prosessisuojaukset

Prosessisuojaukset, often translated as process interlocks or safety instrumented systems, are a critical component of industrial safety. They are designed to prevent hazardous situations from developing or to mitigate their consequences by automatically bringing a process to a safe state. This is achieved through a combination of sensors, logic solvers, and final elements that work together to monitor process variables and initiate protective actions when predetermined safe limits are exceeded.

The fundamental principle behind prosessisuojaukset is to detect abnormal conditions, such as over-pressure, over-temperature, or loss of containment, and to respond rapidly and reliably. Unlike basic process controls that aim to maintain normal operating conditions, prosessisuojaukset are specifically designed for emergency shutdown or to prevent escalation of a hazardous event. They are characterized by their high level of reliability and availability, often employing redundancy in their components to ensure operation even if a part fails.

The implementation of prosessisuojaukset involves a systematic approach, starting with a thorough hazard and operability study (HAZOP) to identify potential risks. Based on these risks, safety integrity levels (SIL) are assigned to each safety function, dictating the required reliability of the prosessisuojaus. This ensures that the system provides an adequate level of safety for the specific process and its associated hazards. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to guarantee that the prosessisuojaukset remain functional and effective throughout their operational life.