(104bb) Matrix Approach to Streamlining HAZOP Studies for Complex, Multi-Mode Systems

The tabular documentation (causes, consequences, safeguards, risk-ranking, actions, and comments) that is normally done for a Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Study addresses most of the typical requirements for process systems.  For a recent project involving a large system involving gas wells, compressors, and approximately 12 different injection and withdrawal modes, each of the three-dozen scenarios associated with the various initiating events would each have 3-5 unique combinations of precipitating integral, upstream, or downstream consequences along with their associated safeguards.  To investigate each scenario and operating mode using the contemporary HAZOP Study documentation approach would have been unwieldy, and the Team could have become "lost in the details" to the point where they could have lost sight of potentially important hazards.  When working with a HAZOP Study Team, a two computer/projector approach that displays the key design information (P&IDs) and the HAZOP Study worksheets is typically used.  The approach chosen for this project used a third computer/projector that displayed a large spreadsheet that "mapped" the many scenario/operating mode combinations to representative details contained in the HAZOP Study worksheets.  The Team's feedback was that this approach streamlined the effort, increased understanding, and yielded a more effective mechanism for uncovering key potential hazards.  The key objective of this paper is to share with the audience an understanding of when this type of approach might be effective and to share tips in its application.  The following contains a general outline of the proposed paper/presentation:
 - Background
 - Examples of Effectively Using the Classic HAZOP Study Approach for Evaluating Small Numbers of Different Operating Modes
 - Challenges when Performing a HAZOP Study for a Multi-Mode Application
 - Overview of the Multi-Mode Mapping Technique and an Example of its Application
 - Guidelines for Implementation