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ExxonMobil Chemical Plant (286), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #151342
State Police #13-04325
Accident Date2013-09-29
Report Date 2013-10-04
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
Ethylene17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNONOYES3,456.0 pounds
Propylene17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNONOYES1,376.0 pounds
Butadiene17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNONOYES893.0 pounds
Isoprene17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNONOYES386.0 pounds
Benzene17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNONOYES792.0 pounds
Nitrogen Oxide17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNOYESYES3,810.0 pounds
Sulfur Dioxide17h 55mOLA-2X Gas TurbineNOYESNO28,041.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Process Upset

On September 29 at approximately 11:20 PM, the OLA-2X gas turbine tripped causing material to be released to the site's flare gas system. The shutdown was caused by a loss of flame in the gas turbine. Initial findings indicate that a change in power augmentation steam quality caused the loss of flame. An investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the change in steam quality.

Discharge Preventable - Under Investigation

An investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the change in steam quality.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Feed was safely removed from five of the seven furnaces to minimize the load on the flare system and emissions to the atmosphere. The remaining two furnaces were operated at minimal rates to minimize start-up emissions. Air monitoring was conducted on September 30, 2013 and all results were below the level of detection. This incident is under investigation to determine the root cause of the change in steam quality. Short term mitigation steps have been implemented to ensure consistent steam delivery to the gas turbine.