Reply #9: the refineries in LA were not shut down. [View All]

[ChairmanAgnostic]

The power that was shut off, then turned back on did not go to the refineries, but the pipelines that led from them to the east coast. Gee, you ever think that an oil refinery might have some local source of fuel or power to general electricity?

We have several refineries nearby (Joliet, in particular) To SHUT DOWN a typical refinery, there are 20-40 major steps to take. To avoid damage to the equipment, it has to been done sequentially. Also, when you shut some key components down, you cannot just flip a switch and turn it back on. Priming, prep, replacement of insulation, gaskets, and more has to be done.
So long as you have the thing running, you maintain some pretty precise temps and pressures. Once you shut down, the insulation and gaskets actually begin to crumble and fall apart. It is a long, involved, and expensive process, and requires tons of man hours to do it.

Lastly, that CNN engineer also reported that it will take many weeks to get them back on line if they shut down. So, this is not a premise, this is being a messenger. But, hey, don't take my word for it. Just watch your local gas prices in the upcoming weeks.
I promise not to say I told you so. Well, on the other hand. . .