Tipping point: The narrow path between automation acceptance and rejection in air traffic management

Capacity limits on the air traffic management (ATM) system are of global concern. One solution to increase the efficiency of existing ATM system is through the implementation of advanced automation. However, past experience suggests ATCOs are selective and critical about the forms of automation they are given. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if a threshold or tipping point exists, a point after which users (Air Traffic Control Operators; ATCOs) of automation are no longer willing to accept or cooperate with the automation. 500 Air Traffic Control Operators completed an on-line survey that comprised a series of demographic questions as well as two hypothetical but plausible futuristic air traffic management tools. Each tool contained seven different situations involving different levels of automation involvement ranging from fully manual operation to fully automated. Participants were asked to rate on a five point Likert scale the extent to which they agreed with the statements describing their interaction with the new tools. The results revealed a ‘tipping point’ in automation acceptance/rejection reflecting the point where the applied level of automation shifted the locus of decision-making away from the operator. The results are discussed from a theoretical and applied perspective.     

水添加剂作用下自动喷水灭火技术对高空间厂房火灾控火性能的影响

为研究带添加剂（浓度1%）自动喷水灭火技术对高空间厂房火灾控灭火性能的影响,采用标准燃烧物组合替代实际场所中的可燃物品,按照高空间厂房的实际火灾场景,在喷头安装高度为18m的情况下开展了高空间厂房火灾的实体灭火试验。试验结果显示,自动喷水灭火系统在高净空场所下能及时动作,在添加灭火剂后,提高了水到达可燃物表面后的粘附能力,喷头开放数量少,能够明显控制火势的增长和蔓延。系统设计喷水强度和作用面积符合该场所的设计水平。     

Addressing the challenges of implementing safety instrumented systems in multi-product batch processes

Adapting the requirements of IEC 61511 to a batch system can be frustrating, particularly for multi-product units. While a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) for continuous operation is often a straightforward detect-decide-act loop, implementing a SIS for a batch system may involve multiple safety functions, time- or state-dependence, intricate calculations, or complex installations. Relationships between the SIS elements and the basic process control system (BPCS) must be tightly managed, providing both for the safety of the unit and its ability to operate without spurious trips or other hindrances. These issues are further complicated when multiple products requiring different functions or setpoints are produced in the same SIS-protected batch unit.This paper will discuss the challenges particular to the design, operation, and maintenance of a SIS in multi-product batch operations and present practical options for successfully resolving the concerns. A key insight into successful adaptation is treating the batch SIS as a “permission” system for the BPCS to operate. Although many items can be addressed through clever engineering practices, sustainable success relies on proactive, robust management of the safety lifecycle.