16 December, 2020

Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Study

The energy industry is exposed to significant threats which may result in events such as fire and explosion, where such accidents can cause fatalities and asset losses. Risk factors are high, particularly for operators of large plant, with high hydrocarbon inventories.

A Safety Instrumented System (SIS) is one of the most important layers of protection against accidents and hazards in the hydrocarbon process industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warrants that the design and implementation of a safety system meets good engineering practice. Safety performance criteria for SIS should be defined by Safety Integrity Levels (SIL). The determination of the Safety Integrity Level required for the SIS will determine the configuration of SIS to meet the required integrity level, and in turn improve the reliability of the system.

AIE has adopted a structured approach for conducting SIL studies in line with IEC 61508/61511 requirements. We have provided many SIL assessments as a part of Hazards and Operability (HAZOP) Analysis recommendations to industry operators.

In order to conduct a SIL analysis, a combination of technical documentation (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), Cause and Effect charts), safety studies/documentation review (HAZOP, QRA, Firefighting and detection system data) and economical parameters (equipment cost, product and raw material costs) are required. This will lead to the identification of an initial risk level in terms of personnel safety, environmental loss, commercial impact.

The initial risk level may then be reduced by applying a range of risk reduction measures including basic process control, alarms, and mechanical devices. The total contribution from all risk reduction measures must bring the residual risk to a level below the tolerable level. Criteria to achieve adequate risk reduction minimising SIL level of safety functions will be evaluated considering the benefit in less severe maintenance requirements and lower cost for modifications.

SIL study sequence typically consists of four stages:

  • Step 1 – Identification of SIFS/ EUC
  • Step 2 – SIL Assessment
  • Step 3 – SIL Verification
  • Step 4 – Identify Recommended Actions

SIL assessment is performed in accordance with IEC 61511 and uses 2 methods based on data availability, confidence, resources, and project timelines. These methods are listed as follows,

  • Risk Graph Method
  • Layer of protection analysis (LOPA)

The Risk Graph method is a structured means of determining SIL by qualitatively selecting various parameters such as consequence of failure, exposure time and demand rate. A Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) is a semi quantitative approach to determine SIL by analysing all cause-consequence scenarios and selecting appropriate values for initiation likelihood, protection layers, independent protection layers, etc. in accordance with IEC 61511.

After SIL assessment, SIL verification analysis will be carried out to verify that the design selection of components for the Safety Instrumented Function meet the target integrity threshold (the ‘SIL.’) There are 4 SILs described in IEC-61508:

Table – SIL and PFD

Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Avg. Probability of  Failure on demand (PFD)Risk Reduction Factor
SIL 4≥ 10-5 to < 10-410,000 to 100,000
SIL 3≥ 10-4 to < 10-31000 to 10,000
SIL 2≥ 10-3 to < 10-2100 to 1000
SIL 1≥ 10-2 to < 10-110 to 100

 

The following benefits can be achieved through application of a SIL study:

  • Confirms the optimised selection is made for the Safety instrumented system based on the SIL assessment results
  • Reduces the cost of instrumentation in the project stage by avoiding over-engineering.
  • Provides Cost/Benefit analysis for the organisation while decide on the safety instrumented systems
  • Develops the preventive maintenance plan based on the criticality of the loop
  • Ensures the safety of operating personnel by ensuring the reliability of safety devices when demanded.
  • Ensures the intended function of the Safety device is not compromised

References:

  • Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety Related Systems (E/E/PES): IEC-61508.
  • Functional Safety – Safety Instrumented systems for the process industry sector: IEC61511-Part1 to Part3.
  • Guidance on Practice for Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA): GP 48-03.
  • Safety Integirty Level (SIL) Evaluation Techniques: ISA-TR84.00.02

Contact AIE Today

AIE is a leading provider of asset integrity, sustainability, training and digital services which improve reliability, safety and asset protection whilst at the same time helping to maximise plant performance and mitigate the constant challenges and hazards facing heavy industries such as Oil and Gas, Power Generation and Mining.

Contact our team of experts today at info@aiegroup.org

We are immediately available to support any requests or
enquires relating to our asset integrity products and services.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Company (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Mobile Number

    How did you hear about us? (required):

    Reason for interest (required):

      Your Name (required)

      Your Company (required)

      Your Email (required)

      Your Mobile Number

      How did you hear about us? (required):

      Reason for interest (required):

        Your Name (required)

        Your Company (required)

        Your Email (required)

        Your Mobile Number

        How did you hear about us? (required):

        Reason for interest (required):

          Your Name (required)

          Your Company (required)

          Your Email (required)

          Your Mobile Number

          How did you hear about us? (required):

          Reason for interest (required):

            Your Name (required)

            Your Company (required)

            Your Email (required)

            Your Mobile Number

            How did you hear about us? (required):

            Reason for interest (required):

            Join Us

            Register Now

            Got a Question?

            Ask Us

            Learn more about
            Our Services

            Contact Us

            Book Your Seat

            Click Here

            View The Online
            Training Calendar

            Click Here

            See Veracity in action
            Request a Demo

            Click Here

              Your Name (required)

              Your Company (required)

              Your Email (required)

              Your Mobile Number

              How did you hear about us? (required):

              Reason for interest (required):

                Your Name

                Module Title

                Your Email Address

                How can we help you with this module?

                  Your Name (required)

                  Your Company (required)

                  Your Email (required)

                  Your Mobile Number

                  How did you hear about us? (required):

                  Reason for interest (required):

                    Your Name (required)

                    Your Company (required)

                    Your Email (required)

                    Your Mobile Number

                    How did you hear about us? (required):

                    Reason for interest (required):

                      Your Name (required)

                      Your Company (required)

                      Your Email (required)

                      Your Mobile Number

                      How did you hear about us? (required):

                      Reason for interest (required):

                        Your Name (required)

                        Your Company (required)

                        Your Email (required)

                        Your Mobile Number

                        How did you hear about us? (required):

                        Reason for interest (required):

                          Your Name (required)

                          Your Company (required)

                          Your Email (required)

                          Your Mobile Number

                          How did you hear about us? (required):

                          Reason for interest (required):

                            Your Name (required)

                            Your Company (required)

                            Your Email (required)

                            Your Mobile Number

                            How did you hear about us? (required):

                            Reason for interest (required):

                              Your Name (required)

                              Your Company (required)

                              Your Email (required)

                              Your Mobile Number

                              How did you hear about us? (required):

                              Reason for interest (required):

                                Your Name (required)

                                Your Company (required)

                                Your Email (required)

                                Your Mobile Number

                                How did you hear about us? (required):

                                Reason for interest (required):

                                  Your Name (required)

                                  Your Company (required)

                                  Your Email (required)

                                  Your Mobile Number

                                  How did you hear about us? (required):

                                  Reason for interest (required):

                                    Your Name (required)

                                    Your Company (required)

                                    Your Email (required)

                                    Your Mobile Number

                                    How did you hear about us? (required):

                                    Reason for interest (required):

                                      Your Name (required)

                                      Your Company (required)

                                      Your Email (required)

                                      Your Mobile Number

                                      How did you hear about us? (required):

                                      Reason for interest (required):

                                        Your Name (required)

                                        Your Company (required)

                                        Your Email (required)

                                        Your Mobile Number

                                        How did you hear about us? (required):

                                        Reason for interest (required):

                                          Your Name (required)

                                          Your Company (required)

                                          Your Email (required)

                                          Your Mobile Number

                                          How did you hear about us? (required):

                                          Reason for interest (required):

                                            Your Name (required)

                                            Your Company (required)

                                            Your Email (required)

                                            Your Mobile Number

                                            How did you hear about us? (required):

                                            Reason for interest (required):

                                              Your Name (required)

                                              Your Company (required)

                                              Your Email (required)

                                              Your Mobile Number

                                              How did you hear about us? (required):

                                              Reason for interest (required):