An alarm is classified as an event to which an operator must react, respond and acknowledge (not simply acknowledge and ignore) and no plant should have more than six such alarm occurrences an hour. [EEMUA 191 guidelines]
If you have more than that you have got it wrong!
Alarm objective
The objective of an alarm system is to minimise or prevent physical and economic loss through operator intervention.
Note safety takes precedence over economics.
Abstract
The aim of an alarm system is to prevent, or at the very least minimise, physical and economic loss to plant or people through operator intervention in response to a plant condition that has occurred thus making the necessary corrective action optimising production.
Alarm management has new meaning in major process plant disasters of recent years, such as Buntsfield, Chernobyl, BP Texas City, Bhopal and 3 Mile Island to name but a few.
Collaborative work by large process companies, vendors and industry organisations like the Electrical Equipment Manufacturers and Users Association (EEMUA) and the Instrumentation Society of America (ISA); accepting the need for an alarm management strategy; and applying new technology and standards to the process, companies can achieve multiple benefits. These include better productivity, quality improvement, a more motivated and responsible staff, improved profitability and efficiency while minimising the potential liability of management.
High-efficiency switching solutions
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Becker Mining South Africa has launched a new-generation energy distribution system that has been specially developed to enhance productivity and safety in the challenging conditions of local underground coal mines.
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Industrial Wireless
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At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
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IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.
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Industrial Wireless
Being able to monitor plant alarms and events in real time, in chronological order, is critical when a plant experiences an avalanche of alarms caused by an abnormal event. Sequence of events modules can be used to cut unplanned plant downtime and reduce operational costs.
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Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.
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Omniflex has completed the addition of remote monitoring to the existing cathodic protection (CP) systems at five berths in Port Kembla, Australia. This will enhance their surveillance and provide accurate energy monitoring.
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Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
When a consulting engineering company approached ABB about a specific problem that its platinum mining client was experiencing at its smelter facility in the North West Province, it was an opportunity for the technology provider to showcase its innovation and adaptability in responding to specific customer requirements.
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Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Industrial RT relays from Vepac are particularly robust and are used for high load control. RT modules can control up to three changeover contacts, with 10 A each. In addition, this product is equipped for safety reasons with manual operation, improved LEDs or free-wheeling diodes.
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