The propagation of faults in process plants: 4. Fault tree synthesis of a pump system changeover sequence

An interactive, computer-based facility has been developed for the investigation of fault propagation in process plants, including fault tree synthesis and alarm system design. The modelling of fault propagation, fault tree synthesis and the interactive facility are described in companion papers. This paper describes the use of the facility for the investigation of a pump system changeover sequence. The changeover is carried out under computer control and the sequence involves some 14 stages. The object of the work was to identify faults which would cause the sequence to abort.