Model-based zero emission safety concept for reactors with exothermal reactions for chemical plants

To avoid major accidents caused by runaway reactions, a new safety concept called SmartHIP¹ is introduced, with the objective to prevent runaway reactions and avoid emissions. The basic principle is based on an online model-based approach by using safety instrumented systems. Different criteria exist for calculating the hazard potential of a runaway reaction and its early detection. The approaches of the literature from the last years are analysed and divided into three different groups: Divergence, Accumulation and Adiabatic Criterion. Each approach is compared to the other by applying it to an esterification reaction of acetic anhydride with methanol. The approaches are evaluated according to different requirements, like accuracy, wide range of application or reliability.