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Valero (26003), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #No LDEQ Number Available
tate Police #N/A
Accident Date2007-11-12
Report Date 2008-01-04
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
Hydrocarbon35mFLARE - Flares #1 and #2NONOYES4,560.0 pounds

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

Due to a malfunction governor on the turbine and a malfunction pilot valve, the Coker Wet Gas Compressor tripped, resulting in the overhead receiver relieving to the flare. The vendor was contacted for assistance and it was discovered that there was a malfunction of the lube oil system regulator. No documentation on the proper operation of the lube oil regulator system could be found.

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

Notes/Remedial Actions

1) Replace pilot valve. 2) Contact vendors to establish the correct settings, procedures and proper labeling for the operation fo the lube oil pressure regulating system. 3) Add a three second delay time on the low lube oil pressure shut down. 4) Audit refinery for similar mechanical systems. 5) Train instrumentation group on the operation and maintenance of regulator systems.