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Accident # | 150124 |
State Police # | 13-03429 |
Accident Date | 2013-08-04 |
Report Date | 2013-08-09 |
Follow-up Date | 2013-10-07 |
Follow-up: | Yes |
Pollutant | Duration | Point Source | Greenhouse Gas | Criteria Pollutant | Ozone forming chemical | Amount of Release |
1,3-Butadiene | 6h 13m | Piping from BELA-5 | NO | NO | YES | 38.0 pounds |
Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity
On August 4 at approximately 8:47 AM, a leak of butadiene was detected ont he butadiene extraction unit (BELA-5) at the Baton Rouge Chemical Plant (BRCP). Follow-up response using a thermal camera revealed butadiene leaking from insulated piping. Immediately upon discovery of the leak, a controlled shutdown of the BELA-5 unit was initiated. Final investigation results indicate the leak was caused by external corrosion. The leaking pipe and insulation were replaced prior to unit startup.
Since normal inspection program does not require 100% stripping of insulation, the impaired piping was not identified.
A controlled shutdown of the BELA-5 unit was executed upon discovery of the leak. As part of the shutdown, the piping was isolated and removed from service to stop the leak. To prevent recurrence, the leaking pipe and insulation were replaced prior to unit startup.
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