Storm Edouard Causes Flaring at Motiva Port Arthur Refinery


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- Motiva Enterprises reported an emissions event at its 
656,400 bpd Port Arthur refinery in Texas after severe weather associated with 
Tropical Storm Edouard caused unexpected interruptions and shutdowns of several 
critical pieces of equipment, according to a filing with the Texas Commission 
on Environmental Quality.

   The event occurred Tuesday (9/1) between 4:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. CT, lasting 
three hours and 45 minutes.

   Affected equipment included the No. 3 fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU), 
No. 4 catalytic reforming unit, No. 4 hydrotreater, Alkylation 4 and the lube 
hydrocracking unit, with emissions routed through several flare stacks. The 
FCCU and catalytic reforming and alkylation units are particularly associated 
with gasoline production.

   The largest reported release was approximately 2,076 pounds of sulfur 
dioxide from the No. 3 FCCU regenerator. Additional emissions were reported 
from the refinery's flare systems.

   Motiva said the refinery took immediate action to stabilize affected process 
units and minimize flaring and emissions following the weather-related 
disruption.

   The Port Arthur refinery primarily produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and 
other petroleum products.

   DTN reached out to Motiva Enterprises for additional details but did not get 
an immediate response.




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