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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Hafed Touahar, Nouara Ouazraoui, Nor El Houda Khanfri, Mourad Korichi, Bilal Bachi and Houcem Eddine Boukrouma

The main objective of safety instrumented systems (SISs) is to maintain a safe condition of a facility if hazardous events occur. However, in some cases, SIS's can be activated…

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of safety instrumented systems (SISs) is to maintain a safe condition of a facility if hazardous events occur. However, in some cases, SIS's can be activated prematurely, these activations are characterized in terms of frequency by a Spurious Trip Rate (STR) and their occurrence leads to significant technical, economic and even environmental losses. This work aims to propose an approach to optimize the performances of the SIS by a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The optimization of SIS performances is performed using the multi-objective genetic algorithm by minimizing their probability of failure on demand PFDavg, Spurious Trip Rate (STR) and Life Cycle Costs (LCCavg). A set of constraints related to maintenance costs have been established. These constraints imply specific maintenance strategies which improve the SIS performances and minimize the technical, economic and environmental risks related to spurious shutdowns. Validation of such an approach is applied to an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) of the blower section of an industrial facility (RGTE- In Amenas).

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization of SIS performances is performed using the multi-objective genetic algorithm by minimizing their probability of failure on demand PFDavg, Spurious Trip Rate (STR) and Life Cycle Costs (LCCavg). A set of constraints related to maintenance costs have been established. These constraints imply specific maintenance strategies which improve the SIS performances and minimize the technical, economic and environmental risks related to spurious shutdowns. Validation of such an approach is applied to an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) of the blower section of an industrial facility (RGTE- In Amenas).

Findings

A case study concerning a safety instrumented system implemented in the RGTE facility has shown the great applicability of the proposed approach and the results are encouraging. The results show that the selection of a good maintenance strategy allows a very significant minimization of the PFDavg, the frequency of spurious trips and Life Cycle Costs of SIS.

Originality/value

The maintenance strategy defined by the system designer can be modified and improved during the operational phase, in particular safety systems. It constitutes one of the least expensive investment strategies for improving SIS performances. It has allowed a considerable minimization of the SIS life cycle costs; PFDavg and the frequency of spurious trips.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2022

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The chemical plant (CP) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by process designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of model checking…

Abstract

Purpose

The chemical plant (CP) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by process designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of model checking (MC) on the durability’s performance and design of plant control instrument. This main problem has been termed as imperfect maintenance actions (IMAs) level. Although IMAs have been explored in interdisciplinary maintenance environments, less is known about what imperfect maintenance problems currently exist and what their causes are, such as the recent explosion in the Beirut city (4 August 2020, about 181 fatalities). The aim of this paper is to identify how CP maintenance environments could integrate MC within their processes.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, a comprehensive literature review of the existing conceptualisation of MC practices is reviewed and the main features of information and communication technology tools and techniques currently being employed on such IMA projects are carried out and synthesised into a conceptual framework for integrating MC in the automation system process.

Findings

The literature reveals that various CP designers conceptualise MC in different ways. MC is commonly shaped by long-term compliance to fulfil the requirement for maintaining a comfortable durability risk on imperfect maintenance schemes of CP projects. Also, there is a lack of common approaches for integrating the delivery process of MC. The conceptual framework demonstrates the importance of early integration of MC in the design phase to identify alternative methods to cogenerate, monitor and optimise MC.

Originality/value

Thus far, this study advances the knowledge about how CP maintenance environments can ensure MC delivery. This paper highlights the need for further research to integrate MC in CP maintenance environments. A future study could validate the framework across the design phase with different CP project designers.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2019

Nouara Ouazraoui and Rachid Nait-Said

The purpose of this paper is to validate a fuzzy risk graph model through a case study results carried out on a safety instrumented system (SIS).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate a fuzzy risk graph model through a case study results carried out on a safety instrumented system (SIS).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on an inference fuzzy system and deals with uncertainty data used as inputs of the conventional risk graph method. The coherence and redundancy of the developed fuzzy rules base are first verified in the case study. A new fuzzy model is suggested for a multi-criteria characterization of the avoidance possibility parameter. The fuzzy safety integrity level (SIL) is determined for two potential accident scenarios.

Findings

The applicability of the proposed fuzzy model on SIS shows the importance and pertinence of the proposed fuzzy model as decision-making tools in preventing industrial hazards while taking into consideration uncertain aspects of the data used on the conventional risk graph method. The obtained results show that the use of continuous fuzzy scales solves the problem of interpreting results and provides a more flexible structure to combine risk graph parameters. Therefore, a decision is taken on the basis of precise integrity level values and protective actions in the real world are suggested.

Originality/value

Fuzzy logic-based safety integrity assessment allows assessment of the SIL in a more realistic way by using the notion of the linguistic variable for representing information that is qualitative and imprecise and, therefore, ensures better decision making on risk prevention.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2021

Yue Wang and Sai Ho Chung

This study is a systematic literature review of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in safety-critical systems. The authors aim to present the current application…

1260

Abstract

Purpose

This study is a systematic literature review of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in safety-critical systems. The authors aim to present the current application status according to different AI techniques and propose some research directions and insights to promote its wider application.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 92 articles were selected for this review through a systematic literature review along with a thematic analysis.

Findings

The literature is divided into three themes: interpretable method, explain model behavior and reinforcement of safe learning. Among AI techniques, the most widely used are Bayesian networks (BNs) and deep neural networks. In addition, given the huge potential in this field, four future research directions were also proposed.

Practical implications

This study is of vital interest to industry practitioners and regulators in safety-critical domain, as it provided a clear picture of the current status and pointed out that some AI techniques have great application potential. For those that are inherently appropriate for use in safety-critical systems, regulators can conduct in-depth studies to validate and encourage their use in the industry.

Originality/value

This is the first review of the application of AI in safety-critical systems in the literature. It marks the first step toward advancing AI in safety-critical domain. The paper has potential values to promote the use of the term “safety-critical” and to improve the phenomenon of literature fragmentation.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 122 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

Hanane Omeiri, Brahim Hamaidi, Fares Innal and Yiliu Liu

The purpose of this paper is to check the consistency of the IEC 61508 standard formula related to the average failure frequency (PFH: the probability of dangerous failure per…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check the consistency of the IEC 61508 standard formula related to the average failure frequency (PFH: the probability of dangerous failure per hour) for a commonly used safety instrumented system (SIS) architecture in the process industry: 2-out-of-3 voting (2oo3), also known as Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR).

Design/methodology/approach

IEC 61508 standard provided PFH formulas for different SIS architectures, without explanations, assuming that the SIS puts the equipment under control into a safe state on the detection of dangerous failure. This assumption renders the use of classical reliability approaches such as fault trees and reliability block diagrams impractical for PFH calculation. That said, the consistency verification was performed thanks to a dynamic and flexible reliability approach, namely Markov chains following these steps: (1) developing the multi-phase Markov chains (MPMC) model for 2oo3 configuration, (2) deducing the related classical Markov chains (CMC) model and (3) deriving a new PFH formula for the 2oo3 architecture based on the CMC model and thoroughly comparing it to that given in the IEC 61508. Moreover, 2oo3 architecture has been modeled through Petri nets for numerical comparison purposes. That comparison has been carried out between the numerical results obtained from IEC 61508 formula, the newly derived formula, Markov chains and Petri nets models.

Findings

The newly obtained formula for 2oo3 configuration contains extra terms compared with the IEC 61508 one. Therefore, this latter formula induces an underestimated PFH results, which is dangerous from a safety point of view. This fact was corroborated by the numerical comparison.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not consider the different configurations given in IEC 61508.

Originality/value

In our knowledge, no verification works have been conducted before on the IEC 61508 PFH formulas with shutdown capability. Therefore, the nonaccuracy of the PFH formula related to the 2oo3 has not been stated before. This paper proposes a new and more accurate formula.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2023

Daas Samia and Innal Fares

This study aims to improve the reliability of emergency safety barriers by using the subjective safety analysis based on evidential reasoning theory in order to develop on a…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to improve the reliability of emergency safety barriers by using the subjective safety analysis based on evidential reasoning theory in order to develop on a framework for optimizing the reliability of emergency safety barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergency event tree analysis is combined with an interval type-2 fuzzy-set and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. In order to the quantitative data is not available, this study based on interval type2 fuzzy set theory, trapezoidal fuzzy numbers describe the expert's imprecise uncertainty about the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers related to the liquefied petroleum gas storage prevent. Fuzzy fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered weighted average aggregation are used to address uncertainties in emergency safety barrier reliability assessment. In addition, a critical analysis and some corrective actions are suggested to identify weak points in emergency safety barriers. Therefore, a framework decisions are proposed to optimize and improve safety barrier reliability. Decision-making in this framework uses evidential reasoning theory to identify corrective actions that can optimize reliability based on subjective safety analysis.

Findings

A real case study of a liquefied petroleum gas storage in Algeria is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results show that the proposed methodology provides the possibility to evaluate the values of the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the fuzzy failure probabilities using the fuzzy type-2 AHP method are the most reliable and accurate. As a result, the improved fault tree analysis can estimate uncertain expert opinion weights, identify and evaluate failure probability values for critical basic event. Therefore, suggestions for corrective measures to reduce the failure probability of the fire-fighting system are provided. The obtained results show that of the ten proposed corrective actions, the corrective action “use of periodic maintenance tests” prioritizes reliability, optimization and improvement of safety procedures.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps to determine the safest and most reliable corrective measures to improve the reliability of safety barriers. In addition, it also helps to protect people inside and outside the company from all kinds of major industrial accidents. Among the limitations of this study is that the cost of corrective actions is not taken into account.

Originality/value

Our contribution is to propose an integrated approach that uses interval type-2 fuzzy sets and AHP method and emergency event tree analysis to handle uncertainty in the failure probability assessment of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the integration of fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered averaging aggregation helps to improve the reliability of the fire-fighting system and optimize the corrective actions that can improve the safety practices in liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 August 2022

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The green building (GB) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of building information…

Abstract

Purpose

The green building (GB) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of building information modelling based model checking (BMC) to the competency's performance and design knowledge of building control instrument. This main problem has been termed as maintenance planning level. Although maintenance planning has been explored in GB maintenance environments, less is known about what maintenance planning problems currently exist and what their causes are, such as the recent fire in the Grenfell Tower (14 June 2017, about 80 fatalities) in North Kensington, West London. The aim of this paper is to identify how GB maintenance environments could integrate BMC within their processes. The purpose of this study is to assess the BMC technology management of GB maintenance ecosystem and that of a soft skills level to establish the impact of innovation policy features on database and safety risk function mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, a comprehensive literature review of the existing conceptualisation of BMC practices is reviewed and the main features of Information and Communication Technology tools and techniques currently being employed on such GB maintenance ecosystem is carried out to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the previous studies. The conceptual framework explores the importance of integration of BMC in the construction phase to identify alternative methods in the automation system (AS) process to co-generate, monitor and optimise BMC.

Findings

The results confirm that BMC tool positively influences database application and risk mechanism of construction project safety while agreeableness negatively does. Besides, database application has a negative influence on innovation policy of company towards BMC implementation. Propositions derived not only shed light on guidance for future research on the soft skills of construction organisations, but also provide decision-making support through a better understanding of the factors affecting soft skills level amongst biggest construction companies.

Originality/value

Thus far, this study advances the knowledge about how GB maintenance environments can ensure BMC delivery. This paper highlights the need for further research to integrate BMC in GB maintenance environments validates the framework across the construction phase with different GB project managers and engineers.

Details

Open House International, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2012

Stig Ole Johnsen

The purpose of this paper is to support the implementation of safety and security guidelines in the Norwegian oil and gas industry and verify the actual use of the guidelines by…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support the implementation of safety and security guidelines in the Norwegian oil and gas industry and verify the actual use of the guidelines by industry and authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research approach was used, exploring organisational learning as described by Argyris and Schon and by Nonaka and Takeuchi as “The knowledge‐creating company.” Interviews (analysis of interviews), workshops and reviews of guidelines and audits were performed in addition to “learning workshops” trying to create understanding and compliance related to the guidelines among industry and authorities.

Findings

The guideline OLF104 is used in the Norwegian oil and gas industry, by operators and by suppliers and checked through audits. However, the guideline should influence working procedures at operators more. The guideline seems to have improved resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of the guideline on safety and security should be more systematically assessed. It is suggested that improvement of experience and knowledge related to safety, security and resilience of distributed control systems could improve the guidelines.

Social implications

The paper shows that there is improved awareness, safety, security and resilience when process control systems are integrated with ICT systems.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is the exploration of a broad‐based action‐based approach, involving key stakeholders in a structured manner, to improve practices and facilitate implementation of safety and security guidelines. The contribution is also an empirical documentation of the implementation of key issues of security and safety in guidelines between two different areas of competence, ICT and process control. The paper will be of interest to the key stakeholders: the industry, authorities and the media.

Details

Information Management & Computer Security, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-5227

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Zul-Atfi Ismail

Green building (GB) maintenance is increasingly accepted in the construction industry, so it can now be interpreted as an industry best practice for maintenance planning. However…

Abstract

Purpose

Green building (GB) maintenance is increasingly accepted in the construction industry, so it can now be interpreted as an industry best practice for maintenance planning. However, the performance competency and design knowledge of the practice's building control instrument process can be affected by its evaluation and the information management of building information modelling (BIM)–based model checking (BMC). These maintenance-planning problems have not yet been investigated in instances such as the Grenfell Tower fire (14 June 2017, approximately 80 fatalities) in North Kensington, West London.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a theoretical framework for analysing the existing conceptualisation of BIM tools and techniques based on a critical review of GB maintenance environments. These are currently employed on GB maintenance ecosystems embedded in project teams that can affect BMC practices in the automation system process. In order to better understand how BMC is implemented in GB ecosystem projects, a quantitative case study is conducted in the Malaysian public works department (Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR)).

Findings

GB ecosystem projects were not as effective as planned due to safety awareness, design planning, inadequate track insulation, environmental (in) compatibility and inadequate building access management. Descriptive statistics and an ANOVA were applied to analyse the data. The study is reinforced by a process flow, which is transformed into a theoretical framework.

Originality/value

Industry practitioners can use the developed framework to diagnose BMC application issues and leverage the staff competency inherent in an ecosystem to plan GB maintenance environments successfully.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2020

Mouloud Bourareche, Rachid Nait Said, Fatiha Zidani and Nouara Ouazraoui

The purpose of this paper is to show the impact of operational and environmental conditions (risk influencing factors) on the component criticality of safety barriers, safety

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the impact of operational and environmental conditions (risk influencing factors) on the component criticality of safety barriers, safety barrier performance and accidents frequency and therefore on risk levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology focuses on the integration of criticality importance analysis in barrier and operational risk analysis method, abbreviated as BORA-CIA. First, the impact of risk influencing factors (RIFs) associated with basic events on safety barrier performance and accident frequency is studied, and then, a risk evaluation is performed. Finally, how unacceptable risks can be mitigated regarding risk criteria is analyzed.

Findings

In the proposed approach (BORA-CIA), the authors show how specific installation conditions influence risk levels and analyze the prioritization of components to improve safety barrier performance in oil and gas process.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology seems to be a powerful tool in risk decision. Ordering components of safety barriers taking into account RIFs allow maintenance strategies to be undertaken according to the real environment far from average data. Also, maintenance costs would be estimated adequately.

Originality/value

In this paper, an improved BORA method is developed by incorporating CIA. More precisely, the variability of criticality importance factors of components is used to analyze the prioritization of maintenance actions in an operational environment.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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