At the Facility, Respondent produces, processes, stores, or handles more than 10,000 pounds of ethylene oxide. On November 3, 2019, the Glycol 2 Production Unit experienced a release of ethylene oxide. Respondent’s Glycol 2 Production Unit experienced an ethylene oxide release involving the knockout pot D-410 of the Ethylene Oxide Scrubber Process. In response to level fluctuations in acid scrubber T-410, the control system shutdown the ethylene oxide vents to D-410. In response to the low pressure on T-4l0, the operator manually opened the automated D-410 valve for a few seconds in an effort to maintain enough pressure on T-410. Based on the high level of acid in T-410, this effort resulted in an undesired backflow of 5% sulfuric acid from T-410 into the overhead line for D-410 when flow was reestablished. Once the acid and liquid ethylene oxide mixed in D-410, the reaction resulted in an immediate overpressure and burst of the drum D-410, which resulted in the release of 28.8 pounds of ethylene oxide. Facility Emergency Services were notified of a ruptured vessel, the lines were isolated, and the release stopped.
VIOLATION