Engineering Insights
Technical Articles, Courses, Caluclators & More
10 Steps to Safely Handling Failed Parts for Laboratory Testing
So your pipe burst, your pump shaft snapped, or your welded joint split, and you need to figure out why and how to fix it. The next steps you take can make the difference between finding answers and leaving the mystery unsolved until the next failure.
A Simplified, Yet Rigorous Approach to Root Cause Analysis
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.
Online Course: The Stream-Based HAZOP Method
This online course teaches the Stream-Based HAZOP method. The method is more effective, requires much less session time (though significantly more prework) and is much less repetitive and hence, is far less tedious for the participants.
Ebook: HAZOPs Should Be Fun! The Stream-Based Hazop
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.
Complexity Part 2: Solutions To Project Complexity
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.
Complexity Part 1: A Cause Of Project Failure
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.
SOPs That Operators Will Actually Want To Use: A Guide To Writing Effective SOPs
SOPs are important for the safe and effective operation of industrial plants, including oil and gas facilities. But SOPs are frequently developed late in the project, after the design is completed and construction is well underway. And they may be used for little other than operator training. Following startup, they often end up on a shelf collecting dust. Used this way, SOPs have little influence on either the design or the operation of the facility. SOPs can be so much more. They can be both an integral part of the design process and a catalyst for culture change in the industry.
Effective CMMS Database Development
When properly developed, a CMMS tool can ensure that detailed equipment information is readily available, improve reliability, reduce equipment and facility downtime and more.
What’s Wrong With HAZOPs & What We Can Do About It
A HAZOP is a team-based process hazard analysis (PHA) method. Its purpose is to identify hazards and operability issues in a process design.
Control Systems Part 3: Rules For Tuning Loops Prior To Startup
Control Systems Part 3: Rules for Tuning Loops Prior to Startup
Control Systems Part 2: Introduction To System Dynamics - Tuning Controllers For Initial Startup
This is part two of the GATEKEEPER series on control systems tuning. To effectively tune a control loop, there needs to be an understanding about the dynamics of the system.
Control Systems Part 1: Introduction To Control Systems & Controllers
This series of GATEKEEPERS will provide methods for using readily available process design data for determining effective tuning parameters before startup.
Human Error In Procedure Following
Studies suggest that humans conducting simple, mundane tasks make an error roughly 1% of the time. Error rates for complex tasks are much higher. Some procedures are more error-prone than others. It is incumbent upon us to write procedures that are not only accurate, but that are likely to be implemented without error.
A More Effective HAZOP Process
HAZOPs are not as effective as they should be. Duhon and Sutton (2010, SPE 120735) identified many reasons why we don’t learn as much as we should from HAZOPs.