Title : Failure mode and effect analysis on ITER heat transfer systems

Authors : Pinna T. Caporali R. Cambi G. Burgazzi L. Poucet A. Porfiri MT.

Source : Fusion Engineering & Design. 42:431-436, 1998 Sep.

ISSN : 0920-3796

The complexity of the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) plant and the inventories of radioactive materials involved in its operation require a systematic approach to perform detailed safety analyses during the various stages of the project in order to demonstrate compliance with the safety requirements. The failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) methodology has been chosen to perform the safety analysis at system level for ITER. The main purposes of the work are: to identify important accident initiators, to find out the possible consequences for the plant deriving from component failures, identify individual possible causes, identify mitigating features and systems, classify accident initiators in postulated initiating events (PIEs), define the deterministic analyses which allow the possible accident sequences to be quantified, both in terms of expected frequency and radiological consequences, and consequently, to ascertain the fulfillment of ITER safety requirements. This paper summarises the FMEA performed for the heat transfer systems (HTSs). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 3

Language : English

Reprint available from: Pinna T. ENEA, ERG, FUS, TECN,CR Frascati, CP 65, I-00044 Frascati, Italy.

Title : System monitors reliability - A Web based FMECA interface linked to an expert system for oil analysis

Authors : Wiseman M. Denson W.

Source : Pulp & Paper-Canada. 99(7):32-34, 1998 Jul.

ISSN : 0316-4004

Abstract : Not available

Number of References : 7

Language : English

Title : Failure modes and effects analysis of complex engineering systems using functional models

Source

Authors : Hawkins PG. Woollons DJ.

Source : Artificial Intelligence in Engineering. 12(4):375-397, 1998 Oct.

ISSN : 0954-1810

Keywords : Failure analysis. Qualitative reasoning. Causal reasoning. Functional modeling. Fmea. Qred.

A set of models developed by Chittaro for fault diagnosis is extended to represent more complex engineering systems. A novel methodology for qualitative reasoning about behaviour change has been developed for the purpose of failure modes and effects analysis to cope with complete and partial failure modes. The method is demonstrated on an electrically driven gear pump. A further extension is the ability to cope with control systems by distinguishing the function of two closed loop control schemes. Different types of failure of the control scheme can be identified by analysing three different responses of the faulty plant. This method is demonstrated on a manufactured aerospace component called a fuel-metering unit controlled by a negative feedback control scheme. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 19

Language : English

Reprint available from: Hawkins PG. Univ Exeter, Sch Engn, N Pk Rd, Exeter EX4 4QF, Devon.

Title : Function-directed electrical design analysis

Authors : Price CJ. Author e-mail Address cjp@aber.ac.uk

Source : Artificial Intelligence in Engineering. 12(4):445-456, 1998 Oct.

ISSN : 0954-1810

Keywords : Functional reasoning. Qualitative reasoning. Automotive applications. Fmea. Sneak circuit analysis. Design verification.

Functional labels provide a simple, but very reusable way for defining the functionality of a system and for making use of that knowledge. Unlike more complex functional representation schemes, these labels can be efficiently linked to a behavioral simulator to interpret the simulation in a way that is meaningful to the user. They are also simple to specify, and highly reusable with different behavioral implementations of the system's functions. This claim has been substantiated by the regular use at several automotive manufacturers. The combination of functional labels and behavioral simulator can be employed for a variety of tasks - simulation, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), sneak circuit analysis, design verification, and presented in terms that are easily understood by them. The utility of functional labels is illustrated in this paper for the domain of car electrical systems, with links to a qualitative circuit simulator. In this domain, functional labels provide a powerful way of interpreting the behavior of the circuit simulator in terms an engineer can understand.

Number of References : 19

Language : English

Reprint available from: Price CJ. Univ Wales, Dept Comp Sci, Aberystwyth SY23 3DB, Dyfed, Wales.

Title : Modification of safety critical systems: an assessment of three approaches

Authors : Stalhane T. Wedde KJ. Author e-mail Address TorStalhane@informatics.sintef.no

Source : Microprocessors & Microsystems. 21(10):611-619, 1998 Apr 30.

ISSN : 0141-9331

Keywords : Safety critical systems. Fault tree analysis. Failure mode effect analysis. Code analysis.

This paper sums up the experience at SINTEF Telecom and Informatics on analysis of safety critical systems. After a short description of the system under consideration, the paper naturally falls into two parts. The first one is a description of two modifications, how they were implemented and how they were analysed for safety. The second one contains a discussion of the three methods used-FTA, FMECA and code analysis. We here concentrate on how these methods differ in focus, the knowledge and information needed, and the types of problems they can handle. The paper's conclusion is that all three methods are needed when analysing the modifications of a safety critical system. The knowledge needed and the problem focus will, however, differ. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Number of References : 14

Language : English

Reprint available from: Stalhane T. SINTEF Telecom & Informat, N-7034 Trondheim, Norway .

Title : Risk management in NDT

Authors : Thomas D.

Source : Insight. 40(5):352-+, 1998 May.

ISSN : 1354-2575

Risk management involves the assessment of risks facing an organisation. Some risks can be avoided, what remains must be borne by the organization or transferred through insurance. NDT, however, is not about transferring risk, but ensuring that failure does not occur. The risk of failure and the catastrophic consequences that can result are greatly influenced by management. Lord Cullen pointed to poor management as an important contributory factor in the Piper Alpha disaster. So what can be done to avoid failure? Can ISO 9000 or NAMAS management systems reduce or eliminate the risk of failure? Can we go one step further and use TQM tools such as Poke-Yoke, FMEA, SPC and Zero Defects? Or is it true to say that all systems have a probability of failure that is traceable ultimately back to the human factor?.

Number of References : 5

Language : English

Title : Exploration methods in business process re-engineering

Authors : Rajala M. Savolainen T. Jagdev H. Author e-mail Address HJagdev@umis.ac.uk

Source : Computers in Industry. 33(2-3):367-385, 1997 Sep.

ISSN : 0166-3615

Keywords : Exploration methods. Simulation modelling. Value analysis. Quality function deployment. Statistical process control.

Understanding the reasons of process variation is recognised as a key to the successful management of business processes. Various exploration methods give the prospective users a chance to tackle such complex problems by means of computer. This paper considers two key methodologies within the domain of exploration methods: simulation modelling and value analysis (VA). With worked-out examples, this paper shows, by using the techniques adopted from traditional manufacturing process control, how this problem can be tackled. For retrospective studies focusing to understand and manage internal process variation, statistical process control (SPC) charts together with the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method is a powerful tool. For prospective studies, focusing to understand and manage the effects due to variability of customer needs, information generated in quality function deployment (QFD) analysis is suggested to be used. All information generated by studies can be used in simulations using Taguchi cross-product redesigns. When the object of VA is a business process instead of a product, the paper also describes how these methods can be applied to business process re-engineering (BPR). The creative problem solving power of VA is especially helpful in BPR. The small improvements can be achieved via the logical analysis and modelling methods but the radical breakthrough improvements require often creative problem solving in addition to modelling. Application of the methods is exposed through a business process example of Neste Advanced Power Systems Finland solar power systems manufacturing, using IDEFO models to be translated for simulation via coloured Petri nets, The conclusion of the paper is that the joined methodology offers a practical advantage for managing simulation studies needed in business process redesign. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Number of References : 31

Language : English

Reprint available from: Jagdev H. UMIST, Dept Computat, POB 88, Manchester M60 1QD, Lancs.

Last update March 21, 2000