Saving time by taking a system approach to SIL
26 November 2008
The need for safe system design is placing more and more focus on Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Standards. This is particularly true in any application where there is a need to constantly monitor and detect explosive or toxic gases and vapours, as well as oxygen deficiency and/or enrichment. However, an innovative approach by Draeger Safety is not only making SIL compliance easier, but it is also saving organisations both time and effort in meeting the requirements.
Whilst some organisations have taken the individual component route to SIL compliance, Draeger has adopted a complete system approach utilising Regard Controllers. Doug Longstaff, Product/Technical Operations Manager, explained, “Following extensive customer consultation and many hours of data checking we found that, whilst individual components may be verified against a SIL target, it counts for nothing unless the entire system has been verified.”
Longstaff added “By offering a complete system approach, including installation as well as the controllers, cables, input and output devices and service and maintenance procedures, we are able to guarantee Life Cycle Safety reliability in accordance with SIL requirements for as long as the integrity of the system is maintained. For the first time, this means that SIL compliance can be achieved at, almost, the touch of a button.”
System integrity is essential. For instance, should a user change the system parameters by, perhaps, performing service and maintenance at seven months instead of the recommended six, the probability of failure will have been changed and SIL will no longer be valid. For this reason, Draeger supports each of its’ SIL installations with a set of comprehensive user notes that combine recommended guidelines with comments and examples to ensure that the ramifications of any changes are clearly understood.
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