Functional hazard analysis case studies

New systems or processes may also need to be qualified from an operational safety perspective. This is particularly relevant in the case of chemical synthesis involving exothermic reactions. Critical safety aspects are usually identified using hazard operability or HAZOP assessments and studies. For example, a HAZOP analysis of an exothermic reaction vessel would involve consideration of the consequence of failure of the motors for mixers or circulation pumps for cooling water. Thus, the qualification of such a system would involve checks and assessment to ensure that the system/process can be operated safely and that pressure relief valves or other emergency measures are adequate and functional. 

The assessment of an explosion hazard has to include the close vicinity of the installation or functional unit. In the case of in-house installations the complete room has to be considered. If an existing plant is evaluated, explosion protection measures already installed may not be accounted for in this analysis of an explosion hazard. If they were selected adequately in former times, then the result of the study will reconfirm their necessity. 

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