Home Search Emissions Pollutants About the Database


Calumet Lubricants 8 (1214), Shreveport

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #147939
tate Police #N/A
Accident Date2013-04-08
Report Date 2013-04-12
Follow-up Date 0000-00-00
Follow-up: 

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Sulfur Dioxide33mFlare #2NOYESNO6.5 pounds

Accident Classified As: Below Reportable Quantity (BRQ)

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

The compressor for the Pressure Swing Absorber (PSA) tripped for 35 seconds on April 8, 2013. The PSA is responsible for purifying low grade hydrogen into high grade hydrogen. As a result of the PSA tripping, a mixture of 80% hydrogen gas and light hydrocarbon gas routed to the Flare #2 for approximately 3 minutes between 12:29 PM to 12:32 PM on April 8, 2013. Later on the same day, the PSA tripped again and upset the Propane De-asphalt Unit. Propane, which is used to separate the asphalt ingredients in this Propane De-Asphalt Unit, in excess was sent to this unit creating an overabundance of propane gas to be routed to Flare #2. Approximately 6.5 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide emissions were released to the flare between 1421 and 1454 hours on April 8, 2013. This amount was below reportable quantity.

Discharge Preventable - No Information Given

Notes/Remedial Actions

This investigation was prompted by a citizen complaint (Velma White) reporting on flaring black smoke was coming from Calumet refinery in Shreveport on April 8, 2013 at 12:34 PM. Air monitoring and an on-site investigation were conducted by LDEQ on 4/8/2013. Air monitoring report states that instrument "detected no harmful levels of CO, LEL, O2 or H2S".