21.06.2016

Crane overturn delays refinery sale

A 270 tonne lattice truck crane overturned yesterday at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance, near Los Angeles, California.

The crane was reported to be lifting a reactor top for a 100,000 barrel a day fluidic catalytic cracking unit, although a photo we have been sent suggests that it was preparing for the lift, rather than carrying it out at the time. The six axle crane looks to be short rigged and tipped over backwards, causing the boom to fall onto part of the refinery. Three men working with the crane received minor injuries.
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The crane went over backwards

The damage and time needed to clear it is expected to delay the refinery from reaching 15 straight days of normal operations, as required by a sales agreement with PBF Energy, which is paying $537.5 million for the plant.

PBF spokesman Michael Karlovich said: ”PBF is working with Exxon to understand the impact of today's incident on refinery operations. We continue assessing Torrance refinery operations and will update our prior statements on the transaction if and when appropriate."