LA Bucket Brigade : Refinery Accident Database

About the Database

Honeywell (289, 183605), Baton Rouge

Causal Factor: Process Upset

LDEQ Accident Number Accident Date	Point Source(s)	Notes	Amount of Release
114939 2009-05-13	spent Sulfuric Acid Tank	Cause: An internal chemical reaction occured due to a nitrogen purge being cut off to the tank. The nitrogen purge is utilized for level indication. It is believed that G-1113 reacted with Oxygen to build up in the tank causing an internal chemical reaction leading to the release of HCL, HF, and Oxalic Acid. Followup: No Notes: The area around the tank was barricaded and the #7 mitigation tower was activated as a precautionary measure to reduce the tank temperature. Black smoke was being released from the spent sulfuric acid pump down tank.	Hydrochloric Acid: 7.5 pounds Hydrofluoric Acid: 4.0 pounds Oxalic Acid: 11.5 pounds
121820 2010-02-28	calcium neutralizer	Cause: One of the reactors overflowed into secondary containment in the Calcium Process area. An employee found a small leak on top of the calcium neutralizer. A low level of limestone rocks and lime slurry contributed to the release. Followup: No Notes: The HCL feed line to the calcium carbonate reactor was shut down immediately. Release was sent to the process treatment area to be neutralized. All calcium chloride released was contained within a secondary containment area and sent to the Plant's Effluent Treatment System for treatment prior to discharge to the Mississippi River.	Hydrogen Chloride: 19.8 pounds Calcium Chloride: 3,548.0 pounds
129244 2011-02-13	Brine Hold Tank	Cause: Leak in the G-1113 unit at the brine jacket relief valve on the brine pump tank. At the time of the leak, the G1113 unit was shutdown and the brine system was in circulation mode causing the unit to lose cooling water. The loss of cooling water caused by the brine temperature to increase and pressure up the brine hold tank resulting in the pressure relief valve lifting. Followup: No Notes: G1113 unit was shutdown and the brine system was in circulation mode. Circulating pump was immediately shutdown to seat the relief valve. The liquid portion of the leak was contained in the sump and containment area with a 2069 gallon capacity. As a precaution, the diversion gate to stormwater outfall 003 was closed and water was diverted for on-site treatment. Honeywell has modified its operating procedures to shutdown the brine pumps in the event the unit is down for an extended period greater than 6 hours. Long term plans are to redesign the pressure safety valves to add an additional layer of protection to prevent release to atmosphere.	1,1-Dichloro-2,2,2-Trifluorethane (G-123): 10,814.0 pounds