This session will share an incident from the summer of 2022 where an RV lifted on a spent acid rail car. Key topics will include the conditions that led to the relief, the response to mitigate the release, and the causal understanding of why the relief occurred. Finally, the discussion will focus on considerations for preventing future similar releases.
Facilitator: Ray Chafin, Pemex Deer Park
Speakers:
Hi Chen, Pemex Deer Park
Ahram Yoon, Pemex Deer Park
The oil refining process generates a significant volume of wastewater that contains a suite of challenging contaminants, from hydrocarbons to heavy metals and organic compounds. Oil production at a refinery relies on efficient and reliable wastewater treatment as it is impossible for the facility to operate without treating its effluent. Issues with the wastewater treatment systems can result in production limitations, as well as significant environmental impacts and violations. These systems can be complex, and they are sensitive to upset conditions due to poor feed quality, unexpected contaminants, or equipment breakdown.
This presentation will discuss a significant upset condition that impacted both the primary and secondary wastewater treatment system at a large West Coast refinery. We will present the processes that allowed for detection of the upset, and the steps taken by the operations group, technical team, and vendor support that helped maintain target production rates and avoid any environmental violations or impacts. The mitigation steps allowed for storage and post-upset treatment of the problematic effluent streams. The technical team evaluated options for treatment and environmental compliance, and the water treatment vendor supplied specialty biological treatment technology to get the system back online as quickly as possible. All of this contributed to a successful upset response and the implementation of best practices that can help all refineries facing a wastewater oil contamination.
Moderator:
Dan Harbs, Veolia
Speakers:
Angela Wharton, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Kai Zhang, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
The intersection of refining and petrochemical manufacturing has never been more significant as industries navigate the dual challenges of efficiency and sustainability. This session will explore the critical role of Perchloroethylene (PERC) in modern refining processes while also highlighting its applications in petrochemical production.
PERC is recognized as one of the safest catalyst activators during normal operations, as well as a regenerator for spent catalysts. Utilizing less efficient materials can necessitate larger quantities of hazardous substances being kept onsite, thus increasing exposure risks. Other chlorinating agents are either restricted by the EPA or are inherently more hazardous, making PERC a preferable option.
Attendees will gain insights into how PERC enhances refining technologies through processes such as isomerization and catalytic reforming, which help ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Industry experts will discuss the extensive benefits of utilizing PERC, emphasizing innovations that contribute to both safety and operational efficiency.
Moreover, we will review advancements in safety protocols that facilitate the effective handling of PERC, ensuring minimal exposure and adherence to rigorous regulatory standards. By fostering dialogue among leaders in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, this session aims to identify collective strategies for driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals within the industry.
Speakers:
Vickie Bradford, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Timothy Chappell, ExxonMobil Corporation
Dr. Richard Hannah, Health and Safety Council
Jay Turner, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Tyler Veenstra, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Interactive, immersive, virtual simulations that allow learners the opportunity to fail in a safe environment, develop a more robust mental framework and provide deeper understanding around Winterization and the First 5 Minutes of an emergency situation.