Low alarms

High/low alanns. A high alarm is generated when the value is greater than or equal to the value specified for the high-alarm limit. A low alarm is generated when the value is less than or equal to the value specified for the low-alarm limit. 

Another serious distraction to a process operator is the multiple alarm event, where a single event within the process results in iTuuti-ple alarms. When the operator must individually acknowledge each alarm, considerable time can be lost in silencing the obnoxious annunciator before the real problem is addressed. Air-handling systems are especially vulnerable to this, where any fluctuation in pressure (for example, resulting from a blower trip) can cause a number of pressure alarms to occur. Point alarms (high alarms, low alarms, status alarms, etc.) are especially vulnerable to the multiple alarm event. This can be addressed in one of two ways ... 

With respect to their response, the discussion should emphasize why these are important anci why they adjust certain control settings. Among the deviations on which analysts should focus the discussion are the high and low alarm settings. Some alarms will require rapid response. Alarms may give insight into equipment-operation boundaries as well as process constraints. 

The oil eoolers and filters are eontrolled by a loeal temperature eontrol loop with remote eontrol room indieation and high/low alarm. The eoolers and filters also have an indieating differential pressure alarm. These usually feed into a eommon high alarm to pre-warn a need for switehing and filter element replaeement. 

If HjS is continuously present in the flare gas or if the flare seal drum also functions as a sour water disengaging drum, then the effluent seal water must be routed to a sour water stripper, desalter, or other safe means of disposal. Withdrawal from the drum is by pump in place of the normal loop seal arrangement. Two pumps are provided one motor driven for normal use, and the other having a steam turbine drive with low pressure cut-in. The seal drum level is controlled by LIC with high and low alarm lights plus an independent high level alarm. 

The FCC process is very complex and many scenarios can upset operations. If the upset condition is not corrected or controlled, each scenario could lead to a reversal. Table 8-1 contains a cause/effect shutdown matrix indicating scenarios in which a shutdown (reversal) could take place. In most cases, a unit shutdown is not necessary if adequate warning (low alarms before low/low shutdowns) is provided. The operating staff must be trained to respond to these warnings. 

Flammable gas detection systems are typically used to initiate an alarm at a concentration level below the lower flammable limit (LFL). Two gas alarm levels (low and high) are often utilized to allow early warning prior to taking automatic actions. Detection systems may also be used to stop electrical power and initiate process shutdown. The low alarm setpoint should be —20% LFL and the high alarm level set point should be between 40%-60% LFL. Where these devices are used to initiate process shutdown or activate fire protection systems, it is common practice to use some form of voting, typically 2 out of 2, such that the frequency of spurious shutdowns or system activation is minimized. 

All controllers suggested for the absorption column feature HIGH and LOW alarms for good control. 

Point alarms (high alarms, low alarms, status alarms, etc.) are especially vulnerable to the multiple-alarm event. This can be addressed in one of two ways ... 

The P and I diagram shows all the components that make up a control loop. For example. Figure 5.8 shows a field-located pressure transmitter connected to a shared display pressure indicator-controller with operator access to adjustments and high and low alarms. The pressure controller sends an electric signal to a fail-closed diaphragm-actuated pressure control valve. 

The team should ask how each deviation outside the safe limits announces itself. Usually high and low alarms are built in to the critical variable instrumentation. These alarms tell the operator that an unsafe condition has occurred, or is developing. In the standard example, a high-level alarm incorporated into LRC-100 would warn the operator of high level in T-KX). 

Enter the milliampere value representing a low alarm state... 

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