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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Valero (1238), Meraux

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

5/18 shutdown of the #3 SRU which was the result of a lack of feed as MOUSA reduced feed to the hydrocracker and other units following a safety shutdown in the Crude Unit. MOUSA attempted to restart and line out units in the refinery and on 5/20 the #3 SRU unit shutdown after its source of acid gas, the Hydrocracker Unit, shutdown on 5/20 because of a malfunction at the Recycle Gas Compressor (high vibration) which triggered an automatic safety shutdown of the Hydrocracker. On 5/21 #3 SRU was started up and on 5/23 the #3 SRU experienced an automatic safety shutdown which was the result of a solenoid malfunction on the SCOT bypass valve (v-509), which failed to open while lining up the Tail Gas to the SCOT Reactor, per the startp plan. The # 3

Discharge Preventable -

Notes/Remedial Actions

Even in the final 10/18/2007 follow up report Murphy does not explain whether the incident was preventable or not. Remedial Measures - Regarding the HCU shutdown, MOUSA installed a new probe to monitor vibration in the HCU Recycle Gas Compressor. Regarding the # 3 SRU malfunction, MOUSA has (1) replaced the solenoid on TB-NV-509, (2) modified the unit startup procedure to limit the recirculating gas rates through the startup blower just before diversion of the SRU tail gas to the Absorber Secof the Tail Gas Unit, (3) developed a Preventative Maintenance schedule to conduct inspections on the exhaust screens on critical solenoids in the #3 SRU, and (4) installed new logic to improve the coordination of the two valve actuators. Note: all