Technology and expertise from a single source: Pörner Ingenieurgesellschaft, the world leader in bitumen oxidation technology, is strengthening its global influence on infrastructure development with future-oriented solutions. Bitumen, an essential building material for road construction, is produced efficiently and sustainably using Pörner's Biturox® technology. This proven process enables refineries to produce high-quality bitumen from a wide range of crude oils or refinery intermediate feedstock with optimized production efficiency. Recent projects in India and Iraq highlight the global importance of the Biturox® technology and Pörner's role as a specialist offering comprehensive solutions for engineering and supply of process plants worldwide.
Milestone in India: Biturox® plant for BPCL in Bina
In December 2024, Pörner received an important order from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), India's fifth largest company in terms of sales. The new Biturox® plant at the Bina refinery in the state of Madhya Pradesh will produce high-quality VG30 and VG40 bitumen from vacuum residue - essential for India's ambitious road construction projects.
With an annual crude oil processing capacity of 7.8 million tons, BPCL's Bina refinery is already a key pillar of India's energy landscape. As part of a comprehensive modernization and diversification plan, BPCL aims to expand its capacity to 11 million tons and integrate petrochemical units such as an ethylene cracker and polypropylene plants. The Biturox® plant, which is part of the refinery's expansion plan, will help meet the growing demand for bitumen while improving the overall economic efficiency of the refinery. Commissioning is scheduled for mid 2027.
Successful implementation at Mangalore: MRPL doubles production capacity
With the commissioning of a Biturox® plant at the Mangalore refinery, another successful project was realized in 2024. Pörner supported Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in the implementation of the plant with engineering, supply of key components and commissioning support - despite global supply chain challenges.
With an annual production capacity of 150,000 tons of bitumen, the new plant will more than double MRPL's production capacity. The plant is optimized for the production of VG40 bitumen, with the flexibility to produce other bitumen grades. In a region heavily affected by monsoon rains, the high-quality bitumen will ensure that roads remain durable and safe even under extreme conditions.
Successful in Iraq: Biturox® Plant at Karbala Refinery
In October 2024, Pörner successfully commissioned another Biturox® plant in Iraq. Despite extreme temperatures, sandstorms and varying crude oil specifications, the Pörner team completed the commissioning within only four months.
Pörner was contracted by SCOP (State Company for Oil Projects) to engineer and implement the Biturox® plant at the Karbala refinery. With an investment volume of around $6 billion and a planned throughput of 140,000 barrels per day, the refinery aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality refinery products - including bitumen for road construction. As part of one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Middle East, the plant will ensure local bitumen production for the region.
A global partner: Pörner as a leading force in bitumen production
With 64 Biturox® plants licensed worldwide, Pörner has established itself as the leading technology provider for bitumen oxidation. In India alone, 13 plants are currently in operation, with three more in the pipeline. Today, plants licensed by Pörner meet 80% of India’s national bitumen demand. Biturox® technology enables energy efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective production of high-quality bitumen, making a significant contribution to sustainable mobility.
"The superior quality of Biturox® bitumen allows for more efficient construction methods that require less bitumen, while extending the service life of roads. In times of global bitumen shortage, this is a crucial factor for supply security. The combination of technological expertise, practical application know-how and the independence of an international engineering and contracting company underlines Pörner's ability as a process technology provider to successfully design and implement large global projects," emphasizes Andreas Pörner, Managing Director of Pörner Ingenieurgesellschaft.
Through continuous innovation in its own pilot plant in Austria and close cooperation with international partners, Pörner continues to strengthen its position as the world's leading company in the field of bitumen production.
