(54aw) Improving Performance of DCS Alarm System By Implementing Effective Alarm Management Philosophy

Objective / Scope:

The DCS (distributed control system) alarm system at Gathering Centers of Kuwait Oil Company was not functioning as required. DCS alarm system was generating huge no. of alarms in which was out of operator’s alarm handling capacity. This was highlighted as one of the key contributing factors resulting in process upsets & incidents. A detailed investigation revealed lack of alarm management philosophy during design & operation stage as main cause of this poorly functioning system.

Methods, Procedures, Process:

This paper shares field experience of analysis of DCS alarm system and explains main root causes which resulted in such poorly functioning alarm system at oil and gas gathering centers. It provides guidelines to carry out alarm management exercise for improving DCS alarm system & for developing alarm management philosophy to implement and sustain efficient DCS alarm system. It also shares some of the actual alarm data and their analysis, which supports need of well-developed alarm management philosophy and continuous alarm management exercise for efficient DCS alarm system.

Results, Observations, Conclusions:

It was observed that majority of problems of alarm flood is contributed by selective alarm tags which generate huge number of alarms under category of frequent alarms, duplicate alarms and chattering alarms. The DCS alarms system improves significantly by resolving these alarms. It was concluded that a well-developed Alarm Management Philosophy and execution of well-defined alarm management approach is essential to ensure proper configuration of alarms starting from project stage and sustain it during operation stage of facility. The paper also shares quantified benefits due to reduction in no. of incidents, facility & equipment shutdowns and reduction in gas flaring after implementation of alarm management philosophy.

Novel/Additive Information:

The paper provides guideline to develop and implement Alarm Management Philosophy and justifies need for Alarm management philosophy to ensure implementation of efficient DCS alarm system and thereby achieving safe and smooth operation of facility.