A novel framework for quantitative resilience assessment in complex engineering systems during early and late design stages

Recently, resilience assessment has evolved and grown in prominence, yet most studies are carried out on operational stage when sufficient knowledge on the processes is available, overlooking the design stage, a time frame that is more suitable for making a resilient system. To this end, this work aims at developing a novel quantitative resilience assessment framework for engineering systems with two different approaches that practically analyse resilience at the early and late design stages when detailed information on the system’s safety and resilience capabilities may be deficient. In the early design stage, system resilience attributes are identified, and expert judgment is used to assess their quality. In the late design stage, attributes are derived from revealed information such as detailed emergency response and safety barrier data. In both stages, dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) is used to quantify resilience based on the acquired information. Since the green hydrogen technology is relatively novice, the application of the proposed framework is demonstrated in a resilience assessment of a green hydrogen plant undergoing hydrogen release scenarios. The proposed framework can be used as an effective tool for early design improvements as well as enhancing process safety in the late design stage of hydrogen plants or any other complex engineering system

Safety considerations for hydrometallurgical metal recovery from lithium‐ion batteries

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the critical process safety considerations inherent in hydrometallurgical metal recovery within the lithium-ion battery (LiB) recycling process. As hydrometallurgy application in LiB recycling is still in the early stages of development, it is crucial to identify the hazards and provide safety recommendations. Hazards related to hydrometallurgy are identified and categorized in process, toxic, fire, explosion, corrosion, environment, storage, and transport hazards. Risk reduction measures are suggested using the hierarchy of control methodology to eliminate and reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), based on UK regulatory framework

Fuelling the future with safe hydrogen transportation through natural gas pipelines: a quantitative risk assessment approach

The global transition to clean and sustainable energy sources has sparked interest in hydrogen as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient and safe transportation of hydrogen is crucial for its integration into the energy network. One approach is utilizing existing natural gas infrastructure, but it introduces unique challenges. Hydrogen has distinct characteristics that pose potential hazards, requiring careful consideration for safe transportation through natural gas pipelines. Moreover, the absence of field data on component failure rates adds to the existing uncertainty in Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for hydrogen transportation. QRA plays a vital role in enabling the safe deployment of hydrogen transportation through existing pipelines and is increasingly integrated into the permitting process. The lack of data impedes the comprehensive understanding of risks associated with hydrogen transportation. This paper aims not only to analyse the effects of hydrogen blending ratios on gas dispersion, release rates, jet fires, and explosions in natural gas pipelines, but also highlight the disparities in leak frequencies currently used for hydrogen or blended hydrogen. A QRA for hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines is novel and timely because the behaviour of hydrogen in natural gas pipelines, a novel process with potential hazards, is not fully understood. Conducting a thorough QRA on hydrogen blending in gas pipelines, our study reveals innovative insights: higher blending ratios reduce release rates, impact safe distances, and maintain stable flame lengths. Despite an elevated explosion risk, scenarios remained below lethal overpressure values. This paper offers unique contributions to safety considerations in hydrogen transportation, guiding stakeholders toward informed decisions for a secure and sustainable energy future

View of academics of Faculty of Medicine of Semnan University of Medical Sciences towards student research

Introduction: An insight into the view of academics of Medical Faculty concerning students’ research could inform planners about strengths and weaknesses as well as potential for improvement in student research. The present study aims to better understanding of perception of academics of Medical Faculty about students’ and academics’ research. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on participants from medical faculty members at Semnan University of Medical Sciences. A questionnaire containing demographic data, questions about view of faculty mentor’s concerning students’ researches and satisfaction on their profession was handed in to faculty members. Forty five out of 65 questionnaires were completed by faculty members and returned to the researchers. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical methods. Results: Findings indicated that most of faculty members relatively satisfied with their profession. There was a significant association between job satisfaction level and tendency to research activities. Around 20% of responders showed high interest and about 66% had an average interest in advising students’ research activities. Faculty members believed students showing little inclination toward research works as well as lacking knowledge on research principles. Low income, extended hours of teaching, engagement in private practice, administrative duties, excessive bureaucracy and insufficient research funding are the most frequent challenges in doing students’ research. Conclusion: It is concluded that most medical faculty members possessed a high inclination toward research activities. Students' needs to receive detailed instructions on research methodology and should be encouraged to consider research as part of their educational programs. Faculty members should be motivated to devote more time and energy towards students’ research activities