SILWORX
Smart Safety Test for Efficient Engineering
Is it possible to test safety functions automatically? SILworX - the efficient engineering tool for all HIMA systems - offers a feature with added value in the digitalization of functional safety with the Smart Safety Test.
The life cycle of a safety instrumented system requires necessary tests. These mean organizational effort and can affect production. Flexible test concepts are a solution here. The Smart Safety Test offers a concept for automating these tests. For this purpose, test criteria and expected results are formulated and stored in the engineering system.
In application
The Smart Safety Test transforms the SILworX Engineering Station into a test facility.
The tests are divided into individual steps. The individual steps include the input parameters, the expected output parameters and, if applicable, time delays. By stringing together these defined test steps, complete test sequences can be automated. The results achieved are automatically documented by the engineering system and are available as test evidence. The test programs can be created directly in SILworX or imported from other tools.
Improved workflows in the safety lifecycle
Application programs or function blocks developed for a Safety Platform product can be tested at any time. In these cases, the soft controller, which is part of SILworX, is used as a test resource.
Software FAT
During the FAT, Smart Safety Test can be used to prove whether the functions of a safety system comply with the defined test specifications according to the Safety Requirement Specification. The Smart Safety Test can be used for overall tests as well as for setting a system in a specific initial state for manual tests.
Hardware FAT
If inputs and outputs of a control system are connected electrically, proof of the correct electrical wiring of inputs and outputs can be provided. Depending on the test program, this includes either exclusively the desired wiring, but can also be extended to unwanted cross-wiring, for example.
Checking the communication between a DUT and the neighboring systems. In addition to the usual functional tests, extreme situations (e.g. message showers) can also be tested. Testing is performed immediately on the target hardware or on the simulation unit.
During commissioning, the Smart Safety Test allows automated functional testing of complete function groups such as
- Valve control and automatic check of the expected position feedback signals
- Verification of the complete electrical function of Smart Transmitters, e.g. switching a transmitter via HART into simulation mode, running through the calibration loop (e.g. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20mA) to check the proper function of the respective loop.
- Complete testing of Safety Instrumented Functions by giving the triggering transmitter a value that leads to the triggering of the respective safety function and then automatically checking whether the respective safety factor reacts correctly (e.g. via the position signal of a valve).
For recurring tests, test sequences such as passing through a transmitter characteristic curve can be automated.
Measuring point parameters can also be checked during operation to prove device modifications. The correct electrical function of the respective measuring circuit is verified, but not whether changes have been made. This functionality can be used without changing the safety program.
Application programs or function blocks developed for a Safety Platform product can be tested at any time. In these cases, the soft controller, which is part of SILworX, is used as a test resource.
Software FAT
During the FAT, Smart Safety Test can be used to prove whether the functions of a safety system comply with the defined test specifications according to the Safety Requirement Specification. The Smart Safety Test can be used for overall tests as well as for setting a system in a specific initial state for manual tests.
Hardware FAT
If inputs and outputs of a control system are connected electrically, proof of the correct electrical wiring of inputs and outputs can be provided. Depending on the test program, this includes either exclusively the desired wiring, but can also be extended to unwanted cross-wiring, for example.
Checking the communication between a DUT and the neighboring systems. In addition to the usual functional tests, extreme situations (e.g. message showers) can also be tested. Testing is performed immediately on the target hardware or on the simulation unit.
During commissioning, the Smart Safety Test allows automated functional testing of complete function groups such as
- Valve control and automatic check of the expected position feedback signals
- Verification of the complete electrical function of Smart Transmitters, e.g. switching a transmitter via HART into simulation mode, running through the calibration loop (e.g. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20mA) to check the proper function of the respective loop.
- Complete testing of Safety Instrumented Functions by giving the triggering transmitter a value that leads to the triggering of the respective safety function and then automatically checking whether the respective safety factor reacts correctly (e.g. via the position signal of a valve).
For recurring tests, test sequences such as passing through a transmitter characteristic curve can be automated.
Measuring point parameters can also be checked during operation to prove device modifications. The correct electrical function of the respective measuring circuit is verified, but not whether changes have been made. This functionality can be used without changing the safety program.
Automated Testing with Smart Safety Test
-
Efficient to operateIncreasing plant availability through flexible test cycles.
-
Safe in usePlant safety throughout the entire safety life cycle.
-
TÜV-certifiedAlready certified with the safety controller.
-
High profitabilityMaintenance costs are reduced and the organizational effort is simplified.
Evonik increases plant availability with HIMA Smart Safety Test
Using a HIMA Smart Safety Test, specialty chemicals manufacturer Evonik in Marl, Germany, was able to increase the availability of a propene distillation unit. With the help of partial stroke tests on safety-relevant butterfly valves, the cycles between plant shutdowns can be extended from one to three years. The successful project is being acclaimed as groundbreaking because of its economic significance.
PICTURE: EVONIK
#safetygoesdigital
The digitalization of functional safety as a holistic process: from engineering and operation to expansions and modifications. Automated tests for safety functions are an important part of digitalization and offer the opportunity to make the handling of safety technology more efficient and significantly simplify it for plant operators.
Your HIMA Contact
Do you have questions concerning HIMA solutions or services? Our sales experts would be pleased to respond to your email or your call.