Guwahati: Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, to undertake research on converting Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) into synthetic graphite for advanced applications.
The agreement was signed on August 20, 2026, marking a step towards strengthening indigenous research and development in advanced carbon materials.
NRL and CSIR-NPL to Study CPC-to-Synthetic Graphite Conversion
The research project will explore the feasibility of converting petroleum coke derived from Assam crude into synthetic graphite.
According to NRL, the project is a first-of-its-kind systematic study focusing on petroleum coke produced from Assam crude.
The initiative aims to identify higher-value applications for CPC produced by NRL and explore its potential as a feedstock for advanced carbon materials.
Read also: Numaligarh Refinery Signs 10-Year Sulphur Offtake Deal with Teesta Agro for 15,000 MT Annual Supply
Advanced Methods to Be Tested for Graphitisation
As part of the research, CSIR-NPL will investigate multiple technical routes for producing synthetic graphite from CPC.
The methods to be studied include:
- High-temperature heat treatment at temperatures of up to 3,000°C
- Catalytic graphitisation using iron, cobalt and nickel
- Composite method involving pitch blending
The study will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these approaches in converting CPC into synthetic graphite suitable for advanced applications.
NRL to Supply Calcined Petroleum Coke
Under the agreement, NRL will supply Calcined Petroleum Coke to CSIR-NPL for carrying out the research and experimental studies.The collaboration brings together NRL’s experience in petroleum refining and CPC production with CSIR-NPL’s scientific and research capabilities in advanced materials.
The project is aimed at creating higher-value applications from petroleum coke produced by NRL, while supporting domestic research and technology development.
MoA Signed at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed at the CSIR-NPL campus in New Delhi.
The agreement was signed by:
- Bipul Kalita, DGM (R&D), NRL
- Prof. (Dr) Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL
The collaboration is expected to support research into advanced carbon materials and explore opportunities for adding greater value to petroleum coke derived from Assam crude.
Focus on Indigenous R&D in Advanced Carbon Materials
The NRL-CSIR-NPL collaboration highlights the growing focus on developing indigenous technologies and applications for advanced materials.Synthetic graphite has applications across several advanced technology and industrial areas, making research into alternative domestic feedstocks strategically important.
By exploring the conversion of Assam crude-derived CPC into synthetic graphite, the project seeks to expand the potential applications of NRL’s petroleum coke and contribute to India’s domestic R&D capabilities.
About NRL
Numaligarh Refinery Limited is a prominent public sector oil refinery headquartered in Assam. Known for its commitment to operational excellence and regional development, NRL plays a key role in India’s energy sector and contributes significantly to the national economy. The company’s ongoing expansion projects, including the 6 MMTPA increase under NREP, underscore its vision to strengthen refining capacity while supporting sustainable growth and technological advancement.
Read also: Numaligarh Refinery Signs Long-Term Sulphur Offtake Deal with Progressive Fertichem After Expansion
