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Louisiana Refinery Accident Database

Chalmette Refining (1376), Chalmette

LDEQ Accident Report

Pollutants Released

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Seal or Gasket

On Monday, March 17, 2014, at approximately 05:11 hours, the analyzer at the battery limits of the Alkylation unit indicated slightly elevated fluoride levels at the battery limits in the cooling water return system. At approximately 10:30, unit personnel identified that the "D" acid cooler at the unit had developed a leak. Shift super was notified of the potential of a small hydrogen fluoride leak in the cooler. This cooling water return is combined with, and diluted by, the once through cooling water system from other process units which discharges at Outfall 013 into the Mississippi River. As a result of the leak and shutdown of Alkylation unit, flaring occurred at the #1 flare beginning on March 18 at approximately 17:00 in order to safely shut down the unit. During the permitted flaring event, the waste gas compressor K-406 tripped on March 19 at 20:26 and routed waste gas to the #1 flare. Flaring was completed on March 20 at 19:00.

Discharge Preventable - No

Had no indication nor could have prevented the K-406 compressor from tripping during the Alkylation shutdown.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Sampling was conducted at Outfall 013 to measure the fluoride concentration. It was determined that a neutral pH, dilute solution of HF was being discharged through the outfall. Agencies were notified of a potential HF reportable quantity exceedence on March 17 at approximately 16:25. The refinery conservatively estimated all measured fluorides as neutralized HF. All releases of HF were in a diluted water phase and no HF was released to the atmosphere. No reportable quantities were exceeded for HF during the event on a 24-hour rolling basis. This release did not result in any known impacts to the community or environment.