Mangalore: MRPL to Introduce Bio-Diesel Soon - Rajamani

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/RD)

Mangalore, Jun 18: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL) has successfully conducted research work for the last 15 months in the production of bio-diesel components and has achieved significant milestone, said R Rajamani, managing director of MRPL.

Addressing the media persons on Wednesday June 18, he said that experiments were conducted with edible oils, waste cooking oil and fish oil. Bio-diesel was produced from each of these sources successfully. If everything goes according to the plan, bio-diesel will be produced within the next 6 months, he added.

Coastal Karnataka and Kerala have huge coconut groves and therefore, coconut oil was taken up as raw material. When it is blended with normal diesel up to 5 per cent, it reduce vibrations to a great extent. This reduces maintenance costs in addition to quick start and smooth drive. MRPL test results showed reduction in sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions with lower coke deposition on piston rings, Rajamani explained.

Similarly, experiments on waste cooking oil, which is not good for health, fish oil and rubber seed oil have also proved successful. A company has come forward to build bio-diesel plant and it will commission work within 6 months, he told.

MRPL will also introduce high quality petrol and diesel named as ‘Oval-XL’ for better engine performance, in its outlets within 10 days. On the other hand, the company has signed contract with Jet Airways to supply Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for two years. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Shell Company for this purpose, Rajamani said.

MRPL senior officers Lakshminarayan, Ravindran and others were present at the press meet.