Process Safety in Design:

Considering Process Safety during early stage of design and engineering of a chemical process can help in minimizing re-engineering and delays after HAZOP study.

While developing process design following points may be kept in mind:

1. Operating conditions: Operating conditions closer to atmospheric conditions are generally relatively safe. Try to optimize operating conditions closer to atmospheric conditions.
2. Material of construction: An appropriate compatible MOC which doesn’t need corrosion allowance is the best choice for the equipment; however that may not be always possible. The second best option is to select MOC with least corrosion rate or suitable corrosion resistant lining for the equipment.
3. No. of Equipment: Review number of equipment and check if any of these can be eliminated or combined with other equipment. If the number of equipments can be reduced than generally the risk also reduces.
4. Lower Inventory: Try to minimize inventory of chemicals in the plant. The impact due to loss of containment will be comparatively less for a small inventory than large inventory. If capacity of storage tanks can be reduced than it helps in improving safety.
5. Automation: Consider appropriate Alarms and Trips to avoid any extreme operating conditions that may lead to any undesirable incidence. Select fail position of Control valves carefully.
6. Codes and Standards: Follow latest version of appropriate applicable codes and standards, Technical report and guidelines.