ACHEMA 2018: HIMA merges safety and security on a single technology platform

The platform concept works this way: HIMA and the user jointly select the appropriate hardware and software components and install them in the plants. Existing HIMA solutions can continue to be used or be upgraded to the latest generation. By migrating to this platform, plant operators fulfill all essential safety standards. The proprietary self-contained operating system of the safety controllers minimizes the risk of cyberattacks. Backward-compatible software and hardware updates make the system highly future-proof and keep plant safety and security constantly up to date.

The uniform hardware and software basis of the Smart Safety Platform reduces the effort and expense necessary for operation and maintenance of safety systems. It also simplifies extensions and system modifications. Both localized and centralized concepts can be implemented flexibly with the platform.
An important component of the Smart Safety Platform is HIMA’s new HIQuad X safety system, which fills the gap between the high-performance HIMax and the HIMatrix, which is designed for smaller applications. All HIMA controllers are now united in the new Smart Safety Platform. They can communicate with each other over SafeEthernet, and they have a uniform operating system and the same programming environment. Plant operators receive a scalable solution that enables them to meet the complete safety and security requirements of a full range of applications, from small individual systems to the complex architectures of large plants, in a need-oriented manner.

“In the year of our 110th anniversary, our Smart Safety Platform shows that we are still driving the safety market forward with innovative solutions for the digital industrial age,” says Stefan Basenach, Group Vice President Segment Process of the HIMA Group. “Digitization creates entirely new requirements for plant operators in the chemical and petrochemical industry. They need solutions that not only protect plants and employees in the event of a disaster, but also effectively counter cyberattacks and boost the long-term profitability of plants. We have introduced this paradigm shift with the new technology platform – that is what we call ‘Smart Safety’,” says Basenach.