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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Marathon Ashland Petroleum (3165), Garyville

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Piping or Tubing

On February 6, 2012, a pipe failed at the Unit 215 Hydrocracker Franctionator Top Pumparound circuit that resulted in a release and flaring event. The pressure safety valve on the U15 Fractionator Top Pumparound Pump opened prematurely due to debris in the pipe. The vibration from the psv relief caused a failure at a weld on the discharge line from the pump. Heavy naphtha was released for approximately 10 minutes. The root cause was identified as Work Direction/Supervision During Work - No Supervision with the following causal factors 1) lack of weld fusion and penetration and 2) improper pipe fitting used during construction.

Discharge Preventable - No

The failure of the prefabricated pipe spool piece from the third-party shop was not anticipated.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Claims an initial report was submitted on February 13, 2012 that details the events and pollutants released during this incident, though LABB does not have this document at this time. The pump was shutdown immediately to minimize and stop the leaking from the discharge piping on the Fractionator Top Pumparound Pump. The refinery's Shift Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the unit to mitigate the release. Firewater monitors were used to knock down the liquid and vapors to prevent a fire. The recommendation (action) from the root cause investigation was to notify the third-party of the conditions of the incident to provide them with the opportunity to investigate and improve their QA/QC.