by Keith Brumbaugh Is our industry stuck in the past? The current industry trend is to only look at random hardware failures in safety integrity level (SIL) probability of failure on demand (PFD) ca lculations. No one would appear to be updating assumptions as operating experience is gained. Hardware failure rates are generally fixed in time, assumed to be average point values (rather than distributions), and either generic in nature or specific to a certain set of hardware and/or conditions which the vendors determine by suitable tests or failure mode analysis. But are random hardware failures the only thing that cause a safety instrumented function (SIF) to fail? What if our assumptions are wrong? What if our installations do not match vendor assumptions? What else might we be missing? How are we addressing systematic failures? One obvious problem with incorporating systematic failures is their non-random nature. Many functional safety practitioners claim that systematic errors are addressed (i.e., minimized or eliminated) by following all the pro cedures in the ISA/IEC 61511 standard. Y et even if the standard were strictly adhered to, could anyone realistically claim a 0% chance of a SIF failing due to a human factor? Some will say that systematic errors cannot be predicted, much less modeled. But is that true? This paper will examine factors which tend to be ignored when performing hardware-based reliability calculations. Traditional PFD calculations are merely a starting point. This paper will examine how to incorporate systematic errors into a SIF’s real-world model. It will cover how to use Bayes theorem to capture data after a SIF has been installed — either through operating experience or industry incidents — and update the function’s predicted performance. This methodology can also be used to justify prior use of existing and non-certified equipment. Click here to view the complete whitepaper

by Ken O’Malley , Founder, P.E. ABSTRACT A systematic database approach can be used to design, develop and test a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) using methodologies that are in compliance with the safety lifecycle management requirements specified in ANSI/ISA S84.01. This paper will demonstrate that through a database approach, the design deliverables and system configuration quality are improved and the implementation effort is reduced. Topics Include: ANSI/ISA S84.01 , Safety Instrumented Systems , Safety Instrumented Functions , Safety Integrity Levels, Safety Lifecycle Click here to view the complete whitepaper During the SIL Verification process, the type of equipment specified, voting architecture, diagnostics and testing parameters are verified by calculation, producing the Probability of Failure on Demand, and Spurious Trip Rate for each SIF. Additionally, we consider hardware fault tolerance (HFT) required. The SIL Verification calculation Reports are provided from all tools and calculations we perform. A Design Verification Report (DVR) details the calculation parameters, assumptions, limitations, and sources of data for SIL calculations performed. Recommendations for optimized SIF performance (taking into account both safety integrity and spurious trip evaluation), are also reported in this document. aeSolutions' SIS Engineers are trained and experienced in the fundamentals and the advanced parameters of SIL Verificat ion Calculations. Our engineers, many of which have CFSE, CFSP, and ISA84 Expert certifications, work with our clients to evaluate the SIS options for optimized investment.

by Ron Nichols Introduction to Using RAGAGEP for Overpressure Risk Mitigation : Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is a key tool used by the chemical, oil, and gas industries to assist companies in identifying, implementing and managing the critical safeguards needed to achieve their risk tolerance criteria. The Process Hazard analysis for some sites may be regulatory driven (e.g., Occupational, Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA’s) 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM), or the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA’s) 40 CFR 68 Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions (RMP)). During the PHA the team identifies consequences of concern arising from potential process deviations, identifies existing safeguards, or if LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) is required, the Independent Protection Layers (IPLs) available to reduce the likelihood of the consequence to a tolerable risk level. If the team identifies a gap between the potential event likelihood, severity and the minimum target set by the company, the team will propose recommendations to close the gap. An overpressure scenario can be a significant contributor to the risk of a facility. Overpressure of pressure vessels, piping, and other equipment can result in loss of containment of flammable or toxic materials. This paper will develop guidance including related RAGAGEP (Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practice) to help engineers and designers participate in the safety lifecycle for managing the risk of overpressure. Click here for the complete whitepaper

aeSolutions - A consulting, engineering and system integration company that provides industrial process safety, fired equipment and automation lifecycle solutions and tools. We can help with Toxic Gas Detection, Machinery Safety, Alarm Management, Safety Instrumented Systems, and more. Engineering smarter, safer operations. Define. Define. Define. Define. Define. Define. Define. Define. — Resilience Isn't a Bonus, It's a Benchmark — We provide critical system solutions that empower our clients through more resilient operations and safer communities where they operate. Our unique approach is to pair risk-focused industry experts with a proven project delivery team. Speak With One of Our Experts Today About Your Facility's Resilience — If It’s Critical, We Have it Covered — At aeSolutions we help clients reduce project chaos and strengthen performance by integrating the safety lifecycle with the full project lifecycle, and our PMO professionals ensure structure, accountability, and measurable progress. We work with your team to close gaps, clarify responsibilities, and convert fragmented practices into a unified approach that protects people, assets, and uptime. We help you move from risk to resilience with clarity and confidence. — Trusted By Industry Leaders — Ag Chem Battery Materials & Mineral Processing Chemical Manufacturing Energy & Power Generation Hydrogen Production & Processing Metals & Mining Processing Oil & Gas Production & Processing Petrochemicals & Hydrocarbon Processing Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Manufacturing Renewable Fuels & Bioenergy Specialty Chemicals & Advanced Materials Utilities & Critical Infrastructure Ag Chem Battery Materials & Mineral Processing Chemical Manufacturing Energy & Power Generation Hydrogen Production & Processing Metals & Mining Processing Oil & Gas Production & Processing Petrochemicals & Hydrocarbon Processing Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Manufacturing Renewable Fuels & Bioenergy Specialty Chemicals & Advanced Materials Utilities & Critical Infrastructure Ag Chem Battery Materials & Mineral Processing Chemical Manufacturing Energy & Power Generation Hydrogen Production & Processing Metals & Mining Processing Oil & Gas Production & Processing Petrochemicals & Hydrocarbon Processing Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Manufacturing Renewable Fuels & Bioenergy Specialty Chemicals & Advanced Materials Utilities & Critical Infrastructure Click Here to Chat With Our Industry Experts — DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT — Evidence-Backed Results Custom SI-BMS Solution Enhances Reliability and Safety for Critical Pipeline Transportation Facility Achieving a High-Risk Systems Overhaul on an Accelerated Schedule Multi-Fuel Boiler BMS Upgrade for Chlor Alkali Production Facility Chemical Facility FEL3 & Detail Design Achieves PSM OSHA Compliance Under Total Installed Cost Budget | A Masterclass In aeSolutions’ Lifecycle Solutions Capabilities Designing and Implementing a Fire & Gas Detection System for a Hydrogen Production Plant A Strategic Integration of SIS, BMS, and PSM in a Boiler Fuel Conversion Project Alarm Management for a Greenfield LNG Facility Pharma Company Detecting Natural Gas Leaks in Boiler House Large Specialty Chemical Company Reduces Alarm Floods Simplified, Cost-Effective, and Consistent Acidic Compound Detection Energy Company Reduces Regulatory Compliance Costs Saving Almost $50 Million Water Cannons Protect Community from Anhydrous Ammonia Leaks Pharmaceutical Company Required Toxic & Combustible Gas Detection System Complex Hot Cutover of Large Natural Gas Processing Facilities Specialty Chemical Site’s Increasingly Complicated Cutover “Fit for Purpose” Solution Reduces Planned Downtime by 66% Protecting Personnel with Practical Gas Detector Placement Alarm System Rationalization and Safe Operating Limit for Energy Production Custom SI-BMS Solution Enhances Reliability and Safety for Critical Pipeline Transportation Facility Achieving a High-Risk Systems Overhaul on an Accelerated Schedule Multi-Fuel Boiler BMS Upgrade for Chlor Alkali Production Facility Chemical Facility FEL3 & Detail Design Achieves PSM OSHA Compliance Under Total Installed Cost Budget | A Masterclass In aeSolutions’ Lifecycle Solutions Capabilities Designing and Implementing a Fire & Gas Detection System for a Hydrogen Production Plant A Strategic Integration of SIS, BMS, and PSM in a Boiler Fuel Conversion Project Alarm Management for a Greenfield LNG Facility Pharma Company Detecting Natural Gas Leaks in Boiler House Large Specialty Chemical Company Reduces Alarm Floods Simplified, Cost-Effective, and Consistent Acidic Compound Detection Energy Company Reduces Regulatory Compliance Costs Saving Almost $50 Million Water Cannons Protect Community from Anhydrous Ammonia Leaks Pharmaceutical Company Required Toxic & Combustible Gas Detection System Complex Hot Cutover of Large Natural Gas Processing Facilities Specialty Chemical Site’s Increasingly Complicated Cutover “Fit for Purpose” Solution Reduces Planned Downtime by 66% Protecting Personnel with Practical Gas Detector Placement Alarm System Rationalization and Safe Operating Limit for Energy Production View More Case Studies Here — News & Resources — Whitepaper: Achieving 84-92% Urgent Alarm Reduction Through Comprehensive Lifecycle Implementation: A Dual-Unit Midstream Case Study Scoping Your Industrial Project: Best Practices for Success Control System Migrations | Part 7 | Best Practices for Installation, Testing, & Commissioning The PHA Recommendation Playbook | Part 2 | Untangling Technical Complexity The PHA Recommendation Playbook | Part 1 | Managing Resource Constraints Processing Magazine: The Need for a Control System Migration: Building the Case to Upper Management — Let's Discuss Your Facility's Needs —

A functional test is used to verify that a system or component operates according to its design specifications. Functional testing ensures that safety and control systems perform correctly, reducing the risk of malfunction during operation. Acronyms & Terms Glossary <- More Definitions Functional Test A functional test is used to verify that a system or component operates according to its design specifications. Functional testing ensures that safety and control systems perform correctly, reducing the risk of malfunction during operation. Our Services Whitepaper: Achieving 84-92% Urgent Alarm Reduction Through Comprehensive Lifecycle Implementation: A Dual-Unit Midstream Case Study Awarded Best Paper Award at the 2025 TEES Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center-TAMU (MKO) Safety & Risk Conference Abstract November 2025 — Greg Pajak, aeSolutions Senior Specialist, ICA — A midstream facility implemented a systematic alarm rationalization program across two critical units, achieving unprecedented reductions in urgent alarm loads. Unit A reduced urgent alarms from 45% to 7% (84% reduction), while Unit B decreased from 62% to 5% (92% reduction). This paper Scoping Your Industrial Project: Best Practices for Success Scoping your industrial project is more than a kickoff step—it’s the foundation for budget, schedule, and long-term success. From aligning stakeholders to pressure-testing assumptions, a dynamic scoping strategy helps prevent costly missteps, manage risks, and keep your project on track from concept to completion. Control System Migrations | Part 7 | Best Practices for Installation, Testing, & Commissioning The cutover phase is the defining moment of a control system migration, where planning meets execution. From thorough backups and pre-shutdown prep to mechanical completion and commissioning, every step must be precise. Skipping even small details can lead to costly setbacks, while disciplined execution ensures a smooth, successful transition.

Refer to Covert Failure. Acronyms & Terms Glossary <- More Definitions Latent Failure Refer to Covert Failure. Our Services Whitepaper: Achieving 84-92% Urgent Alarm Reduction Through Comprehensive Lifecycle Implementation: A Dual-Unit Midstream Case Study Awarded Best Paper Award at the 2025 TEES Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center-TAMU (MKO) Safety & Risk Conference Abstract November 2025 — Greg Pajak, aeSolutions Senior Specialist, ICA — A midstream facility implemented a systematic alarm rationalization program across two critical units, achieving unprecedented reductions in urgent alarm loads. Unit A reduced urgent alarms from 45% to 7% (84% reduction), while Unit B decreased from 62% to 5% (92% reduction). This paper Scoping Your Industrial Project: Best Practices for Success Scoping your industrial project is more than a kickoff step—it’s the foundation for budget, schedule, and long-term success. From aligning stakeholders to pressure-testing assumptions, a dynamic scoping strategy helps prevent costly missteps, manage risks, and keep your project on track from concept to completion. Control System Migrations | Part 7 | Best Practices for Installation, Testing, & Commissioning The cutover phase is the defining moment of a control system migration, where planning meets execution. From thorough backups and pre-shutdown prep to mechanical completion and commissioning, every step must be precise. Skipping even small details can lead to costly setbacks, while disciplined execution ensures a smooth, successful transition.