On the use of automated HAZOP analysis software
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I have read many papers on automated or semi-automated HAZOP analysis software, such as HAZOPExpert and DAHAZID; many of these programs were developed over a decade ago, using databases and automatic inference engines to identify possible abnormal causes for deviations in process variables as well as the adverse consequences resulting from them. I previously joined a group that used HAZOP; after trying the trial version, I found that although it is also software designed to assist with HAZOP analysis, it is not \"automated\". It merely provides a large database of expert knowledge and recommendations, and analysts still need to manually select from this database the causes and consequences of deviations for each variable. I understand that the recommendations provided in HAZOP analysis can relate to human life safety, so it is not possible to rely solely on software; therefore, I would like to find out on this forum what attitude current chemical plants have toward the use of truly \"automated\" HAZOP analysis software Or to put it more directly, will such automated bias inference analysis software be used? :o
I’ve never used this software, so I guess it won’t work. First of all, you definitely have to enter a lot of information: MSDS data, chemical reaction matrices, process parameters, equipment parameters, relevant intentions, determination of node selection, and deviation analysis. Estimates of electrons cannot assess the risk level, nor can they necessarily provide effective measures. A check to identify and fix deficiencies is fine, but if you rely entirely on software, I think it’s better not to do it at all.
Thank you very much for your reply! I saw an article by Professor Venkatasubramanian from Purdue University that mentioned that in the process of conducting HAZOP analyses for different factories, 70% of the tasks involve repetitive steps, while only 30% require discussions tailored to the specific characteristics of each factory. Therefore, I believe that even after software development, a tool that serves as an aid to human workers can handle those 70% of repetitive tasks, allowing expert teams to focus more of their attention on those 30% of specific issues.
Since I don’t have much experience in engineering, from reading literature I understand that the assessment of risk levels in manual HAZOP is also carried out based on expert experience and risk matrices, right? Can risk level assessment be achieved by inputting expert experience into a database?
The HAZOP analysis software with a large database of experience and numerous suggestions mentioned by the original poster is likely HAZOPkit developed by Hangzhou Haopeng Technology. There are mainly two types of HAZOP analysis software abroad: 1) document-based software such as PHA-work, and 2) intelligent software such as those based on the SDG model. Record-based software has a clear advantage over EXCEL spreadsheets in improving data entry efficiency, but it cannot help analysts think creatively. The SDG intelligent software claims to handle 70% of the routine analyses, while the remaining 30% still requires expert judgment. The downside is that a model needs to be established before analysis, and creating such a model requires not only specialized personnel but also a significant amount of time. The author’s question is whether HAZOP software is automated or knowledge-guided The HAZOP analysis method is a process involving discussions among multidisciplinary teams; what role should software play during these discussions? We believe that software cannot replace the manual HAZOP analysis process; therefore, software is merely a 【tool】. HAZOP analysis kit. This analysis tool should provide some guidance based on knowledge during the HAZOP analysis, helping to stimulate the thinking of those participating in the meeting, which is in line with the core idea of brainstorming in the HAZOP method. That’s why a very comprehensive [Home Building Experience Database] is built into the software. Second, manual HAZOP analysis involves a huge amount of work, tight deadlines, and high costs. Software is needed to quickly and efficiently record the information discussed in meetings; tests have shown that it can save more than 50% of time only in terms of generating reports. Thirdly, software can be used to standardize the analysis process and help in a better understanding of the HAZOP method. Fourth, establish the company’s own HAZOP analysis team. Software is a carrier of knowledge and experience
Based on comprehensive research, the HAZOPkit software is a knowledge-guided analysis tool that relies on expert experience databases; it is also the first software in China to adopt this concept. Currently, most HAZOP software available on the market is moving in this direction. On the other hand, the HAZOPkit software is a practical HAZOP analysis tool that continuously improves the database of expert knowledge throughout its use, thereby enhancing the functions of the HAZOP analysis software. The product manager at Haopeng Technology has been involved in hundreds of HAZOP projects, acting as the recorder for clients and experiencing the potential issues that may arise during the practical application of the software.
Risk assessments such as those conducted in HAZOP analyses are determined based on 【probability】 and 【consequences】. In the trial version you used previously, it should have been possible to see that each database contained corresponding 【failure data】 for reference, and this failure data can then be correlated with probabilities. Secondly, the determination of consequences must be based on actual conditions; if quantification is desired, consequence simulation software such as ALOHA in the United States must be used for analysis. Once these two aspects are determined, the risk level can be identified. As for the risk matrix, those recommended in the HAZOP application guidelines or LOPA application guidelines can be used……
GeLue RiskCloud is a risk analysis software independently developed by Shanghai GeLue Software Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “GeLue”) (**Patent: CN201710121334 – A custom risk analysis method**). RiskCloud is the only risk analysis software in the world to date that integrates web-based HDM custom analysis methods, intelligent HAZOP analysis and LOPA rating, as well as SIL assessment based on the Markov algorithm (SIL verification and SIL calculation). GeLueo RiskCloud possesses core technologies that have been independently developed by GeLueo and cannot be imitated or replicated, including but not limited to the following: 1. Data structure configuration (the core HDM technology related to custom analysis methods). The columns required for HAZOP analysis, LOPA grading, and SIL verification (SIL validation, SIL calculation), as well as the logical relationships between these columns (which constitute HDM), are all managed through GeLueo RiskCloud’s data structure configuration function. 2. Multiple analysis interface configurations: Utilize RiskCloud’s interface configuration feature to set up the analysis interfaces required by the software. 3. Various formula settings such as LOPA classification and SIL (calculation) verification; for the configuration of LOPA calculation formulas, SIL verification formulas (SIL verification, SIL calculation) are used to invoke the underlying Markov algorithm, which then returns the results of the SIL verification.