<![CDATA[The Hydrocracker Unit at XYZ company plays an important role in converting heavy hydrocarbon fractions into higher-value products. During Carbon Bed Adsorber (CBA) replacement and activation, bottom fractionator products were previously discharged entirely to the slop system, resulting in product loss and reduced process profitability. This study evaluated the implementation of the New Operation Valve Arrangement (NOVA) as an engineering modification to improve bottom product recovery during CBA activation. The study was conducted in June 2025 at the Hydrocracker Unit of XYZ company. NOVA was installed on the bottom fractionator-to-slop line to separate activation fluid from bottom product flow and maintain product transfer to the feed tank during activation. Performance was evaluated by comparing operating conditions before and after implementation using flow indicator data, process operating parameters, mass balance calculations, and product distribution analysis based on distillation temperature range. The results showed that NOVA successfully recovered 2,315.72 barrels of bottom product that had previously been discharged to the slop tank. The recovered product was returned as recycle feed and further converted through hydrocracking into higher-value products, primarily diesel and kerosene. The economic benefit reached approximately IDR 3.55 billion for each activation cycle under start-of-run conditions. In addition, the innovation reduced manual operator intervention in elevated areas and lowered occupational risk from high to low. The study confirms that NOVA is an effective and practical engineering solution for improving bottom product conversion efficiency, increasing refinery profitability, and enhancing operational safety. This innovation also shows strong potential for application in similar refinery processing units.]]>
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