FMEA, the alternative process hazard method. [Failure Mode Effects Analysis]

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States)

OSTI ID:6167009

Goyal, R K ^[1]

---

1. BAPCO, Awali (Bahrain)

Failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) is an old reliability/assurance tool finding its way into the HPI. Not popular yet, this hazard technique has some viable applications that can improve hazard assessment data. Notably, FMEA studies can identify possible areas for improvement that may have not been discovered using other methods. Also, FMEA is not as labor intensive and costly as other process hazard analysis (PHA) methods. PSHA 1910.119 set in place an informational structure whose main purpose is the reduction of potential accidents and minimizing risks in the event of an accident. Consequently, HPI operators must evaluate their process systems and identify potential major hazards, such as fires, explosions and accidental release of toxic/hazardous chemicals, and protect their facilities, employees, the public and the environment. But, which PHA method(s) apply to a particular plant or process still remains a difficult question. This paper describes what FMEA is; types of FMEA; how to conduct a FMEA study; comparison with HAZOP (hazard and operability study); computer software; applicability of FMEA; and examples of its use.

• OSTI ID: 6167009
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States) Vol. 72:5; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020600* -- Petroleum-- Health & Safety
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIONS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTER CODES
EVALUATION
EXPLOSIONS
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
FIRE HAZARDS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS
HAZARDS
IMPLEMENTATION
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MEASURING METHODS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
US DOL
US ORGANIZATIONS
US OSHA
USES