PS Analysis
Consequence Analysis
Frequency Analysis
Risk Calculation
Hazard Identification
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System/Process Model Definition/Representation
The system to be analyzed requires a more or less accurate model representation based on the level of detail agreed for the analysis.
A properly scaled representation, including the system/process with the operation to be modeled and its surroundings (expected effect area) is considered the basis for any task related to PS Analysis.
BC uses modern tools with powerful capabilities in the creation, modification, analysis, optimization, and digitization of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings, technical illustrations, vector-based or raster graphics.
These tools ensure the development of accurate and cost-effective 2D and/or 3D model representations.
Some features to be modeled during the system / process representation are:
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Graphical representation of sites, plants, process areas
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Identification of active and passive protection layers
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Characterization of unconfined congested regions
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Characterization of confined regions
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Identification of immediate and delayed ignition sources
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Definition of target locations (including buildings) where specific information is desired
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Definition of weather conditions
Efforts on modeling an accurate representation of the system/process are always justified. Potential future studies will be cost-effective taking advantage of this task when process modifications, updates or any other assessments are required or desired.
Identification of Loss Of Containment Scenarios
BC classifies the Loss Of Containment (LOC) scenarios into two categories: generic and specific scenarios.
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The identification of all type of pieces of process equipment susceptible to release hazardous materials is the main purpose when generic LOCs are intended to be identified. 2D and/or 3D graphical representations of the system are used for identifying pieces of equipment; e.g., 3D process models, plot plans, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), isometrics, etc.
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The identification of process deviations, human errors during the design, operation and maintenance of the process is the main purpose when specific LOCs are intended to be identified. Process Hazard Analysis (PHAs) such as HAZard & OPerability (HAZOP) studies are normally used for this purposes.
Some features to be collected per LOC identified are:
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Location of LOC
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Identification of equipment type
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Equipment inventory and isolation boundaries
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Process conditions associated to the LOC
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Properties of the chemical mixture released
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Selection of representative hole sizes
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Definition of leaks, which can represent credible scenarios and/or worst-case scenarios depending on the main purpose of the study.
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LOCs identified during this task are included in the system/process model, ensuring the complete interaction between the location of hazardous releases with the location of immediate/delayed ignition sources, unconfined congested regions, confined regions, target locations, and active/passive protection layers.