Automation of the safety analysis of batch processes based on multi-modeling approach

In this article, a strategy for the automatic hazard analysis of batch processes and the integrated systems for the automatic hazard analysis are presented. The suggested process models for hazard analysis are based on the multi-modeling approach, which improves the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the reasoning process through cooperation of multiple models. Following the multi-modeling concept, four process representation models, including operational, material, behavioral and functional knowledge bases, and four hazard inference algorithms are established. For the case study, a batch pharmaceutical process is tested against and a maloperation analysis performed. The case study, using the devised analysis system, shows more successful and systematic capture of necessary hazard information, compared with the traditional systems. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.