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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #90226
State Police #06-05331
Accident Date2006-08-24
Report Date 2006-08-29
Follow-up Date 0000-00-00
Follow-up: No

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Hexane39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONONO2,054.0 pounds
1,3-Butadiene39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONOYES96.0 pounds
Hydrogen Sulfide39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONONO4,578.0 pounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONOYES66,388.0 pounds
Benzene39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONOYES443.0 pounds
Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOCs)39h 52mE-552A and E-553A Exchangers on the CokerNONONO177.0 pounds

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Corrosion

the E-552A and E-553 Exchangers on the Coker were discovered leaking into Cooling Tower #44. The leak on the E-553A was stopped 20 mins. Later while the leak on the E-552A continued until August 26th, 2006. The leaks are believed to have been caused by accelerated corrosion

Discharge Preventable - No

Notes/Remedial Actions

This incident was not preventable because inspection reports on these exchanger bundles indicate that both failed prematurely. Remedial Measures - The existing tube bundles will be repaired/replaced as necessary. Metallurgy of these exchangers will be upgraded. Reportable quantities for volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and benzene were exceeded. Note: in the follow up report, it was found that the reportable quantities for hexane, 1,3 Butadiene, and highly reactive volatile organicpounds were exceeded as well. The previously reported level of volatile organic compounds was 8800 and was later found to be 66388, for hydrogen sulfide it was 901/4578, and for benzene it was 59/43