Towards Automated HAZOPs

Abstract

Abstract An increasing challenge faced in the process industries is the significant reduction of experience levels in chemical plants due to retirements of the baby boomers and more mobile younger generations. Additionally, many plants have ageing equipment which are deteriorating which changes risk levels with time and impacts repair timing decisions that need to be well informed, balancing budgets versus risk. HAZOP teams have less experience to identify and risk rank hazardous scenarios. This work presents a tool that uses criteria to identify appropriate scenarios and their rating, as well as recommend potential appropriate controls and mitigations. The tool allows dynamic HAZOPs that can be updated with the changing condition of safety critical equipment and suggest temporary mitigation measures, whilst also informing leaders of the risk of delaying repair.