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ExxonMobil Refinery (2638), Baton Rouge

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #153521
State Police #14-00453
Accident Date2014-01-27
Report Date 2014-02-03
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
Sulfur Dioxide51mNOYESNO6,497.0 pounds
Propylene51mNONOYES137.0 pounds

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Under Investigation

On January 27, 2014 at approximately 4:08 PM, the compressor GLA-3X at the PCLA (a fluid catalytic cracking unit) unit experienced an unplanned shutdown, causing material to be released to the site's flare gas system. Preliminary investigation results indicate the shutdown was caused by a higher than normal concentration of condensable distillate in a level instrument chamber as a result of inadequate steam tracing. The excess liquid bridged between the chamber wall and the radar rod, resulting in a false high level reading which tripped the compressor. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact root cause.

Discharge Preventable - Under Investigation

Pending investigation results.

Notes/Remedial Actions

Upon compressor shutdown, the level instrument was bypassed to mitigate a repeat event. The incident is under investigation to determine the exact root cause and to provide mitigating steps to prevent recurrence.