Cloud IoT Communication Between SISs to Prevent Cascade Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety instrumented systems (SISs) in the oil and gas and petro-chemical industries face challenges in preventing recurring hazardous events and escalating unsafe conditions due to geographical limitations and lack of real-time communication between geographically separated systems, leading to cascade effects and collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a redundant, reliable, and functional safety certifiable communication system using Cloud technology or other certified protocols to link geographically separated SISs, enabling real-time communication and coordination between Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs) to prevent hazardous events by automatically taking necessary actions, such as shutting down the source of the hazard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hardwired or wireless I/O systems are used to connect SISs, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but geographical limitations prevent real-time communication between separated systems, leading to inability to prevent collateral hazardous events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based communication system as an intermediary between geographically separated SISs. This cloud infrastructure enables real-time data exchange and coordinated safety responses across distant locations without requiring direct physical connections between systems, thereby preventing collateral hazardous events while managing complexity through standardized cloud interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables real-time monitoring, facilitates coordinated safety responses, supports data exchange between different SIS vendors, and provides a universal platform that works across various industrial applications. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single versatile infrastructure
2Reliability
If geographically separated SISs operate independently without real-time communication, then each system remains simple and autonomous, but they cannot coordinate actions to prevent escalating unsafe conditions and cascade effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops between geographically separated SISs through cloud communication. When one system detects an unsafe condition, it immediately communicates this information to other connected systems, which then provide feedback on their status and take coordinated corrective actions. This continuous feedback mechanism prevents information loss and enables proactive prevention of escalating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary actions by allowing SISs to receive advance warning information about potential hazardous events in other locations. This early notification allows connected systems to take preventive measures before conditions escalate, such as pre-positioning safety resources or preparing backup systems, thereby preventing cascading failures
3Productivity
If cloud-based communication systems are implemented to link geographically separated SISs, then real-time coordination and prevention of hazardous events is enabled, but system complexity and communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hardwired connections with cloud-based digital communication infrastructure. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable connections between geographically separated systems while enabling faster data transmission and more flexible system configuration, thereby improving response speed without the constraints of mechanical connection limitations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method: A first Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) determines that a process equipment event has occurred or is predicted to occur in a first system. A first action to be performed by the first SIF is identified. In response to determining that the process equipment event has occurred or is predicted to occur, the first action is performed by the first SIF to prevent an occurrence of a first hazardous event. A determination is made by a highly-reliable, self-healing communication transmission network that a second action is to be performed in the second SIF to prevent the occurrence of a second hazardous event. In response, a notification is provided by the transmission network to the second SIF that the second action is to be performed. In response to receiving the notification by the second SIF, the second action is performed by the second SIF.