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Motiva Enterprises (1406), Norco

LDEQ Accident Report

Accident #141583
State Police #12-04922
Accident Date2012-07-27
Report Date 2012-08-02
Follow-up Date 2012-09-10
Follow-up: Yes

Pollutants Released

Pollutant Duration Point Source Greenhouse Gas Criteria Pollutant Ozone forming chemical Amount of Release
1,3-Butadiene1mRelief Valve at Residual Catalytic Cracking UnitNONOYESBRQ
Benzene1mRelief Valve at Residual Catalytic Cracking UnitNONOYESBRQ
Flammable Gas1mRelief Valve at Residual Catalytic Cracking UnitNONOYES2,189.0 pounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)1mRelief Valve at Residual Catalytic Cracking UnitNONOYESBRQ

Accident Classified As: Reportable Quantity

Cause of Problem: Equipment Failure

Motiva's Residual Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU) experienced a premature opening of a relief valve (RV) on the RCCU debutanizer column. The RCCU was operating under normal conditions at the time of the release, and operational data proves that the associated equipment did not reach the relief valve set point pressure to cause the RV to open. A contract pressure equipment company was called out to help identify any mechanical problems with the RV. Additionally, RCCU operations lowered the debutanizer column pressure 3psig aas a precautionary measure until troubleshooting efforts are completed. An update report was provided by Motiva on September 10, 2012.

Discharge Preventable - No

This discharge was not preventable. RCCU operations had no indication of the imminent threat of RV-7205 relieving prematurely. This was classified as an unusual event. The valve was serviced and replaced.

Notes/Remedial Actions

A contract pressure equipment company was called out to help identify any mechanical problems with the RV. Additionally, RCCU operations lowered the debutanizer column pressure 3psig as a precautionary measure until troubleshooting efforts are completed. Upon investigation, the reportable quantity for flammable gas was exceeded in this release. 2189 pounds of flammable gas were were reported through the SPOC. The reportable quantity of flammable gas includes 1000 pounds. Refinery's attachment of listed pollutants released is too unfocused/fuzzy to read accurately.