Phillips 66 Reports 48-Hour Emissions at Sweeny Refinery


   
   HOUSTON, TX (DTN) - Phillips 66 reported a 48-hour flaring event its 277,000 
bpd Sweeny Refinery and Petrochemical Complex caused by a process upset, 
according to a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

   The incident began at 1:53 p.m. CT  on Friday (7/24) and ended at the same 
time on Sunday (7/26), the filing showed.

   A process upset in Unit 26.2 triggered excess flaring across multiple 
emission points, including the Coker Flare, Flares 16, 17, and 19, and Flare 
11. A sixth emission point, Unit 27.1, recorded excess opacity of nearly 87% -- 
more than four times the permitted 20% limit.

   The most substantial release occurred at the Coker Flare, where sulfur 
dioxide emissions reached approximately 31,966 pounds over the event's 
duration, far exceeding its authorized limit of 4.56 pounds per hour. Propylene 
releases at that flare totaled 793 pounds, while nitrogen oxides reached 714 
pounds and hydrogen sulfide 347 pounds.

   Across all flare points combined, sulfur dioxide totaled more than 33,100 
pounds. Other released compounds included isobutylene, propylene, cis-2-butene, 
and trans-2-butene, all classified as volatile organic compounds.

   According to the filing, operations personnel worked to stabilize Unit 26.2 
and return it to normal conditions. The event was noted as ongoing at the time 
of reporting.

   The Sweeny Refinery and Petrochemical Complex is one of the largest refining 
and petrochemical facilities in Texas. It processes a wide range of crude oil 
grades and primarily produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and petrochemical 
feedstocks.




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