Valero McKee Refinery Reports FCCU Opacity Event


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- Valero reported an excess opacity event at its 
200,000 bpd McKee Refinery in Sunray, Texas, affecting the fluid catalytic 
cracking unit (FCCU),  according to a filing with the Texas Commission on 
Environmental Quality.

   The event began Thursday (5/8) at 3:18 a.m. and ended at 3:30 a.m. CT.

   According to the filing, the event opacity occurred after the FCCU unite 
stack vented when accumulated catalyst material in the third stage separator 
underflow line became dislodged, causing catalyst fines to enter the flue gas 
stream and increase stack opacity above permitted levels.

   Refinery personnel followed established procedures to minimize emissions and 
manage the event, according to the filing.

   The McKee refinery primarily produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

   DTN reached out to Valero for additional details but did not get an 
immediate response.




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