Cause-Implication Diagrams for Process Systems: Their Generation, Utility and Importance

Abstract

This paper presents a powerful visualization of structured process knowledge generated semi- automatically from the blended hazard identification (BLHAZID) methodology. The knowledge visualization is in the form of causal diagrams that show linked cause-failure-implication sequences generated from the structured language outcomes of the BLHAZID methodology. Causal diagrams give deep insights into what potential equipment and operational failures can occur, the failure propagation pathways and the probable timescales of propagation, as well as the extent of propagation across the system. These causal diagrams generated from the BLHAZID methodology can be used for a range of important design related and operations focused applications, and can also be used to give insights into enhancements in process systems resilience. An industrial case study shows the important ideas and outcomes.