Oklahoma refinery restarting after fire

Dec. 28, 2010
Wynnewood Refining Co. (WRC) reported its 70,000-b/d Wynnewood, Okla., refinery experienced a gas release, small explosion, and fire on Dec. 26 in the facility’s hydrocracker unit.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 28
-- Wynnewood Refining Co. (WRC) reported its 70,000-b/d Wynnewood, Okla., refinery experienced a gas release, small explosion, and fire on Dec. 26 in the facility’s hydrocracker unit. The incident did not involve any injuries, the company said.

The fire was limited to an area associated with a heat exchanger and was quickly brought under control by refinery personnel, WRC said.

An investigation into the cause of the fire and the extent of damage is under way. The affected units will be out of operation for a short time and other units, which were shut down as a safety precaution, are currently being restarted.

The refinery will be operated at reduced rates until all repairs are completed, the company said.