Chemical Processing-August 2008

An ongoing process Deming believed that experience by itself teaches nothing and that data without context are meaningless. Information gained from experience must be interpreted against a framework of expected behavior, equipment design and operating performance. But experience isn’t always the best teacher. Without an understanding of the underlying root causes, raw data can be misinterpreted, creating a flawed view of reality. Only data understood within their proper context provide a solid foundation for safe operation. New information identifies the need for new metrics, which point to additional improvement opportunities. Accidents are prevented when safety issues are approached from a quality perspective. Plan, Do, Check and Act phases are essential for maintaining safe and reliable operation. Use a management system supported with metrics to establish targets and monitor performance against policies, practices and procedures. Conduct periodic gap analysis to verify that actual performance exceeds expectations established in hazard analysis and design. Close performance gaps with action plans that reduce risk and prevent accidents. ANGELA E. SUMMERS, PhD, PE, is president of SIS-TECH Solutions, LP, Houston, Texas. WILLIAM H. HEARN, PE, is a senior consultant at the firm. E-mail them at asummers@sis-tech.com and whearn@sis-tech.com. MONITOR VISCOSITY SIMPLY Sense Motor Horsepower with Universal Power Cell EASY INSTALLATION • No holes in tanks or pipes • Away from sensitive processes VERSATILE • One size adjusts for motors, from small up to 150 HP • Works on 3 phase, fixed or variable frequency, DC and single phase power SENSITIVE • 10 times more sensitive than just sensing amps CONVENIENT OUTPUTS • For meters, controllers, computers 4-20 milliamps, 0-10 volts CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE 30-DAY TRIAL 888-600-3247 references 1. Deming, W. E., “Out of Crisis,” MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. (1986). 2. “Guidelines for Safe and Reliable Instrumented Protective Systems,” American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York (2007). 3. “Functional Safety: Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industry Sector,” ANSI/ISA 84.00.01-2004, Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, Research Triangle Park, N.C. (2004). 4. Deming, W. E., “The New Economics for Industry, Government, Education,” 2nd ed., MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. (2000). 5. “Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures, Second Edition with Worked Examples,” American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York (1992). 6. “Layer of Protection Analysis: a Simplified Risk Assessment Approach,” American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York (2001). 7. “Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF) — Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Evaluation Techniques,” ISA TR84.00.02, Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, Research Triangle Park, N.C. (2002). 8. “Guidelines for the Implementation of ANSI/ISA 84.00.01-2004 (IEC 61511),” ISA TR84.00.04, Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society, Research Triangle Park, N.C. (2005). 9. “Process Safety Leading and Lagging Metrics,” proposed metrics for review published on www.aiche.org, Center for Chemical Process Safety, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York (Jan 2008). WWW.LOADCONTROLS.COM http://www.westernstates.com http://www.westernstates.com http://www.aiche.org http://WWW.LOADCONTROLS.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chemical Processing-August 2008

Chemical Processing- August 2008 Contents From the Editor ChemicalProcessing.com Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor Protect your Plant What’s on Tap for Water? Keep Operations Safe Polystyrene Plant Gains Extra Output and More Process Puzzler Plant InSites Equipment & Services Adlits Product Spotlight/Classifieds Ad Index End Point

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.