Investigation Update on the November 2023 Fire Incident at the Marathon Renewables Facility in Martinez, California
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has provided a recent update on its ongoing investigation into the fire incident that occurred on November 19, 2023, at the Martinez Renewables facility in Martinez, California. According to the latest findings, the investigation revealed that a rupture of a metal tube occurred within a reactor charge furnace during the startup of a unit. This furnace is responsible for pre-heating renewable feedstock, recycled renewable diesel, and hydrogen prior to subsequent processing. The rupture of the tube led to the release of hot renewable diesel and hydrogen, causing a fire that resulted in severe injuries to a Marathon employee who sustained third-degree burns over a significant portion of their face and body.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about the investigation’s progress, highlighting the potential hazards associated with startup procedures at industrial facilities. Owens stressed the need for careful management and control of safety hazards during such operations.
The update provided by the CSB outlines several critical events in the timeline of the incident. These events include activities that occurred during the night shift of November 18th when Marathon was initiating the startup process for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) unit. In the hour leading up to the incident, Marathon’s operations staff were addressing furnace temperature control issues and high-temperature alarms within the furnace. In an attempt to lower temperatures within the furnace, the operations staff increased material flow through the furnace and instructed a field operator to shut off two of the furnace burners. Shortly after the field operator completed this action at the furnace, a tube rupture occurred, resulting in the fire that caused severe burns to the field operator.
Investigator-in-Charge Melike Yersiz stated that there is still significant investigative work to be done. The primary objective remains identifying the probable causes of the incident and formulating safety recommendations to prevent similar events in the future.
Moving forward, the CSB will continue to gather evidence and examine key areas, including metallurgical testing, failure mode analysis, and internal inspections of furnace components. Additionally, a thorough review of relevant facility, corporate, and industry standards will be conducted.
It’s worth noting that the CSB’s board members are appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. While the Board does not issue citations or fines, it focuses on making safety recommendations to various stakeholders, including companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
Image source: KQED