We have many options for conducting root cause analyses (RCA) including TapRooT™ and CAST/STPA. The method described here is the method developed by GATE to simplify the analysis while maintaining adequate rigor.

Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) is a systems approach to hazard analysis. It is based on the premise that accidents happen when we lose control. They are a control problem, not a failure problem.

The GATE approach to risk ranking makes risk assessment easier, more accurate and more repeatable by incorporating LOPA insights into the risk matrix approach.

HAZOP is the most commonly applied process hazard analysis (PHA) methodology in the processing industries. It is also the most flawed!

Energy is changing. Because of the increasing threat of the consequences of a warming planet, new sources of energy are being developed that are expected to slow this planet-wide change. Some of these are well-known, such as nuclear, wind and solar, while others require more work, such as hydrogen, 3rd generation concentrated solar and fusion.

The overall aim of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in geological formations in order to reduce the amount in the environment and lower the risk of catastrophic climate change. The rate of CO2 emission and the amount of it in the atmosphere has been increasing steadily since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the early part of the 19th century.

Circuitization aims to reduce overhead inspection costs through the thoughtful break down of a system into smaller sections.

Now its time to assess the TOLC risk and the corresponding locations in the system where TOLC may occur. From there we can determine the appropriate mitigation and control strategies.

The building blocks of a robust inspection program are condition monitoring locations (CMLs). As defined by API 510 and API 570, CMLs are designated locations on pressure vessels or piping systems where periodic external examinations are conducted to assess condition.

In Part 2 of this GATEKEEPER series, we will look at the different approaches available to assess risk in the system and will discuss the mitigation options available to us.

This article will outline the challenges during integrity management, and the best practices that ultimately deliver a coordinated, effective, and cost-optimized IM plan.

In determination of consequence and risk assignment, multiple aspects are considered such as the impact of failure on the health and safety of personnel and community in the impacted area, environment, cost of recovery (cleaning, maintenance, extent of operation, repairs) and business.

This book is an exploration of what decision theory has to say about these and other common engineering problems.

The GATE Stream-based HAZOP process avoids these pitfalls via some novel modifications to the process. You can obtain a copy of the book here.

The mechanisms that can lead to catastrophic failures of equipment in the oil and gas industry due to the presence of mercury are briefly presented in this GATEKEEPER.

In Part 1 of this GATEKEEPER series on complexity, we identified 8 key sources of project and project team complexity. In Part 2, we discuss what can be done about them.

A project consists of two interacting networks; one CPS (the kit) and one CAS (the human organization). We should expect some surprises (emergence) from the interaction of these two complex systems.

When properly developed, a CMMS tool can ensure that detailed equipment information is readily available, improve reliability, reduce equipment and facility downtime and more.