Document R2yd2x7kxmno5Nzdq6vDNa6GV

GTR CHEMICAL COMPANY - P.O. BOX 68 * ASHTABULA, OHIO 44004 PHONE: (216) 998-1120 June 18, I979 Mr. Eric Cohen Chief, Air Compliance Section Region V, U.S. ERA 230 South Dearborn St. Chicago, Illinois 60604 Dear Mr. Cohen: The General Tire & Rubber Company, in compliance with the National Emission Standard for Vinyl Chloride, Section 61,65, is reporting an emergency relief valve discharge. On June 17, 1979 at 6:50 a.m., the rupture disc blew and the relief valve opened on Reactor 318. The calculated maximum loss of vinyl chloride to the atmosphere was 570 pounds. This loss was calculated by measuring the amount of vinyl chloride recovered in-the gasholder, the change in level in the reactor, and the conversion of the batch at the time the relief valve opened: a. Vinyl chloride charged to the reactor 10,750 lbs. b. Polyvinyl chloride formed at the time the relief valve opened ( T-ftr/W j * 9500 Ib/batch 2,533 lbs. c. Pounds vinyl chloride in reactor when relief valve opened (lbs. charged lbs. reacted) d. Change in level in the reactor as a result of relief valve discharge and venting to gasholder e. Total vinyl chloride vented to gas holder and atmosphere f. Vinyl chloride vented to gasholder (8,000 ft.3 x 0.1855 lb./ft.3) g. Pounds vinyl chloride lost to atmosphere (1992 lbs. - 1484 lbs.) 8,217 lbs. 2% 2,054 lbs. 1,484 lbs. 570 lbs. THE GENERAL TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Chemical/Plastics Division GENC 004211 2- - Over-pressurization of the reactor occurred due to a runaway reaction. A chemical shortstop was added twice to the batch in an attempt to bring the reaction back under control; however, the relief valve still opened. Immediately after the relief valve opened, the reactor was vented to the gasholder in an effort to reduce the emission of vinyl chloride. A training session for the polymer operators is scheduled for this summer. The operators will be re-instructed as to the most probable causes of reactor over-pressurization due to runaway batches which may lead to emergency discharges, and how to recognize other conditions which may lead to discharges, and what corrective action must be taken to avoid emergency discharges. This is our first emergency discharge since September 25, 1978. Very truly yours. CER:sm cc: A. D, Jeffrey R. W. Laundrie G. E. Brumbaugh C. E. Reynolds Process Engineer GENC 004212