Dynamic simulation for risk analysis: Application to an exothermic reaction

Currently, there is a strong demand for quantitative process risk analysis. There is a challenge in describing the process dynamic behaviour in case of failures. We suggest a methodology that combines dynamic simulation (Aspen Plus Dynamics tool), risk analysis (HAZOP review) and risk matrices. The hazardous scenarios leading to major accidents are identified, some of them are simulated which allows the determination of consequences and quantification of severity. Moreover, the knowledge of the process dynamic behaviour and the evolution of the operating parameters during a degraded mode permits adequate safety barriers recommendation. In this paper, the aim is to apply this methodology to a case study concerning an exothermic reaction in a semi-batch reactor. The chosen reaction is the oxidation reaction of sodium thiosulphate by hydrogen peroxide. Advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are revealed and discussed.