The ONGC Uran Propane Refrigeration Compressor Project is a major modernization and reliability-enhancement initiative implemented at the Uran Gas Processing Plant in Maharashtra, one of ONGC’s most important onshore gas processing facilities. The project focuses on upgrading the plant’s propane refrigeration systems, which play a critical role in the recovery, separation, and stabilization of LPG and other high-value hydrocarbon fractions. These low-temperature refrigeration operations are vital for maximizing recovery efficiency and ensuring stable processing performance within ONGC’s midstream operations.
The initiative was undertaken to replace aging and capacity-limited compressor equipment with new-generation technology capable of maintaining consistent low-temperature conditions required for high-efficiency gas processing. By modernizing this essential refrigeration infrastructure, the Uran plant has strengthened its operational reliability, improved product yield, and ensured long-term readiness for increasing production demands.
This project represents a significant step in ONGC’s broader strategy to modernize legacy assets, enhance processing efficiency, and support India’s growing demand for LPG and cleaner energy products. It reinforces Uran’s status as a key node in India’s hydrocarbon value chain.
As part of the modernization initiative, the project introduced high-capacity compressor trains designed to deliver superior cooling performance and improved mechanical stability. These upgraded refrigeration compressors provide enhanced cooling capability, enabling the plant to maintain low-temperature operating conditions even under high load factors and fluctuating gas compositions.
New energy-efficient refrigeration systems were installed to optimize power consumption while delivering improved cooling throughput. Their higher thermodynamic efficiency helps reduce energy usage without compromising processing output, supporting ONGC’s energy-efficiency and sustainability targets.
The project also integrated advanced digital control and monitoring technologies, including automated protection systems, real-time temperature and pressure monitoring, and predictive-maintenance diagnostic tools. These technologies significantly enhance system reliability by enabling early detection of abnormalities, quick response to operational deviations, and improved protection of critical rotating equipment.
Together, these upgrades have reduced unplanned shutdowns, improved operational safety, and ensured smoother, more stable cooling performance across all LPG and propane-handling units at the Uran facility.
The modernization of the propane refrigeration system has enabled the Uran Gas Processing Plant to achieve significantly improved LPG and propane recovery rates, enhancing the economic performance of the facility. Improved temperature stability across separation and fractionation units has contributed to better hydrocarbon yield and product purity.
With more efficient compressors and refrigeration loops, the plant now operates with lower energy consumption, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. These improvements support ONGC’s sustainability objectives while ensuring that the plant remains competitive in a rapidly evolving energy sector.
The enhanced system reliability and reduced maintenance requirements have contributed to a more resilient operating framework, enabling longer runtime cycles and reduced process interruptions. These factors collectively extend equipment life, increase plant availability, and enhance long-term asset performance.
By strengthening one of its most critical refrigeration systems, ONGC has reinforced the robustness of its midstream infrastructure. The project aligns with the company’s commitment to operational excellence, energy efficiency, safe handling of cryogenic hydrocarbons, and sustainable growth across India’s upstream and midstream energy value chain.