The History and Impact of Implementing Level of Protection Analysis at a World Scale Nitrogen Fertilizer Complex

摘要

OSHA 1910.119 (d)(3)(ii) mandates "The employer shall document that equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices". The CF Industries Donaldsonville Nitrogen Fertilizer Complex is in the process of upgrading the control systems of several plants onsite to modern hardware. Complying with ISA 84.01, which is widely accepted as good engineering practice when installing new control hardware, requires a risk assessment be performed. Of the possible risk assessment methods, Level of Protection Analysis (LOPA) was chosen for reasons which will be discussed. CF also uses LOPA to enhance Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and concentrate resources on the reliability of trip systems whose failure could have serious consequences. This paper will discuss the history of LOPA studies at the CF Industries Donaldsonville Nitrogen Fertilizer Complex, how a LOPA is performed, and the impact of incorporating LOPA into our management of risk at the facility.