2 research outputs found
Computer-aided HAZOP of batch processes
The modern batch chemical processing plants have a tendency of increasing
technological complexity and flexibility which make it difficult to control the
occurrence of accidents. Social and legal pressures have increased the demands
for verifying the safety of chemical plants during their design and operation.
Complete identification and accurate assessment of the hazard potential in the
early design stages is therefore very important so that preventative or protective
measures can be integrated into future design without adversely affecting
processing and control complexity or capital and operational costs. Hazard and
Operability Study (HAZOP) is a method of systematically identifying every
conceivable process deviation, its abnormal causes and adverse hazardous
consequences in the chemical plants. [Continues.
State-based modelling in hazard identification
The signed directed graph (SDG) is the most commonly used type of model for automated
hazard identification in chemical plants. Although SDG models are efficient in
simulating the plant, they have some weaknesses, which are discussed here in relation to typical process industry examples. Ways to tackle these problems are suggested, and the view is taken that a state-based formalism is needed, to take account of the discrete components in the system, their connection together, and their behaviour over time. A strong representation for operations and actions is also needed, to make the models appropriate for modelling batch processes. A research prototype for HAZOP studies on batch plants (CHECKOP) is also presented, as an illustration of the suggested approach to modelling