US Chemical Safety Board investigates chemical leak at Citgo East Refinery
The inquiry is part of a larger investigation into a 2009 hydrofluoric acid leak at the alkylation unit that critically injured a worker, the article stated.
At about 8:00 p.m. on March 5, chemical sensors detected a leak of propane, butane, pentane and hydrofluoric acid from an alkylation unit, which is used in the production of gasoline.
The board is testing the failed flange with nitrogen gas and measuring pressure loss to estimate the size of the release.
It also will look at several failed bolts from the flange and other data, including records from previous hydrofluoric acid releases at the alkylation unit, according to the safety board.