Seeking to allay pollution fears regarding the proposed delayed coker unit at Ambalamugal, the BPCL Kochi refinery has said that state-of-the-art coke-handling facilities will be used there.
The refinery is setting up the unit as part of its expansion.
Delayed coking is a technology used for the upgradation of the residue obtained during the distillation of crude oil into value-added products like LPG and diesel.
Petcoke is a byproduct of the coking process which is used mainly as fuel for power generation and in cement plants.
“The state-of-the-art coke-handling facilities include enclosed conveyor systems (pipe conveyor), fully-covered storage yard and automated coke loading system with loading silos.“ It will be ensured that there is no exposure of petcoke to surroundings.
Even though dust generation is not expected from coke handling, dust suppression systems employing advanced dry fog suppression systems are being installed.
Water sprinklers are also being provided at various stages to ensure that the coke remains wet. Clearly demarcated storage area and separate drainage system with water recycling for the coke-handling areas are planned to avoid ground or water contamination.
Facilities such as circular stacker-cum-reclaimer in storage yards are being installed.
“Despatch of petcoke to nearby states will be through covered rail wagons,” stated a BPCL communique.
“As the government and the KSEB have evinced interest in setting up a power plant utilising petcoke, the refinery is providing the necessary support for the initial studies,” the communiqueadded.