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December 3, 2014
The Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) is already moving on recommendations from investigations into the cause of the explosion on Christmas Eve last year.
Investigations by the Regina Fire Department and Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK), as well as CRC’s internal review, have concluded that a bypass line of Polymerization Unit 27 froze following a maintenance procedure. The stress of the freezing process ruptured the bypass pipe. Once the air temperature warmed, the petroleum product was released through the line, resulting in an explosion and subsequent fire.
“We appreciate the work of the Regina Fire Department and TSASK and we have co-operated fully with their investigations,” said Vic Huard, Executive Vice-President of Strategy at Federated Co-operatives Limited. “We have been working with three internationally recognized organizations to carry out recommendations and improve operations at CRC.”
DuPont, Hitachi and Pilko will improve refinery processes related to safety, mechanical integrity and strategic planning, respectively. The three organizations will help the CRC improve its risk management system and enhance performance by building a culture of operational excellence.
Huard acknowledged the role of CRC employees in the response to the initial event and subsequent effort to secure additional supplies, make adjustments and improve processes.
“By strengthening our safety culture on a foundation of operational excellence, we are investing in the safety, reliability and the long-term sustainability of the refinery and its people” said Huard. “Above all else, we are focused on the safety of our people and the Regina community that we share.”
The damaged unit was used to manufacture gasoline. Capacity was reduced to 60,000 barrels per day (BPD) following the incident, but increased to 90,000 BPD in January. Further process and mechanical adjustments allowed the CRC to operate at 90 per cent capacity by October. The CRC normally processes 130,000 BPD. The damaged unit is not expected to be fully repaired until Spring 2015.