Addressing emerging risks using carbon capture and storage as an example

The European iNTeg-Risk project is a large-scale integrated project aimed at improving the management of emerging risks related to new technologies in European industry. The project aims to build a new management paradigm for emerging risks as a set of principles supported by a common language, agreed tools and methods, and key performance indicators, all integrated into a single framework. It is using a number of Emerging Risk Representative Applications (ERRAs), or case studies, to inform the development of the framework; one of which concerns the carbon capture and storage (CCS) process.This paper describes the iNTeg-Risk CCS ERRA. Relevant hazards and properties of carbon dioxide are described and the emerging risks from CCS are discussed. Three new tools have been developed or trialled within the ERRA. These are: the DyPASI methodology for taking account of atypical (not usually identified) events during hazard identification; a methodology for including the time dimension in a risk assessment; and life-cycle approaches for risk management and communication. For CCS, the risk assessment needs to include both short-term potential accidents from capture, transport or injection, as well as very long-term risks from storage. Knowledge gaps which are generic to emerging risks are also identified.     

Qualitative risk assessment of a Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system for heavy-duty trucks

A Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system can be applied to heavy-duty diesel trucks for achieving environmental benefits in comparison to existing diesel vehicles. Because of lack of reports about risk assessment of this technology, we performed a qualitative assessment based on a framework of some literature techniques for risk identification, analysis and evaluation. After constructing a Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) to establish the context, we conducted bow-tie analysis, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), likelihood and consequence analysis, and used a risk matrix. We applied these methods and techniques qualitatively to identify causes (e.g. collisions), critical events (e.g. releases of natural gas), related consequences (e.g. fires and explosions), and different possible pathways from a specific cause to its consequence, and to assess some negative accident scenarios related to use and parking of the vehicle. The bow-tie analysis also allowed to make explicit barriers and controls that prevent critical events and/or mitigate consequences. Therefore, we identified a set of safety measures, including design, technical, management, and emergency actions, which shall be implemented in each step of the system's life cycle.Our risk assessment showed that the risk level of the Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system is similar to the risk level of a traditional diesel system. Future research will overcome current lack of data and, therefore, permit a quantitative rating of the risk of the Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system.     

A fuzzy risk assessment approach for occupational hazards in the construction industry

The techniques in the construction industry have been improved due to the rapid development of science and technology. However, the constructional hazards are not decreased as expected. To reduce or prevent occupational hazards in the construction industry, a fuzzy risk assessment method was proposed to provide a prevention and improvement technique against occupational hazards. This method used two-stage quality function deployment (QFD) tables to represent the relationships among construction items, hazard types and hazard causes. A fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) method was developed to identify important hazard types and hazard causes. Failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA) was performed to assess the risk value of hazard causes based on the fuzzy inference approach. The proposed method was applied to a telecom engineering company in southern Taiwan. The performance evaluation result indicated that this method can provide satisfactory risk assessment values of hazard causes and relevant improvement strategies.     

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis using an integrated approach of clustering and MCDM under pythagorean fuzzy environment

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is an effective risk analysis and failure avoidance approach in the design, process, services, and system. With all its benefits, FMEA has three limitations: failure mode risk assessment and prioritization, complex FMEA worksheets, and difficult application of FMEA tables. This paper seeks to overcome the shortcomings of FMEA using an integrated approach based on a developed Pythagorean fuzzy (PF) k-means clustering algorithm and a popular MCDM method called PF-VIKOR. In the first step, Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs) were used to collect Severity (S), Occurrence (O), and Detection (D) factors for failure modes to incorporate uncertainty and fuzziness into subjective judgments. Afterward, failure modes were clustered by developing a novel k-means clustering algorithm that accepts PFNs as input. Finally, the PF-VIKOR approach was used to analyze the ordering of cluster risks. The proposed approach was implemented in the dehydration unit of an Iranian gas refinery and the results were compared with the traditional FMEA. The findings showed the flexibility and applicability of the proposed approach in addressing real-world problems. This research provides two key contributions: (1) designing a PFN-based k-means clustering algorithm that tackles FMEA limitations and (2) using the PF-VIKOR method for prioritizing and evaluating failure mode clusters.     

国外灾害风险评估模型对比分析

灾害风险评估模型是灾害风险管理的科学工具,为灾害应急管理决策提供技术支持。本文对国外几个应用较为广泛的灾害风险评估模型进行了系统总结,分析了风险评估的基本流程、方法及要点,从评估方法、应用特点、使用效果等多个角度对这些模型的优缺点进行详细的对比分析。同时,总结了灾害风险评估模型具备良好的科学性和实用性应符合的基本原则,并以本文介绍的风险评估模型为例,对其基本原则的符合性进行了对比分析。分析结果表明,灾害风险评估模型只有在科学性与实用性之间获得最佳平衡点,并与应急规划、风险管理与减灾过程充分结合才能获得最佳的应用效果;建立灾害风险评估模型尤其要重视公众充分参与、在风险相关部门和人群中通过风险沟通建立统一的认识、准确界定脆弱性人群、有效解决数学模型或专家判断的不确定性等关键问题。     

基于模糊保护层的池火灾事故风险分析

为计算引发池火灾事故的风险值,提高事故风险的量化水平,判断现有风险控制措施是否满足风险容忍度的要求,为制定减缓风险措施提供依据,给出了新的池火灾风险评估模型。基于传统的保护层分析模型(LOPA),结合模糊集合理论,引入模糊风险矩阵进行风险评估,构建适用于引发池火灾事故的模糊保护层(fL OPA)风险分析模型。该模型的特点是将模糊逻辑和保护层分析结合,减少了传统保护层分析方法计算过程中的不确定性因素,引入严重度减少指数(SRI)概念,使严重度计算、风险评估更加准确。运用该模型对原油储罐泄漏池火灾事故风险进行分析,给出风险决策方案,判断现有保护措施是否能控制风险在可容忍范围内,实例验证了模型的可行性。     

Dynamic-risk-informed safety barrier management: An application to cost-effective barrier optimization based on data from multiple sources

An integrated approach for performance assessment and management of safety barriers in a systemic manner is needed concerning the prevention and mitigation of major accidents in chemical process industries. Particularly, the effects of safety barriers on system risk reduction should be assessed in a dynamic manner to support the decision-making on safety barrier establishments and improvements. A simulation approach, named Simulink-based Safety Barrier Modeling (SSBM), is proposed in this paper to conduct dynamic risk assessment of chemical facilities with the consideration of the degradation of safety barriers. The main functional features of the SSBM include i) the basic model structures of SSBM can be determined based on bow-tie diagrams, ii) multiple data (periodic proof test data, continuous condition-monitoring data, and accident precursor data) may be combined to update barrier failure probabilities and initiating event probabilities, iii) SSBM is able to handle uncertainty propagation in probabilistic risk assessment by using Monte Carlo simulations, and iv) cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and optimization algorithms are integrated to support the decision-making on safety barrier establishments and improvements. An illustrative case study is demonstrated to show the procedures of applying the SSBM on dynamic risk-informed safety barrier management and validate the feasibility of implementing the SSBM for cost-effective safety barrier optimization.     

化工过程中毒事故风险的模糊综合评估

影响化工过程中毒事故风险性的不确定因素较多,其风险具有相对性且大部分因素具有模糊性的特点。为此,笔者建立了化工过程多级多指标中毒事故风险评估指标体系,根据模糊优选理论,提出了中毒事故风险的模糊综合评估模型,运用模糊层次分析法确定各指标权重,结合有关统计数据及工厂实际,对化工过程潜在的中毒事故风险性进行模糊综合评估,所获结果为化工过程中毒事故的综合防治提供了理论依据     

A quantitative risk management framework for dust and hybrid mixture explosions

Dust and hybrid-mixture explosions continue to occur in industrial processes that handle fine powders and flammable gases. Considerable research is therefore conducted throughout the world with the objective of both preventing the occurrence and mitigating the consequences of such events. In the current work, research has been undertaken to help move the field of dust explosion prevention and mitigation from its current emphasis on hazards (with an accompanying reliance on primarily engineered safety features) to a focus on risk (with an accompanying reliance on hierarchical, risk-based, decision-making tools). Employing the principles of quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of dust and hybrid-mixture explosions, a methodological framework for the management of these risks has been developed.The QRA framework is based on hazard identification via credible accident scenarios for dust explosions, followed by probabilistic fault-tree analysis (using Relex – Reliability Excellence – software) and consequence severity analysis (using DESC – Dust Explosion Simulation Code – software). Identification of risk reduction measures in the framework is accomplished in a hierarchical manner by considering inherent safety measures, passive and active engineered devices, and procedural measures (in that order). An industrial case study is presented to show how inherent safety measures such as dust minimization and dust/process moderation can be helpful in reducing dust and hybrid-mixture explosion consequences in a 400-m³ polyethylene storage silo.     

A hybrid decision-making approach based on FCM and MOORA for occupational health and safety risk analysis

IntroductionWith the development of industries and increased diversity of their associated hazards, the importance of identifying these hazards and controlling the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks has also dramatically augmented. Currently, there is a serious need for a risk management system to identify and prioritize risks with the aim of providing corrective/preventive measures to minimize the negative consequences of OHS risks. In fact, this system can help the protection of employees’ health and reduction of organizational costs. Method: The present study proposes a hybrid decision-making approach based on the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM), and Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) for assessing and prioritizing OHS risks. After identifying the risks and determining the values of the risk assessment criteria via the FMEA technique, the attempt is made to determine the weights of criteria based on their causal relationships through FCM and the hybrid learning algorithm. Then, the risk prioritization is carried out using the MOORA method based on the decision matrix (the output of the FMEA) and the weights of the criteria (the output of the FCM). Results: The results from the implementation of the proposed approach in a manufacturing company reveal that the score at issue can overcome some of the drawbacks of the traditional Risk Priority Number (RPN) in the conventional FMEA, including lack of assignment the different relative importance to the assessment criteria, inability to take into account other important management criteria, lack of consideration of causal relationships among criteria, and high dependence of the prioritization on the experts’ opinions, which finally provides a full and distinct risk prioritization.     

基于DHGF算法和三角模糊数的装备研制风险评价

针对风险管理方法难以对装备研制风险进行有效评价的问题,提出基于DHGF算法和三角模糊数的装备研制风险评价方法。运用德尔菲法建立装备研制风险的综合评价指标体系。基于三角模糊数和层次分析法(AHP)计算评价指标的权重。利用灰色系统理论确定评价灰类,计算灰色评价系数,得出灰色评价权向量和权矩阵。形成综合评判矩阵,进行模糊运算,求得综合评价结果。算例表明,该方法可有效用于装备研制风险的评价。     

Investigating new risk reduction and mitigation in the oil and gas industry

The complexity of the processes and the nature of volatile petroleum products urged the oil and gas industry to utilize various risk assessment techniques to identify potential failure modes that can interrupt operation processes. Consequently, government agencies and nonprofit professional societies guide the industry with regulatory guidelines, standards, and best recommended practices to oversee the operations management, assure safe working environment, and contain failures within tolerable limits. Yet, accidents due to electro-mechanical failures still occur and result in various consequences. Accordingly, critics have raised concerns about the petroleum industry's safety and risk mitigation credentials and question its ability to prevent future major accidents. Therefore, new risk assessment tools need to be introduced to provide decision makers and novice engineers with a diverse perception of potential risks. The aim of this paper is verify the application of Risk in Early Design (RED), a product risk assessment tool, in identifying potential failures in the oil and gas industry. Approximately thirty major accident underwent the RED analysis to verify the software's application to identify and rank potential failure modes.     

The use of current risk analysis tools evaluated towards preventing external domino accidents

Risk analysis is an essential tool for company safety policy. Risk analysis consists of identifying and evaluating all possible risks. The efficiency of risk analysis tools depends on the rigueur of identifying and evaluating all possible risks. The diversity in risk analysis procedures is such that there are many appropriate techniques for any circumstance and the choice has become more a matter of taste. In this paper, we examine the risk analysis tools used by 24 chemical plants in Belgium, mainly located in the port of Antwerp, the second largest chemical cluster in the world after Houston, TX, USA. The aim of this paper is to identify the current practice in the chemical industry subject to European Seveso legislation and to examine how the present methods can be integrated to improve safety policy, especially towards preventing major accidents. Moreover, conclusions on the prevention of catastrophic external domino accidents involving several companies are formulated. This paper also gives impulse to investigating cross-company management implementations concerning external domino accident prevention.     

Fuzzy logic for piping risk assessment (pfLOPA)

This paper explores the application of the fuzzy logic for risk assessment of major hazards connected with transportation of flammable substances in long pipelines. As a basis for risk assessment, the framework of the fuzzy Layer of Protection Analysis (fLOPA) was used. fLOPA presents a new approach to risk assessment based on two assumptions: 1. different effects of the layer of protection functions on particular elements of the risks (frequency and severity of consequence), and 2. the application of fuzzy logic system (FLS) composed of three elements: fuzzification, inference process and defuzzification. A further calculation follows LOPA methodology with the use of fuzzy logic system where fuzzy risk matrix is used for risk assessment. A typical case study comprising section of a long pipeline failure is performed and a comparison between the classical LOPA approach and fuzzy approach is made.     

Integrated framework to optimize RAM and cost decisions in a process plant

The research implications of reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) aspects of engineering systems in recent years have increased substantially due to rising operation and maintenance costs. To strike a balance between the two the paper presents a framework which makes use of both qualitative and quantitative techniques to optimize RAM and cost decisions in a process plant. In the quantitative analysis, the imprecise and vague information regarding the system failure behavior is quantified by using the principles of fuzzy mathematics in terms of fuzzy and crisp values. Further, to manage the system reliability for best economic performance a resource optimization model based on multi-stage decision making (MSDM) has been proposed. The model makes use of crisp output values of unit's reliability along with relevant system information (number of components, manpower, cost ranges). In the qualitative analysis the in-depth analysis of the system is carried out using Root Cause analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA). The ambiguities associated with the traditional FMEA are handled using Fuzzy Decision Making System (FDMS) and Grey Relation Analysis (GRA). The suggested framework has been illustrated with the help of a case.     

职业卫生定性风险评价方法的研究

根据风险评价的原理，建立了较为完整的职业卫生定性风险评价方法，为企业进行职业卫生管理提供了充分的依据。此方法利用现场的各种信息对潜在的职业危害风险进行指数分级，在暴露评估过程中包含了危害来源，暴露途径和职业暴露的接受体这三个要素，使企业以此为依据来决定减轻职业危害的控制方法及优先顺序如化学品的替代、工程控制及个体防护用品。     

基于系统动力学的机械制造行业事故危险性综合评价方法研究及应用

为了研究机械制造行业综合危险性,应用系统动力学理论和方法,结合层次分析法(AHP)、预先危险性分析-作业条件危险性评价法(PHA-LEC)、模糊综合评价法以及安全检查表法(SCL)等评价技术,利用仿真技术构造机械行业危险性整体框架,研究机械制造行业突发事故的危险程度,并以"8·2昆山粉尘爆炸事故"作为具体实例,综合评价突发事故的危险性。     

石化企业危险化工工艺风险等级评估指标分解

伴随石化企业的迅猛发展,危险品越来越多,生产条件越来越苛刻,同时带来的是更为重大的风险隐患以及安全事故,因此对危险工艺的风险评估就显得尤为重要.考虑到目前还没有什么好的方法来判别某种工艺就一定是危险化工工艺,因此本文在国家安监总局划分的15种危险化工工艺的基础上,根据危险化工工艺表征涉及的影响因素,结合化工工艺的实际情况,选择具有典型代表意义的重要性评价指标作为研究对象,建立了由67个具体指标形成的动态指标体系,并运用指标分类分解方法对各个指标进行量化,最后采用模糊数学综合评价对危险化工工艺进行了软件化评估,从而为政府和企业加强安全管理提供了便利,进一步实现石化企业的本质安全化.     

基于FMEA和模糊理论的海底管道建造期质量风险分析

为有效控制海底管道建造期间质量风险,采用基于模糊理论的故障模式及影响分析(FMEA)法分析海底管道在此期间众多的质量风险因素。该方法是在传统FMEA方法基础上,结合专家经验和知识确定模糊语言术语集和模糊数,对各风险因素进行模糊评价,根据各风险因素的模糊风险优先度数值(FRPN)进行风险排序,确定涂敷涂层期间需重点关注的风险因素。结果表明:涂层耐阴极剥离、管道腐蚀余量、混凝土抗压强度、密度、涂层张力等性能不满足设计要求是海底管道在涂敷涂层期间质量控制的关键因素。     

Handling and updating uncertain information in bow-tie analysis

Bow-tie analysis is a fairly new concept in risk assessment that can describe the relationships among different risk control parameters, such as causes, hazards and consequences to mitigate the likelihood of occurrence of unwanted events in an industrial system. It also facilitates the performance of quantitative risk analysis for an unwanted event providing a detailed investigation starting from basic causes to final consequences. The credibility of quantitative evaluation of the bow-tie is still a major concern since uncertainty, due to limited or missing data, often restricts the performance of analysis. The utilization of expert knowledge often provides an alternative for such a situation. However, it comes at the cost of possible uncertainties related to incompleteness (partial ignorance), imprecision (subjectivity), and lack of consensus (if multiple expert judgments are used). Further, if the bow-tie analysis is not flexible enough to incorporate new knowledge or evidence, it may undermine the purpose of risk assessment.Fuzzy set and evidence theory are capable of characterizing the uncertainty associated with expert knowledge. To minimize the overall uncertainty, fusing the knowledge of multiple experts and updating prior knowledge with new evidence are equally important in addition to addressing the uncertainties in the knowledge. This paper proposes a methodology to characterize the uncertainties, aggregate knowledge and update prior knowledge or evidence, if new data become available for the bow-tie analysis. A case study comprising a bow-tie for a typical offshore process facility has also been developed to describe the utility of this methodology in an industrial environment.