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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge
LDEQ Accident Report
| Accident # | 145178 |
| State Police # | 12-07709 |
| Accident Date | 2012-12-05 |
| Report Date | 2012-12-12 |
| Follow-up Date | 2013-02-08 |
| Follow-up: | Yes |
Pollutants Released
| Pollutant | Duration | Point Source | Greenhouse Gas | Criteria Pollutant | Ozone forming chemical | Amount of Release |
| Ethylene | 1h 49m | Hydraulic Valve on EPLA-W KC-01 | NO | NO | YES | 464.1 pounds |
| Propylene | 1h 49m | Hydraulic Valve on EPLA-W KC-01 | NO | NO | YES | 109.4 pounds |
| 1,3-Butadiene | 1h 49m | Hydraulic Valve on EPLA-W KC-01 | NO | NO | YES | 18.8 pounds |
Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity
Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure
On December 5, 2012 at approximately 6:18 pm, while repairing an inlet valve on EPLA-W KC-01 compressor the hydraulic valve failed, resulting in flaring. After further investigation it was determined that the lube oil clarifier malfunctioned allowing cooling water to backflow into the lube oil system.
Discharge Preventable - No
After further investigation it was determined that the lube oil clarifier malfunctioned allowing cooling water to backflow into the lube oil system. The malfunction of the lube oil clarifier was caused by an unanticipated failure of a check valve and associated vacuum jet.
Notes/Remedial Actions
Immediately following the failure of the hydraulic valve, the feed rates to the compressor were reduced. The compressor remained at reduced feed rates until a planned shutdown occurred. To prevent recurrence of this event, the valve has been cleaned and thoroughly inspected. Additionally, the lube, seal, and control oil reservoir circuit has been drained and refilled.
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