In these days of Global Warming, there is a requirement for all manufacturing companies to reduce environmental emissions. One sector that is affected more than most is power generation. To meet this challenge, many power stations are now fitting flue-gas desulphurisation systems. As these systems interface with both boilers and generators it is imperative that combining is done in a controlled and safe way and that system faults should not cause the process to behave in an unsafe manner. Applied Integration Ltd were contracted to provide three independent emergency shutdown systems for one of the UK’s leading power generation companies.
System overview
Our solution was based around a stand-alone Pilz PSS programmable safety system which enables safe shutdown of the process boilers. The Pilz-PSS hardware was supplied with redundant processors and redundant power supplies fed from different incoming supplies, helping to ensure that the system met the required SIL 3 integrity level.
Control Philosophy
The system implemented provides an ESD system based upon furnace pressure monitoring via three pressure transmitters. The transmitters were configured in a two out of three voted mode (2oo3) with each pressure signal being fed back to an existing APACS DCS system via SIL rated signal splitters.
Applied Integration has developed rigorous Functional Safety Procedures which ensure compliance with BSEN 61511 and meet the required project SIL rating. An independent project safety report is also issued with each system. This provides the client an auditable document and the confidence that the system has been developed to the highest standards.