Safety system

The XMR system architecture of the HIMax safety system allows users to adjust the redundancy of individual modules to the requirements of the differing process loops. XMR refers to the degree of modular redundancy in the system, with ‘x’ assuming any value between one and four. This also makes possible novel solutions for safeguarding against common-cause faults. When, for example, fire or water damage in a control room results in the shutdown of critical safety system components, components which are redundant but have been installed in physically separated and different control or equipment rooms continue to operate safely, keeping the safety system fully functioning.

All maintenance, expansion and modification work of the system can be performed online during process operation — without cutting back on safety. This includes the execution of a proof test, a mandatory requirement of IEC/AS 61508/11. This also means that changes to the HIMax configuration can be made as process requirements change, thereby future-proofing the end user’s investment. Acquisition costs are optimised as well as a result of the scalable architecture. As a flexible platform, HIMax offers various rack sizes and different assembly and wiring concepts.

With regard to I/O numbers as well as the response time and fault tolerance requirements, HIMax is highly flexible and equally suitable for central as well as decentralised applications. HIMax also offers integration options with connectivity to all important DCS systems.

The configuration management tool SILworX serves as a user-friendly, fully integrated configuration, programming and diagnostic environment for HIMax.

All safety-critical applications in the process industry can be implemented with HIMax. These include emergency shutdown systems, burner management systems, fire and gas systems, turbo machinery control, high integrity pressure protection systems or the automation of pipelines.