Equipment Isolation System with Operator Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment isolation systems are time-consuming and prone to errors due to reliance on manual administrative processes, which can lead to unauthorised isolations, especially in emergency situations, compromising safety and efficiency in industrial maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An equipment isolation system that includes a control system with an identification device for operator verification, using methods such as smart cards or biometrics, to ensure only authorised personnel can isolate equipment, reducing the risk of documentation errors and misuse by enforcing specific authorisation for tasks, dates, and times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual administrative processes are used for equipment isolation, then the system is simple to implement, but the isolation process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual administrative processes with an automated electronic control system that uses identification devices (such as card readers or biometric scanners) and processors to verify operator authorization and execute isolation procedures electronically, eliminating paper-based documentation and manual verification
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically verifies operator authorization, checks isolation requirements, and executes isolation procedures without requiring manual administrative intervention, enabling operators to perform isolations independently through the automated system
2Reliability
If manual authorization procedures are used, then the system is easy to operate, but unauthorised isolations may occur due to errors or omissions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors and verifies operator identification data against stored authorization records, providing immediate feedback on whether the operator is authorized to perform the isolation, and only permits isolation when proper authorization is confirmed
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the equipment isolation process, mediating the authorization verification and controlling the isolation execution to prevent unauthorized operations
3Reliability
If detailed isolation procedures are implemented, then safety is improved, but the administrative burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores operator identification data and authorization records in the control system before isolation is needed, so that when isolation is requested, the verification process is immediate and does not require time-consuming manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual administrative procedures with automated electronic verification and execution processes that can confirm authorization and complete isolation in seconds rather than minutes or hours
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment isolation system (10) for remotely isolating equipment (20, 21, 210, 250) in a plant comprising equipment (20, 21, 210, 250) energisable by an energy source and a control system (50) for controlling operation of said equipment (20, 21, 210, 250) and isolation of said equipment from said energy source to an isolated state by an operator, wherein said control system (50, 260, 700) includes an identification device (790) for an operator to provide operator identification data; and a processor for comparing said operator identification data with stored identification data (261) for operators authorised to use the equipment isolation system (10) wherein said control system (50, 260, 700) is configured to enable use of the equipment isolation system (10) by said operator only where the processor matches operator identification data provided to the identification device (790) and said stored identification data (261).