Home Search Emissions Pollutants About the Database


ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #153064
State Police #14-00024
Accident Date2014-01-02
Report Date 2014-01-10
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
Flammable Vapor11h 31mHCLA UnitNONOYES4,239.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Maintenance/Procedures

On January 2, 2014 during startup operations of the HCLA unit at the Baton Rouge Refinery, a secondary hydrogen compressor was started to increase the amount of reserve quench available prior to introducing oil into the second reactor. After the secondary compressor was put into service, the unit operating pressure increased significantly and exceeded the specifications of the unit pressure control valves as a result of excess gas from the secondary compressor. The compressor was immediately shut down, decreasing the overall unit pressure.

Discharge Preventable - Yes

Notes/Remedial Actions

Immediately upon the unit pressure increase, the secondary hydrogen compressor was shutdown. To prevent recurrence, the operating procedure has been modified to include details regarding a secondary hydrogen compressor operation.