Safer processes with less effort

With its digital, systematic process hazard analysis, the expert organization DEKRA is improving safety in process industries while reducing resourcing requirements. Digital Process Hazard Analysis (DPHA) combines the advantages of computer technology with the DEKRA experts’ specialist knowledge of reliable and safe processes, optimizing the deployment of staff and enabling faster results, while improving safety.

Process Hazard Analysis methods (HAZOP, LOPA, etc.) have barely changed over the past few decades. Now, DEKRA has introduced a new Digital PHA, which leverages the digital possibilities afforded by computer simulations and artificial intelligence (AI). Featuring process modeling to simulate scenarios and an in-house AI solution, DEKRA’s experts can work together with plant operators to carry out optimized PHAs.

The time savings amount to around 70% – all while delivering results with greater precision and consistency. As a result, brainstorming sessions – the most resource-intensive phase of the PHA process – can be shortened considerably. The analysis is divided into the following steps:

• Preparation: DEKRA experts work with the operator to gather the necessary information and determine relevant scenarios.
• Simulation: Thanks to process modeling and computational support, a computer simulation by Mobatec Modeller calculates the causes, consequences, and safeguards, operating much more quickly and precisely than human brainstorming.
• Review of results: Once the computer generates its suggestions, humans can review the results, make recommendations, and consider additional safeguards or focus on problem solving.

These three steps are repeated for all the scenarios identified for analysis. The digital PHA concludes with a written report detailing the results. The Digital PHA solution is integrated in the ever-growing DEKRA Safety Platform.

Digital process hazard analysis – DEKRA