(120a) 2007 Valero McKee Refinery Fire

The Valero McKee Refinery experienced a significant fire in February 2007 after a propane line burst during winter weather conditions. The refinery was shut down and evacuated until the situation was stabilized. This presentation discusses lessons learned from this event.

Key Lessons: 

Cold weather caused accumulated water in a stagnant section of piping to freeze, the ice expanded and broke a section of pipe. Subsequent increasing ambient temperatures allowed the ice to melt and a release of propane to occur. Important lessons from the event include the following.

1. Challenges associated with winter operations in refineries.

2. Criticality of understanding and managing parallel processes equipment in operating units.

3. Reviewing process units for change of service over time.