A fire reported on April 20 at HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd. (HRRL), located in Pachpadra, Balotra, was quickly brought under control, with no casualties or significant structural damage. The event occurred at around 13:55 in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), one of the key areas of the refining complex.
Refinery fire due to a possible hydrocarbon leak
According to official information, the incident is believed to have originated from a hydrocarbon leak in the circuit of a heat exchanger. The release of the fluid, possibly through a valve or flange, is believed to have caused ignition in the area of the flare stack associated with this equipment.
These types of systems operate under demanding thermal conditions, which increases sensitivity to failures in mechanical connections or industrial seals.
Immediate response by the emergency team
After the fire was detected, HRRL’s emergency response team acted immediately to contain the situation. Support was also provided by the local administration, which made it possible to bring the fire under control within a short period of time.
The rapid intervention prevented the incident from spreading to other units in the complex.
Unit isolation and infrastructure status
As a preventive measure, the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), the Vacuum Distillation Unit (VDU), and other associated facilities were immediately isolated. According to the statement, all units remain in good structural condition and show no damage.
In addition, the rest of the refinery was not affected, confirming that the incident was contained within a specific area.
Technical investigation underway
At present, a team made up of internal specialists and external experts is assessing the exact causes of the fire. The analysis will include both the origin of the leak and the system’s behavior during the event.
These types of investigations are key to strengthening industrial safety protocols and preventing similar incidents in refining operations.
Source: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
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