Showing papers on "Inherent safety published in 2007"
TL;DR: The results evidenced that the integration of inherent safety criteria with conventional passive or active protections seems a promising route for the prevention of severe domino accidental scenarios in chemical and process plants.
135 citations
TL;DR: Inherent safety is a proactive approach to process safety in which hazards are removed or minimized so as to reduce risk without engineered (add-on) or procedural intervention as mentioned in this paper, which can be achieved by processing a material under less severe operating conditions or by processing the material in a less hazardous form.
Abstract: Inherent safety is a proactive approach to process safety in which hazards are removed or minimized so as to reduce risk without engineered (add-on) or procedural intervention. Four basic principles are available to attain an inherently safer design—minimization, substitution, moderation, and simplification. The subject of the current paper is the principle of moderation as it applies to the prevention and mitigation of dust explosions. Moderation can be achieved by processing a material under less severe operating conditions or by processing the material in a less hazardous form. With respect to the latter approach, it may be possible to alter the composition of a dust by admixture of solid inertants, or to increase the dust particle size so as to decrease its reactivity. Additionally, avoidance of the formation of hybrid mixtures of explosible dusts and flammable gases is an application of moderation of the material hazard. Several examples are given for each of the above three forms of moderation. The discussion on admixture of solid inertants includes examples from the following industrial applications: (i) refractory materials manufacturing, (ii) food processing, (iii) power generation, (iv) industrial recycling, and (v) foundry shell mold fabrication. The importance of particle size consideration is explained first from the perspective of engineering tools such as the Dow Fire & Explosion Index, and professional guidance on the definition of a dust and suitable particle sizes for explosibility testing. Industrial examples are then drawn from the following areas: (i) rubber recycling and textile manufacturing, (ii) industrial recycling, (iii) wood processing, (iv) dry additive handling (polyethylene facility), (v) polyethylene production, (vi) carbon block recycling, and (vii) coal mining. The concluding discussion on hybrid mixtures includes brief cases from the process safety literature.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a consequence-based method for the inherent safety assessment of process alternatives was developed, where a specific equipment classification and related failure modes were identified, in order to define the potential accidental scenarios associated to each process unit.
Abstract: The availability of inherent safety drivers for early process design is a critical issue for the further development of the chemical and process industry. In this study, a consequence-based method for the inherent safety assessment of process alternatives was developed. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for inherent safety were defined and a procedure for their quantitative assessment was developed. A specific equipment classification and the related failure modes were identified, in order to define the potential accidental scenarios associated to each process unit. Rules for the calculation, by physical model runs, of the damage distances for conventional effects were also defined. Credit factors to account for the safety score of the different equipment classes were introduced. KPIs were defined by the combination of the expected damage distances and of credit factors. The methodology was demonstrated through a case study, and provided useful results both for the identification of safety critical units, and for the assessment of the inherent safety of alternative processes. The comparison of the results with those obtained from other literature methods for inherent safety assessment showed that the KPIs introduced allowed considering the hazards coming from auxiliary equipment, that are often overlooked in conventional inherent safety assessment methods. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
75 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the principles of inherent safety in the basic definition and functional operation of the various process safety management elements can help to improve the quality of the safety management effort, which is a key role to play in enhancing the effectiveness of PSM.
Abstract: Process safety management (PSM) deals with the identification, understanding, and control of process hazards to prevent process-related injuries and incidents. Explicit incorporation of the principles of inherent safety in the basic definition and functional operation of the various PSM elements can help to improve the quality of the safety management effort.
Numerous inherent safety examples, both technical and nontechnical, are given in this paper. Existing qualitative and quantitative tools that already include, or could incorporate, inherent safety are described. Recently developed inherent safety tools for quantitative hazard identification and assessment are identified from either the literature or the current authors' work. Qualitative protocols for incorporating inherent safety into PSM elements are also presented. The language of inherent safety, although largely unused in PSM documentation, has a key role to play in enhancing the effectiveness of PSM. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2007
67 citations
TL;DR: The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has developed an advanced fast reactor concept, KALIMER-600, which satisfies the Generation IV reactor design goals of sustainability, economics, safety, and proliferation resistance.
43 citations
TL;DR: This method incorporates forecasting tools with a prospective assessment step into the risk assessment model, stresses research results as an iterative driver in the assessment, and depends on inherently safer design to eliminate or reduce hazards.
Abstract: Methods for the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards are well recognized, whereas a method for the anticipation of hazards has eluded the field of industrial hygiene. The Emerging Technologies Team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed a method for anticipating not only occupational hazards but also potential benefits of emerging technologies for occupational safety and health. This method incorporates forecasting tools with a prospective assessment step into the risk assessment model, stresses research results as an iterative driver in the assessment, and depends on inherently safer design to eliminate or reduce hazards. An iterative process that involves the occupational safety and health professional as a team member in the development of emerging technologies is recommended.
9 citations
08 Oct 2007
TL;DR: The requirement of the three-position enabling switches which play an important role in establishing the inherent safety in operating environment are explained.
Abstract: Highly advanced production systems of robotics and automation applications involve many direct interactions between humans and machines. Ensuring an operators' safety, especially in a hazardous area, is of primary concern. As required by various international standards, including superior international standards such as ISO 12100, machine operation of human-attended operation must be controlled by using the enabling device. Three-position enabling switch is the integral component of enabling devices, and in 2006, IEC 60947-5-8 was newly published to set the requirements of three-position enabling switch. This report explains the requirement of the three-position enabling switches which play an important role in establishing the inherent safety in operating environment.
6 citations
01 Jul 2007
TL;DR: An advanced sodium cooled fast reactor concept, KALIMER-600, has been developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to satisfy the Gen-IV technology goals of sustainability, safety and reliability, economics and proliferation resistance.
Abstract: An advanced sodium cooled fast reactor concept, KALIMER-600, has been developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to satisfy the Gen-IV technology goals of sustainability, safety and reliability, economics and proliferation resistance The concept enables an efficient utilization of uranium resources and a reduction of the radioactive waste The core design has been developed with a strong emphasis on a proliferation resistance by adopting a single enrichment fuel without blanket assemblies In addition, a passive residual heat removal system, shortened intermediate heat-transport system piping and seismic isolation have been realized in the reactor system design as enhancements to its safety and economics The inherent safety characteristics of the KALIMER-600 design were verified through a safety analysis of its bounding events The results for various unprotected events imply that the KALIMER-600 design can accommodate all the analyzed ATWS events This self-regulation capability of the power without a scram is mainly attributed to the inherent reactivity feedback mechanisms implemented in the metal fuel core design and completely passive decay heat removal system (authors)
3 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: By applying Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) in safety system engineering and taking gas explosion as an example, seven main kinds of accidents in coalmines were analyzed and corresponding fault trees were set up as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: By applying Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) in safety system engineering and taking gas explosion as an example, seven main kinds of accidents in coalmines were analyzed and corresponding fault trees were set up. After a qualitative analysis of these fault trees, the minimal path sets and the important degree sequence for each basic event were obtained, according to which results caused by basic events could be forecasted and basic measures for accident avoidance could be decided. Based on the above research, inherent safety management system in coalmine and its software were designed and established. Finally, the practical effect of this management system was illustrated by gas explosion accident.
2 citations
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: In this paper, a consequence-based method for the identification and assessment of inherently safer processes in plant design was developed and applied to the assessment of alternative steam reforming processes, where a low detail of information is required to implement the methodology: process flow diagrams, equipment description, process conditions and inventories are sufficient for the evaluation of unit safety indexes.
Abstract: The spread of hydrogen as an energy carrier will lead to a global increase of its production, requiring the development of more reliable and efficient production processes. Several research efforts are currently devoted to hydrogen production via steam reforming of natural gas. New catalytic reactors and separation equipment are considered for industrial implementation. These technologies are at an early stage of development and safety assessment is usually based on inherent safety approaches, addressed to the selection of the safer design solutions. However, the state of the art of the methodologies for the identification and the assessment of inherently safer processes are usually based on the assessment of a discrete set of indexes or key words, that may not be adequate to represent the actual hazards that are present in hydrogen processing and storage. A novel consequence-based method for the identification and the assessment of inherently safer processes in plant design was developed and applied to the assessment of alternative steam reforming processes. A low detail of information is required to implement the methodology: process flow diagrams, equipment description, process conditions and inventories are sufficient for the evaluation of unit safety indexes. A synthetic process inherent safety index is evaluated starting from these data, in order to allow a quantitative comparison between the different processes. In the present study, a commercial tool was used for consequence evaluation of hydrogen release scenarios, but, clearly enough, the development of more reliable tools for consequence modelling, specifically dedicated to the consequence assessment of hydrogen releases, would be crucial to enhance the reliability of the method.
2 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, a theory of accident causation based on internal-external factors is put forward through the analysis of accident mechanism according to which the internal factor is hazard and the external factors are human, machine, environment and management.
Abstract: A theory of accident causation based on internal-external factors is put forward through the analysis of accident mechanismAccording to this theory,the internal factor is hazard and the external factors are human,machine,environment and managementBasic measures and approaches to control hazards are raised in the light of their existing forms;also,measures for accident prevention are presented from the aspects of management and technology after a deep analysis on the unsafe factors of human-machine-environment-managementFinally,it is pointed out that the fundamental approach to achieve work safety is to integrate the inherent safety with risk managementThis theory is of great reference value for the safety management of enterprises
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: The Province of Zeeland developed its own external safety program as discussed by the authors, which explains the role external safety in major hazard control and in the co-ordination of land use planning.
Abstract: Recent accidents in The Netherlands in different kinds of industries, like fire works storage, catering and energy industry, triggered the Dutch government to start a national program to enhance the enforcement of industrial safety at the regional and municipal level. Stimulated by this program the Province of Zeeland developed its own external safety program. It explains the role external safety in major hazard control and in the co-ordination of land use planning. The pressure for land has for long been large in the Netherlands and the chance of major accidents influencing neighboring land has been strictly regulated. Part of the program is a feasibility study on introducing the concept of inherently safer solutions to undustry and local authorities. TNO executed a communication and exploration project for introducing this concept to the industry of Zeeland and other involved actors like licensing authorities and the regional fire fighting organization. Part of it was a search for examples of successful implementation of the concept. Ultimate goal of the Province is to enhance solutions directed at decreasing the most prominent hazards at source in this part of the Netherlands. These hazards concern large chemical facilities, production sites with large quantities of dangerous goods, large cooling installations and propane or LPG tanks. This paper presents the outcome of the communication and exploration campaign about the concept of inherent safety.
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined various technological areas which could significantly impact Human-Mars cost and safety, including propulsion, in-space and on-planet power, life support systems, materials and overall architecture, systems, and systems-of-systems approaches.
Abstract: The thesis of the present discussion is that the simultaneous cost and inherent safety issues of human on-site exploration of Mars will require advanced-to-revolutionary technologies. The major crew safety issues as currently identified include reduced gravity, radiation, potentially extremely toxic dust and the requisite reliability for years-long missions. Additionally, this discussion examines various technological areas which could significantly impact Human-Mars cost and safety. Cost reductions for space access is a major metric, including approaches to significantly reduce the overall up-mass. Besides fuel, propulsion and power systems, the up-mass consists of the infrastructure and supplies required to keep humans healthy and the equipment for executing exploration mission tasks. Hence, the major technological areas of interest for potential cost reductions include propulsion, in-space and on-planet power, life support systems, materials and overall architecture, systems, and systems-of-systems approaches. This discussion is specifically offered in response to and as a contribution to goal 3 of the Presidential Exploration Vision: "Develop the Innovative Technologies Knowledge and Infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration".
TL;DR: In this article, the problems of improving the safety of the existing NPPs with fast-neutron reactors (BN-600) and those under construction with an advanced level of inherent safety are considered.
Abstract: The problems of improving the safety of the existed NPPs with fast-neutron reactors (BN-600) and those under construction (BN-800), as well as the projects of fast-neutron reactors of new generation with an advanced level of inherent safety are considered.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: An approach to the assessment of the undesired formation of decomposition products in the accidental scenarios that involve the release of chemicals was developed in the more general framework of the analysis of the inherent safety of chemical processes.
Abstract: The undesired formation of decomposition products in the accidental scenarios that involve the release of chemicals is a core issue in process safety assessment. The secondary substances may be much different from the original ones and, in particular, more dangerous for humans or for the ecosystem. Nevertheless, no robust and widely accepted method exists for the assessment of this kind of hazards. In the present study, an approach to the assessment of this hazard was developed in the more general framework of the analysis of the inherent safety of chemical processes. The toxicological, physical and chemical parameters mostly influencing the hazardous behaviour of a released substance are identified by specific environmental fate models and used in the evaluation of hazard footprints. From these data, hazard indexes are determined, that express in a quantitative way the overall behaviour of a substance with respect to specific categories of hazards (acute toxicity, chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity for humans, ecotoxicity). This allows a comprehensive representation of the hazard profile of a substance. Since the data used for the evaluation of the different parameters are usually scant, a simplified estimation procedure was developed, based on the identification of structure-activity relationships. The application of the described approach to several case studies confirmed the effectiveness of the tool for the comparison of the hazards derived by undesired substance decomposition in accidental scenarios.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A PDCA(plan,do,check,action) management system with inherent safety as its basis is put forward by integrating the idea of inherent safety into PDCA management mode.
Abstract: The traditional safety methods protect people and machine through safeguards added on equipment or system.However,the inherent safety method aims to eliminate or reduce hazards in system at the source of design.At present,the inherent safety is evolving from technology to system management.This paper introduces briefly the definition and the principles of the inherent safety,and analyzes the difference in application between the inherent safety method and the traditional safety method from the aspect of integrative risk control.It is emphasized that the inherent safety method should be combined with the traditional safety method during actual safety management,and that the idea of integrative risk management with inherent safety theory as its basis should be formed.Finally,a PDCA(plan,do,check,action) management system with inherent safety as its basis is put forward by integrating the idea of inherent safety into PDCA management mode.
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: Developing inherently safe process is more advantageous than adding layers of safety features, because a real process will reduce or eliminate the hazard, rather than simply reduce its impact.
Abstract: Publisher Summary
Industrial processes are prone to hazardous or unexpected events. Hazards may arise from many factors, and they manifest themselves in various forms. The description of such hazardous events and their consequences are listed in this chapter. Various real life examples are illustrated to emphasize how fatal these hazardous events could be. Inherent safety as a concept is based on common sense, which includes avoiding use of hazardous materials and hazardous activities. An inherent safe process avoids hazard instead of creating situations that will lead to the hazard and then trying to control it. Inherent safety implies that the process is inherently safe and that it is not kept safe with the help of several safety checks and alarms. A real, and truly inherently safer, process will reduce or eliminate the hazard, rather than simply reduce its impact. Several available hazard analysis techniques can be used at various stages of the process development. Developing inherently safe process is more advantageous than adding layers of safety features.
01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: Alessandro Tugnoli, Federica Barontini, Mauro Cordella, Pamela Morra, Ilaria Di Somma, Roberto Sanchirico, Antonino Pollio, Valerio Cozzani, and Roberto Andreozzi as discussed by the authors
Abstract: Alessandro Tugnoli, Federica Barontini, Mauro Cordella, Pamela Morra, Ilaria Di Somma, Roberto Sanchirico, Antonino Pollio, Valerio Cozzani, and Roberto Andreozzi Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Mineraria e delle tecnologie Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; e-mail: alessandro.tugnoli@mail.ing.unibo.it, mauro.cordella@mail.ing.unibo.it, pamela.morra@mail.ing.unibo.it, valerio.cozzani@mail.ing.unibo.it Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Chimica Industriale e Scienza dei Materiali, Università di Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy; e-mail: f.barontini@ing.unipi.it Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; e-mail: idisomma@unina.it, roberto.andreozzi@unina.it Istituto di Ricerche sulla Combustione, CNR, P.le V. Tecchio, 80 80125 – Napoli, Italy; e-mail: r.sanchirico@irc.cnr.it Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via Foria, 223 – 80139 – Napoli, Italy; e-mail: antonino.pollio@unina.it