For chemical processors, assuring safe operations is always top of mind. In this Chemical Processing Special Report we take a look at three distinct areas of operations and steps to insure best safety practices in each.
- HIPS for Reactive Processes – how this safety-instrumented systems offer advantages over pressure relief valves
- HART DIAGNOSTICS - in safety instrumented system (SIS) field devices have been used for many years by several different SIS vendors. HART diagnostics provide much more information on the health of a field device than can be determined from a standard 4–20 mA signal.
- Proof testing - how this modern method improves efficiency, reduces errors, and meets compliance requirements
Process design and process safety are critical considerations in chemical production and processing. With design and safety paramount at the outset of any new development or equipment retrofit, firms can minimize risk exposure, maximize productivity and position themselves to remain compliant and competitive. Whether retrofit or new, chemical processing is continually challenged by combustible dust. Combustible dust can pose a hidden hazard when accumulation occurs in unseen locations such as in mechanical spaces, above false ceiling, ventilation systems and dust collection systems. In this Chemical Processing Powder eHandbook, we take a look at strategies and solutions for mitigating combustible dust hazards including:
- Identifying hidden hazards - a case study outlining how a facility finds danger from accumulated dust and effectively addresses it
- Powder flowability - how new measurement methods now make it easier to evaluate flow
- Process safety - properly designed weigh model can optimize safety and improve efficiency
- A multivariate approach to powder processing - an overview of several methods that can help determine which powder properties have the greatest influence on performance
Learn how to preclude powder problems. Download your copy of this Chemical Processing Powder eHandbook now.11/11/2014
Systems are becoming more complex. This complexity is changing the nature of the accidents and losses we are experiencing. Process design and process safety are critical considerations in chemical production and processing. With design and safety paramount at the outset of any new development or equipment retrofit, firms can minimize risk exposure, maximize productivity and position themselves to remain compliant and competitive. Advanced automation technologies continue to drive productivity improvements. In this Chemical Processing Improve Plant Safety eHandbook, we provide tips for safer processing including:
- The role of senior management including six important steps senior management should take to insure safer processing
- Optimizing process safety and efficiency through modern weighing design
- The fundamentals of blast-resistant building
Download your copy of this Chemical Processing Improve Plant Safety eHandbook now.10/22/2014
Sponsored By: Parker
Chemical plants vary widely in size and complexity yet share common goals for maximizing efficiency safely and cost effectively. This Chemical Processing Special Report tackles two areas in chemical processing - compressed air systems and powder handling - where gains can be achieved for improving efficiency. We also address the concerns of safety as it relates to drying compressed air in hazardous atmospheres.
- Whether compressed air systems are centrifugal, rotary screw, reciprocating compressors or a combination, this Special Report provides and understanding of what’s involved in getting a suitable supply of compressed air.
- Efficient powder handling can be achieved through optimized humidity management.
- Safe drying practices in hazardous air locations
In the decade before Stuxnet attacked process control systems in Iran, there were just five known supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) vulnerabilities for all control systems in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT). In 2011, the year after Stuxnet, that vulnerability count jumped to more than 215. Last year, it reached 248 (Figure 1). No surprise then that Chemical makers are increasingly focusing on protecting their process control systems from intrusion both from the inside and outside. In this Chemical Processing Special Report: Secure plan(t), we take a look at:
- How to better protect your control system - “Defense in depth” is crucial, and new and maturing technologies may help
- Cyber Security Challenges – learn about countermeasures to protect control systems
- Case Study: A vulnerability assessment reveals critical gaps in the security of a natural gas pipeline
- How to mitigate security risks in legacy process control systems - several steps can help protect against threats and extend the life of legacy equipment
Major accidents with multiple fatalities continue to occur worldwide in theprocess industries, causing distress to those involved and massive costs to companies. Almost daily, facilities in the process industries face a number of specific major accident hazard scenarios depending upon the nature of the substances they handle and their processing activities. These are caused by known initiating events such as failure of hardware or control systems, or errors by operating or maintenance staff. In this Chemical Processing Process Safety eHandbook, we provide tips for safer processing including:
>> The role of senior management including six important steps senior management should take to insure safer processing
>> Process safety documentation – strategies for ensuring that your documentation is up-to-date and readily accessible09/19/2013
Effectively mixing liquids and solids to create an optimal slurry is one of the perpetual challenges in the chemical industry. This case study demonstrates how an eductor-based mixing system can effectively handle a wide range of materials, utilizing the least amount of floor space, energy and human resources to achieve an optimized process. In addition, the eductor mixing system offers increased efficiencies over a conventional system of mixing by allowing solutions and slurries to be made on demand – as opposed to pre-mixed in large holding tanks. Another important benefit is the system limits exposure to operators, and mitigates issues of delivering solid material in a large vapor space. The design flexibility of an educator-based mixing system offers a high level of customization.05/14/2013
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) have found their niche in the worldwide transportation of powdered, flaked and granulated products. FIBCs are typically made of woven plastic with some type of liner insert and are often referred to as super sacks, big bags or bulk bags in industry. During filling and emptying of FIBCs there is a steady accumulation of static charge that can result in electrostatic discharges from the FIBC. This may in turn provide sufficient energy for ignition of combustible particulate solids or flammable vapors, not to mention unsettling shocks to nearby personnel. In this white paper we review the NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from Combustible Particulate Solids and the importance of why identifying the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of your combustible dust or flammable vapor is a necessary component for selecting the correct FIBC Type for your application. Download now.10/22/2012
Combustible dust explosions are a risk in many areas, but one of the most common locations is the dust collector. This white paper reviews OSHA and NFPA standards, how to identify hazards, and the types of equipment used for explosion protection. It also examines common shortfalls to compliance.09/25/2012
Patching process control system software to remove security vulnerabilities is fraught with risk. System issues can be the result of installing a patch, but a system is also vulnerable without patching. Fortunately, virtual patching can improve the process and raise the system’s security at the same time.09/21/2012
As companies and industries increasingly rely on technology, security risks become greater. With growing numbers of Windows machines and increased scarcity of skilled technical resources, a “perfect storm” of cyber threats in production facilities is looming.09/21/2012
As the security threat landscape continues to evolve, so must your response. With increasing numbers of attempted intrusions, cautionary tales of security breaches and the potential for resulting damages at your site, application whitelisting can be an important addition to your security arsenal.09/21/2012
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard [29 CFR 1910.119(j)] require plant management to identify and address hazards. Further challenging plant management, the mechanical integrity (MI) element of the PSM has been difficult for many facilities to implement. In fact, PSM audits by OSHA have consistently demonstrated that MI accounts for a large number of citations at most facilities. In this Chemical Processing Special Report, we take a look at how to effectively implement strategies to comply with PSM standards including:
- Common piping, hoses and valves hazards – what PHA (Process Handling Analysis) teams should look for to improve the quality of the hazard evaluation
- MI element of PSM – an in-depth look at the stated MI requirements, the perceived interpretation of these requirements and further considerations for identifying your plant’s compliance strategy
- MI implications – the impact MI has on plant’s written procedures, training, inspection & testing, and how equipment deficiencies and quality assurance programs are managed
As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves forward with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), the program continues to evolve. This white paper describes the ongoing CFATS compliance process (which is a combination of technical, procedural, and personnel security) and also provides insight regarding how to develop or revise a comprehensive Site Security Plan (SSP) and prepare for a CFATS Authorization Inspection (AI). Recommendations are relevant to SSPs for all tier levels and should be considered for a facility's initial SSP submission and/or any required SSP resubmission. Download this white paper now: Tips for Inspection and Resubmission.07/25/2012
Combustible dust fires happen in plants everyday. This white paper helps manufacturers learn more about combustible dust hazards and ways to handle combustible dust in your manufacturing plant in order to comply with OSHA's NEP. Learn more about choosing the right cleaning tools for your facility.07/25/2012
The past two years have been a real wakeup call for the industrial automation industry. For the first time ever it has been the target of sophisticated cyber attacks like Stuxnet, Night Dragon and Duqu.
In addition, an unprecedented number of security vulnerabilities have been exposed in industrial control products and regulatory agencies are demanding compliance to complex and confusing regulations. Cyber security has quickly become a serious issue for professionals in the process and critical infrastructure industries.
If you are a process control engineer, an IT professional in a company with an automation division, or a business manager responsible for safety or security, you may be wondering how your organization can get moving on more robust cyber security practices.
In order to provide you with guidance in this area, Tofino Security and exida Consulting LLC have condensed material from numerous industry standards and best practice documents. They also combined experience in assessing the security of dozens of industrial control systems.
The result is an easy-to-follow 7-step process.02/28/2012
Remain informed about adjustments to MTSA and learn how the program continues to evolve. This paper provides regulatory updates on the current state of MTSA and information about Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Find out about new challenges, such as harmonization with Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). The paper also covers the current discussion among industry and government officials regarding the differences associated with the MTSA and CFATS programs, including ways to coordinate chemical security regulations. Learn about TWIC reader pilot program updates, as well as practical tips for compliance. Download MTSA Tips & Updates Paper01/11/2012
In chemicals processing, significant hazards exist -- such as those from fire, explosions or toxic release. The processes themselves, the chemicals being processed and the procedures followed, or lack thereof, can all contribute to the risk exposure of these hazards. What can processors do to mitigate these risks? For chemicals processors, it's crucial to implement processes and solutions to detect and prevent these hazards from occurring in the first place.
Chemical Processing has taken an in-depth look at plant safety -- how to identify the hazards and implement processes and procedures to ensure a safer working environment. This comprehensive Chemical Processing Special Report titled: Improve Plant Safety is now available to download for free.12/14/2011
In March 2008, OSHA reissued its Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) notifying approximately 30,000 companies nationwide that they will be targeted for inspections over the next few years. Mettler Toledo recognizes that many manufacturers are not up-to-date on the latest hazardous area compliance regulations or may not know that their industry is subject to those regulations. Don't wait until your facility receives a surprise visit from OSHA or worse yet, for a catastrophic incident to occur. Take the proactive approach to addressing the "hazardous area advisory level" in your facility.09/20/2010
Working on your Site Security Plan (SSP)? The next stage in the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) compliance process requires covered facilities to submit a SSP. Given the importance of the SSP, covered facilities should address a number of factors while they complete this step in the CFATS regulation. Download this complimentary whitepaper now: Ten Tips for Completing your SSP.03/10/2010