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Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #147210
State Police #13-01029
Accident Date2013-03-07
Report Date 2013-03-15
Follow-up Date 2013-05-15
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
Compressed Flammable Gas44HHydrogen Feed Pipe at the Hydrodesulfurization UnitNONOYES1,864.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing

On Thursday, March 7, 2013, at approximately 20:30 hours, a leak was detected from a hydrogen feed pipe at the hydrodesulfurization unit. CRLLC is conducting a failure analysis of the pipe to determine the cause of the failure and prevent recurrence. Onsite monitoring was conducted during the events and all results were zero. Compressed flammable gas were released to the air. A failure analysis was conducted and indicated stress relieving due to high cycle fatigue was the root cause of the event.

Discharge Preventable - No

After conducting the failure analysis, CRLLC had no indication prior to this event that the piping in this service would fail. Corrective actions have been implemented to prevent recurrence.

Notes/Remedial Actions

The unit was depressurized and taken out of service in order to isolate and replace the pipe. CRLLC conducted a failure analysis of the pipe to determine the cause of the failure and prevent recurrence. The failure analysis indicated stress relieving due to high cycle fatigue was the root cause of the event. To prevent future recurrence, all existing supports surrounding the piping were inspected and repaired as needed. An additional support was also added near the failure location.