When was the ExxonMobil refinery explosion in Torrance CA?

A February 18, 2015, explosion in a gasoline processing unit at the ExxonMobil Refinery in Torrance, CA, led to two workers suffering minor injuries and debris being dispersed into the surrounding community.

Who is the owner of the Torrance Refinery?

The Torrance Refinery was purchased in July 2016 by PBF Energy. The refinery covers 700 acres in Torrance, CA and has more than 570 employees, and another 300-500 contractors work there on a daily basis.

What do you need to know about ExxonMobil refineries?

At all ExxonMobil U.S. refineries, develop a program to ensure operating procedures are written and available for each mode of operation—such as unit standby—for all ExxonMobil U.S. refinery FCC units. Specify in the program that ExxonMobil U.S. refineries develop and train operators on any new procedure.

When did the gasoline refinery in Los Angeles Open?

Began operations in 1929, playing a critical role in the growth of the Los Angeles region by fueling ships at the Port of Los Angeles. Complies with the nation’s strictest environmental regulations to produce the cleanest gasoline in the world, made only by a limited number of refineries.

What was the problem at the Torrance Refinery?

The Torrance refinery extended the maintenance interval of the spent catalyst slide valve and the inspection interval of the pumparound heat exchanger without analyzing whether the extended operation lowered their availability (by operating them beyond their predicted safe operating life) and could result in negative safety consequences.

What happens if a refinery goes out of service?

In the event safety critical equipment is operated beyond its inspection and/or maintenance interval (e.g. extended turnaround interval), require the Torrance refinery to perform a risk evaluation (e.g. MOC or risk assessment) to identify the safety consequences of the extended operation.