Control Systems Safety Evaluation and Reliability (Resources for Measurement and Control Series)

This book provides a collection of tools to help the control engineer evaluate the safety and reliability of automated systems. Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Markov modeling methods are described with many examples. The key issues including component failure modes, on-line diagnostics, common cause, software reliability and operational safety are discussed along with design rules for building better systems. Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) analysis techniques needed to meet new regulations are covered from sensor to final element. Reference material including sample failure rates, a glossary of terms, probability math review and data tables are supplied in a number of appendixes.