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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Calumet Lubricants 8 (1214), Shreveport

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Power Failure

Hurricane Ike blew down 2 power poles inside the refinery causing plant power failure. Both Sulfur Recovery Units (SRUs) were down and all acid gas was routed to the #3 flare. The boilers were also down and there was no steam on the flare. As a result the #3 flare opacity was greater than 20% for 2 hours. While in start-up, refinery operators noted that the flare pressure was higher than normal. The investigation revealed that the flare knock-out drums were full of liquid and the flare lines had liquid in them as well.

Discharge Preventable - No

Hurricane Ike winds blew down two power poles inside the refinery.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Power lines and poles were replaced In response to problems during start-up, contractors were immediately brought in to provide vacuum truck services, and the liquids removed from the knockout drums and flare lines was placed into Baker fractionation tanks. The Vacuum truck operations of removing the liquid from the flare line had the unfortunate result of creating odor problems within the refinery. Low levels of Hydrogen Sulfide were detected around the vacuum truck loading areas and at the three flare line knock-out drums. Calumet personnel monitored hydrogen sulfide levels within the refinery for industrial hygiene purposes. Liquids from the Sour Water Stripper were also found to be entering the flare lines, adn the sources of these liquids were identified and blinded off.