At every facility, there is a point during the process hazard analysis when the team inevitably dives into “the black hole” of flare/relief/scrubber systems. Following strict HAZOP analysis methodology, a team documents all deviations from normal operating limits. However, with most relief systems, this leaves the team facing numerous causes, and with each source, having…
When performing a process hazard analysis (PHA), often people of different positions and specializations are gathered in the meeting room to assess the chosen process on its safety and ability to safeguard against inherent hazards. These groups can include personnel from maintenance, operations, engineering, HS&E (Health, Safety, and Environmental), and management. This diversity of thought…
I have worked in the PSM consulting business for close to 20 years. When I graduated from college, I did not set out to be a PSM engineer or consultant. PSM was in its formal infancy when I started my career as a chemical engineer with Rohm and Haas. I was fortunate that Rohm and…
Engineers have a bad rap regarding crimes against the literary world. While it may be true a good percentage of the time that engineers prefer to use their writing implements to solve an equation rather than pen a technical masterpiece of prose, it is not an absolute fact that all engineers create a vacuum when…
From previous blog entries, some of you know I respect the annual personal or professional reset brought about by the turning of the calendar page from December to January. A new year is as good a time as any to reflect on years past and look forward to years future with the intent of centering…
For facilities having to comply with the 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) mandate of 1992, Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) are required to be revalidated every five years after the initial effort. To refresh your memory, the mandate requires that Process Safety Information (PSI) be compiled and verified as accurate prior to conducting the initial PHA.…
A scenario recently came up in one of our HAZOP / LOPA studies that made me question how well our industry risk assesses utility systems.
You never know when a smile will turn into a long-lasting memory, but I guarantee you that engaging a screen for hours will not make it to your Top Ten Favorite Memories list when you are 20 or 30 or 50 or 70. Memories are made in real life.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller The personal significance of the above quote from one of my favorite movies has evolved since my high school days. In high school, Ferris’ wisdom was a good reminder to get my head…
One of the challenges in relief valve sizing is ensuring the stability of the relief valve.
