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
Dr. Steve Gandy has been with exida for 13 years as VP of Global Business Development. Dr Gandy has 40+ years of experience in industrial automation controls and safety. Dr. Gandy is head of exida Engineering and is a director of several of exida’s subsidiary companies. In addition to his sales and management responsibilities, Dr. Gandy has written the "Functional Safety For Managers: What Managers Need to Know" book, as well as "Managing In An Automation Company", and published and presented numerous papers at conferences. Dr. Gandy is also one of the primary instructors for exida’s highly successful FSE100 Functional Safety course.