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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing

There was a leak on the clamp of the discharge piping from MKC-02 propylene refrigeration compressor at the EPLA-W unit. The root cause of the clamp leak was due to vibration of the piping. The followup letter states that "individually, this event did not exceed the reportable quantity for propylene, but in concurrence with Incident #12-01617 (EPLA-S cooling tower leak), the reportable quantity for propylene was exceed in a 24-hr period."

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

Notes/Remedial Actions

Upon discovery, the clamp was pumped with a sealant to reduce the leak rate. The clamp was pumped with sealant on 6/21/12 and 6/22/12, decreasing the leak rate each time. This process significantly reduced the leak around the clamp. Two engineered collared clamps were designed, fabricated, and installed on each end of the original clamp to isolate the remaining leak. ExxonMobil and the clamp vendor are continuing efforts to improve the clamp efficiency. Periodic monitoring was conducted during normal operational rounds. LABB's file includes the 60-day follow-up and the Discharge Notification Report, but no SPOC or LDEQ report. This incident exceeded RQs because it is linked to another emission event - LSP Incident #12-01617. Any additional follow-ups will be communicated through LSP incident # 12-04963