operational excellence, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) has been awarded three Indian patents, including two world-first designs in crude pipeline technology. This achievement reflects HMEL’s growing leadership in engineering ingenuity and its commitment to sustainable, high-performance solutions in the energy sector.
Global First: Pipeline Pigs for Dual Hydrocarbon Transport
Among the three newly granted patents, two introduce the world’s first designs of pipeline pigs capable of transporting naphtha simultaneously with crude oil in the same pipeline. These innovations represent a major advancement in industrial pipeline logistics, allowing for greater flexibility, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
The patented pigs are engineered to maintain hydrocarbon integrity and flow safety while minimizing the need for separate pipelines, setting a new global benchmark for integrated transport in oil infrastructure.
Third Patent: Green Oxy-Hydrogen Generator for Refinery Efficiency
HMEL’s third granted patent features a revolutionary apparatus for generating green oxy-hydrogen gas, designed to support process improvements within refinery operations. This clean technology aids in enhancing combustion processes, reducing emissions, and aligns with HMEL’s broader sustainability strategy.
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Recognition of Inventors
To celebrate the landmark achievement, Mr. Prabh Das, MD & CEO of HMEL, presented the ‘Inventor Award’ to the team of employee-innovators behind the patents. “These patents are a testament to the ingenuity, passion, and technical excellence of our team,” said Mr. Das. “HMEL remains committed to pushing boundaries that drive operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.”
Innovation as a Strategic Pillar
Innovation and R&D are central to HMEL’s long-term growth strategy. To date, the company has filed over 44 patents, with 9 granted and an industry-leading implementation rate of over 90%. These achievements place HMEL at the forefront of applied research among Indian oil majors.
By focusing on real-world, scalable innovations, HMEL is not only optimizing its own operations but also influencing industry-wide standards in pipeline management and clean energy transition.
About HMEL
HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) is an Indian integrated refining and petrochemical company, formed as a public-private partnership between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Mittal Energy Investments Pte Ltd. HMEL owns and operates the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (GGSR) in Bathinda, Punjab, with a capacity of 11.3 MMTPA. The company is involved in crude oil refining and petrochemical manufacturing.
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About HPCL
HPCL, a public sector undertaking in the petroleum and natural gas sector, is headquartered in Mumbai and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Since 2018, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has owned majority of its stake. It is ranked 367th on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s biggest corporations as of 2016. On 24 October 2019, it became a Maharatna (PSU).