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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Motiva Enterprises (2719), Convent

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

Steam Boiler 31F-810 tripped (shutdown) at approx 03:56 In order to stabilize and maintain the refinery steam system, the firing rates and subsequent steam production from 801, 802, 803, and 805 boilers were increased and adjusted over the next 35 hours. Maintaining the refinery steam system is critical in continuing the operation of process units and potentially preventing environmental incidents from any abrupt unit shutdown or malfunction. The 810 boiler shutdown when erratic air flow readings into the boiler were detected because ambient conditions caused false pressure readings on the air flow monitors, which, in turn, caused the forced draft fans to shutdown. The shutdown of the forced draft fans initiated an instrment protective func

Discharge Preventable - Yes

Notes/Remedial Actions

[Final report] Immediate action was taken to ensure the safe operability of the 810 boiler, and the process for restarting the boiler began as soon as all safety and operability concerns were addressed. The 810 Boiler was refired and began producing plant steam on the afternoon of 12/25/05, and the normal operation of steam boilers resumed and excess Nitrogen Oxide emissions ceased. For the 810 Boiler, a project s being implemented to install a more reliable air measurement device, which will be finalized once proven over the operating range of the boiler. The operating constraints for 801, 802, 803, and 805 Boilers are being updated to reflect the environmental requirements for those boilers"