The Importance of Proof Testing | exida

exida Recorded Webinars

The Importance of Proof Testing

Recording Date: February 2020

Proof Testing is often a misunderstood concept since a proof test is not designed to prove that a Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) is working. On the contrary, the purpose of the proof test is to help find potentially dangerous, undetected faults that the automatic diagnostics can’t find. The purpose here is to prevent failures on demand of the SIF, which can lead to accidents.

When it comes to SIFs, it’s normally the final elements that contribute the highest portion of potential failures on demand. The very nature and mechanical design of a valve means that automatic diagnostics are limited to intelligent valve positioners and not the valve itself. For this reason, it’s very important to follow the manufacturers recommendations regarding proof testing and the frequency of the testing since a poorly written and/or executed proof test will increase the probability of failing on demand instead of reducing it. 

The webinar will explore the importance and reasons why proof testing needs to be done, as well as the need to follow the Safety Requirements Specification (SRS) when it comes to the frequency of conducting proof testing. It emphasizes the importance of preventing failures on demand and looks at the impact on the overall probability of failing on demand for the SIF. 

What you will learn?

  • The importance of useful life
  • How devices can fail
  • The difference between random & systematic failures
  • Why proof testing is important & the impact of imperfect proof testing
  • What a proof test is and isn’t 

Who should attend?

  • SIS designers and Engineering contractors
  • Operations and maintenance personnel
  • Plant Managers and Supervisors

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About the Presenter:

Steve Gandy, CFSP

Steve Gandy Steve Gandy joined exida as VP of Global Business Development, from Metso, bringing with him 35 years of experience of industrial controls and safety experience. He was responsible for sales and operations in Asia for Metso, setting up their India subsidiary and China energy and process team. Steve was also responsible for managing Metso’s VAR partners in the region, as well as developing new markets in Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, Ukraine and Guam.