Document reZZGXgQxx71191L02x0M30mJ

Vufa CHenvcci Co.-racny Icke Charles VCM Plant VCM Plant Rd,, P.O. Sox 605 CERTIFIED MAIL =059 203 918 RETURN RECEIPT February 10, 1986 Wesriake. Louisiona 70669 Phone ^lol 494-5000 V4652 Gus VonBodungen Air Quality Division Department of Environmental Quality P O Box 44096 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 Dear Mr. VonBodungen: We are informing your office of one incinerator bypass of greater than one hour duration occurring at the Vista Chemical Company VCM Plant. This notice is in accordance with the discharge reporting requirements of Sections 77.9(a) and 76.18(c) of the Louisiana Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (LESHAP). On February 3, 1986 an incinerator bypass, which lasted from 1700 hrs. to 2130 hrs. occurred. The bypass was initiated by a flame failure indication caused by an operational upset in the main plant. Anaccumulated emulsion layer in the Wet Crude Tank registered as the EDC/Water interface on the tank's level gauge. As a result, emulsion instead of wet EDC was fed to the Light Ends Column causing an operational upset. To prevent getting water in the EDC purification process downstream of the Light Ends Column three steps were taken: 1) The Light Ends Column make was diverted to the EDC wash section. 2) The Light Ends Column feed was reduced. 3) The Heavy Ends Column make was diverted to the EDC wash section. The increased flow to the wash section caused the Wet EDC Pump to overload on high amperage. The subsequent high levels in the EDC Wash System caused liquid carryover in the wet vent header prompting the bypass. Based on the VCM Plant modernization material balance, approximately 36 lbs. of vinyl chloride was vented. The bypass exceeded cne hour because the standby unit was down for maintenance and instrumentation problems developed while restarting the on-line unit. While the incinerator was down production rates were reduced to minimize the vinyl chloride emissions. CUH 000005907 V4653 To prevent such future occurrences the following measures are under consideration. 1) Maintain the "true" EDC interface in wet Crude Tank level sight glass. 2) Revise operating procedures for Light Ends Column UDsets This letter supplements the immediate notification made February 3, 1986 in accordance with LESHA? 76.18(b). If you have any questions please contact George Hopkins, Chief Process Engineer at (318) 494-5062. Sincerely, R. A. Conrad Plant Manager br cc: W. Coltrin - DEQ bcc: RTF, RAC, GEH, MLA, SCR, UTS, VMF, MGH, WLM, JCL CUM 000005908