New strategy for automated hazard analysis of chemical plants .1. Knowledge modelling

In this article, a new methodology for developing a chemical process model suitable for automated hazard analysis is presented. The devised model is composed of four sub-models: unit function model, unit behaviour model, organizational knowledge base and material knowledge base. Each represents a chemical process in terms of function, behaviour, structure, and material property, respectively. These four models are capable of capturing the information which is needed for hazard analysis but is not captured by any other existing model. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.