APPLICATION OF THE HAZAPS METHODOLOGY TO THE SAFE DESIGN OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED PIPELESS PLANTS

摘要

A way forward in multi-product manufacturing is the emerging technology of "pipeless plants". The basic idea of a pipeless plant is to move the process vessel between fixed stations for mixing, separation and other activities. The elimination of pipework for the transfer of material offers great flexibility for change, and allows a company to respond quickly to market demands and technological advances. Little research has been found on the safe design of pipeless plants, which can be split into three aspects: process, computer-control, and schedule safety. This paper is focused on the subject of computer control safety. The HAZAPS methodology, using Process Control Event Diagram (PCED) to represent control logic is described. A case study is presented to demonstrate the application of the methodology and the usefulness of the support tool.