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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #131902
State Police #11-03666
Accident Date2011-06-21
Report Date 2011-06-28
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
Flammable Vapor4mBleeder pump P-105 and exchanger E-700FNONOYES2,627.0 pounds
Propane4mBleeder pump P-105 and exchanger E-700FNONOYES 
Isobutane4mBleeder pump P-105 and exchanger E-700FNONOYES 

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

On June 21st, 2011, at approximately 6:34 am, the Baton Rouge Refinery experienced a release. Operations personnel at the Alky unit discovered a bleeder on pump P-105 suction line releasing caustic, propane, and isobutane. Caustic is used throughout the refinery to remove sulfur compounds from the hydrocarbon streams, and a pressure gauge located on the suction line at this bleeder. The nipple connecting the pressure gauge to the suction line had worn threads, allowing the gauge to become disconnected from the piping system. All caustic was contained on concrete and did not reach the environment. Approximately 1,923 pounds of vapor were released. Additionally, during the same twenty four period, the RHLA-1 unit experienced a release from the channel box of the exchanger E-700F. Emissions from this release are currently estimated to be 704 pounds per 24 hours. Development of a plan to repair this release is underway.

Discharge Preventable - No

This release was caused by unanticipated mechanical failure

Notes/Remedial Actions

To end the P-105 release, the bleeder was closed and the pump suction line isolated. To prevent recurrence, the bleeder will be repaired before being returned to service. Additionally, bleeders in similar service will be evaluated for similar leak potential by x-ray inspection.