Safety systems are designed to prevent unsafe operations from occurring, as well as to safely shut down an operation if an unsafe condition does occur. The goal of a safety system is to prevent loss of containment and protect people, property, and the environment.
Safety interlocks and emergency shutdown (ESD) systems are critical and should be connected and operable whenever a process is in operation. In a very small number of scenarios, however, it may be necessary to bypass or inactivate a safety interlock or ESD system for a short period of time using fully reviewed and approved procedures that implement alternative safeguards.
For example, during a process unit startup, it may be necessary to bypass safeguards until certain operating conditions are reached. This action is incorporated into an approved startup procedure and alternative safeguards are implemented. The procedures typically specify the limiting conditions required for operation without critical safeguards and indicate stringent limits on duration and operating conditions.
Examples of situations where it is appropriate to bypass a safety system are few and in each scenario...
Would you like to access the complete CEP Article?
No problem. You just have to complete the following steps.
You have completed 0 of 2 steps.
-
Log in
You must be logged in to view this content. Log in now.
-
AIChE Membership
You must be an AIChE member to view this article. Join now.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.