(a) whether the physical achievement of Tuticorin Heavy Water Plant declined from 111.6% in 2000-2001 to 98.8% in 2001-2002;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the achievements of this plant during 2002-2003; and
(d) the steps being taken to improve the performance of the Plant?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AN PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SHRI S.B. MOOKHERJEE)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The physical achievement of the plant is reported on the basis of annual target fixed for each plant which takes into account the annual turn around period, unexpected shut down of the plant due to both external and internal reasons and the anticipated constraints. Heacy Water Plant, Tuticorin is connected to the Ammonia Plant of the adjacent Fertiliser Plant of M/s. Southern Petrochemical Industires Corporation (SPIC) for supply of feed gas and other utiligy. Hence any disturbance in the operation of the Ammonia Plant namely reduction in operating pressure and load of the Ammonia Plant will adversely affect the operation of HWP, Tuticorin. Annual Turn Around of the plant during the year 2001-02 was prolonged because of extension of M/s SPICs Annual Turn Around due to their internal operation and maintenance related problems of M/s. SPIC which resulted in less feed synthesis gas availability from M/s SPIC to HWP Tuticorin.
(c): Physical achievement for the year 2002-03 is 107.6% of the target.
(d): Performance evaluation of the plant is a continuous process. As a result of continuous efforts made for enhancing the performance and energy conservation measures adopted, the plant achieved 107.6% targeted production and considerable reduction in the specific energy consumtion that of the previous year. During the year Ammonia Converter Catalyst which was due for replacement has been replaced. This has increased the ammonia production as well as the recoverry efficiency and the feed processing rate of the plant.