A string of mega-equipment despatch affirms L&T’s heavy engineering prowess
L&T’s Heavy Engineering arm has a proven track record of supplying technology-intensive equipment and systems to global customers in the refinery, oil & gas, petrochemicals, fertilisers and nuclear power sectors. It is globally recognised for the many records it sets and surpasses.
At Hazira in Gujarat, on the banks of river Tapti that flows to the Arabian Sea, stands L&T’s world-class manufacturing facility – the A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex (AMNHEC). Here is where L&T fabricates critical equipment for global majors, leveraging high-tech engineering, Industry 4.0 manufacturing and world-class quality processes.
Here are a few recent deliveries that strengthen L&T Heavy Engineering’s reputation of meeting the manufacturing needs of complex equipment globally. These milestones serve to solidify its position as a global leader in hi-tech manufacturing, supplying engineered-to- order critical equipment.
Steam Generators for Kaiga
Two Steam Generators (SG) were despatched to NPCIL’s Kaiga Atomic Power Station in Karnataka for India’s indigenously developed 10 x 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Fleet Programme much ahead of the contractual delivery schedule. The first SG was flagged off in March and the second one in July.
An SG is a heat exchanger that converts water into steam by using the heat produced in a nuclear reactor core. They will help bolster India’s nuclear power programme, helping India meet its COP26 commitment to Net Zero carbon emission by 2070.
Preheaters for Nigeria
In June, two critical Loop BFW Preheaters set sail for the Dangote Fertilizer Project in Nigeria. This order was awarded to L&T by Saipem Contracting Company in Nigeria.
These preheaters, which play a crucial role in the overall project schedule, were delivered 1.5 weeks ahead of schedule.
Ethylene Oxide Reactors for China
Two mammoth Ethylene Oxide (EO) Reactors were dispatched in May for a project of the chemical giant BASF in China. Weighing 1,136 MT each, these are the world’s heaviest EO Reactors based on BASF’s technology.
The EO Reactor is a crucial component in petrochemical plants. It facilitates the catalytic conversion of ethylene into ethylene oxide, which is a key intermediate in the production of various downstream chemicals.
It is indeed a matter of pride for India that – despite China’s prowess in high-end manufacturing – L&T managed to secure such a significant project.
Coke Drums for Assam
In May, two Coke Drums, manufactured under licence from Engineers India Limited (EIL), were despatched to the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam.
Each weighing 450 MT, these drums are 8.3M in diameter and 36M long. They are used in the delayed coking process.
Hydrotreating Reactor for Mexico
In April, a mammoth Hydrotreating Reactor was despatched to the Antonio Dovali Jaime Refinery at Salina Cruz in Mexico. At 1,751 MT, it is one of the heaviest reactors in the world.
Fabricated from the critical Cr-Mo-V alloy, the design of the reactor is based on technology developed by France-headquartered Axens. It was manufactured in a record 15 months.
The reactor uses the hydrotreating process (a catalytic conversion in petroleum refining, among others) to remove impurities, such as nitrogen and sulphur compounds, from hydrocarbon streams.