Process Hazard Analysis

Pressurized fluids of any kind pose unique risks of energy release or combustion events. Process hazards analysis (PHA) is the systematic method of identifying, evaluating, and controlling these hazards. WHA’s can lead your PHA from start to finish or serve as subject matter experts (SMEs) within your team.

Process Hazard Analysis Methods

Some of the process hazards analysis methods used to date include:

• Hazards and Operability Studies (HAZOP)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Hazard Identification (HAZID)
• Structured What-IF Technique (SWIFT)
• Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
• Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA)

Specialized Tools

Standard process hazards analysis methods can be supplemented by specialized tools like:

Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Like a car engine, pressure componentry can break down, and it’s critical to understand how a pressure system will respond when a component fails to operate as designed. A Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is an in-depth review that considers a system’s design and methodically identifies all credible single-point failure modes (SPFs) and their potential effects on the system and its surroundings.

An FMEA is often included as part of a system-level or component-level OFRA or HCRA to ensure that failure modes do not produce additional oxygen hazards.

The following are examples of common failure modes in pressure-system equipment for consideration based on component type:

  • Pressure Regulator: Fail Open, Fail Closed, Oscillates, External Leakage, Internal Leakage
  • Filter: Clogs, Passes Contaminants
  • Relief Valve, Burst Disc: External Leakage, Fail to Relieve, Fail Open
  • Check Valve: Fail Open, Fail Closed, External Leakage, Internal Leakage
  • Quick Disconnect: Fail to Separate, Separate Prematurely, Leak Before/After Disconnect
  • Manual Valve: Fail Open, Fail Closed, External Leakage, Internal Leakage
  • Pump: Fail On, Fail Off
  • Flow Meter: Erroneous High Indication, Erroneous Low Indication
  • Orifice: Clog
  • Flex Hose: External Leakage
  • Heat Exchanger: External Leakage, Internal Leakage

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