Refinery news from North America

California

Due to a fire at the Chevron owned Richmond refinery in August 2012, the company has paid approximately US$ 10 million in claims to compensate hospitals in the area who treated patients with complaints related to the fire. After the fire, local hospitals treated a large number of people in the surrounding community for nose, throat and eye irritation as well as respiratory problems. Also, related to the fire, California safety officials have ordered Chevron to pay almost US$ 1 million in penalties for safety violations.

Delaware

Due to equipment problems, there was a second release of sulfur dioxide in a week at the PBF Delaware City refinery. The first release was caused by problems with the hydrogen sulfide control system. The second release is reportedly due to the breakdown of the facility’s petroleum coke processing unit.

Ohio

On 30^th January a fire broke out at the PBF Energy owned Toledo refinery. The fire has now been extinguished and it is not known if production at the 170 000 bpd facility has been affected.

Philadelphia

Phillips 66 previously owned the Trainer refinery which was bought by Delta Air Lines. However, due to a case brought against the facility by the EPA whilst owned by Phillips 66, the company have agreed to pay US$ 50 000 to settle it. The case regarded the storage of hazardous material at the facility.

Texas

A new carbon capture project at the Valero Energy owned Port Arthur refinery has got off the ground and phase one is now complete. Air Products designed, constructed and now operates the new system at the facility. Phase two will see the construction of a second steam methane reformer and this is expected to be completed in April of this year.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved penalties against 47 regulated entities for the violation of state environmental regulations. The total for the 47 penalties is US$ 1 831 176 and US$ 757 153 of that is against Pasadena Refining System Inc.

Edited from various sources by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/01022013/north_america_refinery_news/