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CITGO Petroleum (1250), Lake Charles

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #90765
State Police #06-05906
Accident Date2006-09-21
Report Date 2006-09-28
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
Hydrogen Sulfide30mleaking nipple fitting JC504A Recycle Compressor at the C-Reformer UnitNONONOBRQ
Flammable Gas30mleaking nipple fitting JC504A Recycle Compressor at the C-Reformer UnitNONOYES2,882.0 pounds

Accident Classified As:

Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing

The flammable gas was released from a leaking nipple fitting on the discharge of the JC504A recycle Compressor at the C-reformer Unit. The failure mechanism has been reported to be metal fatigue caused by vibration. The source of the vibration is the reciprocating compressor directly upstream of the leak.

Discharge Preventable - No

Notes/Remedial Actions

Good engineering practices was followed in setting the inspection frequency of the piping. The fatigue due to vibration is now being studied. The Unit was immediately shutdown to isolate the leak. The failed nipple was replaced and a gusset was installed at the connection.