Control and protective systems on industrial thermoprocessing installations

A control system for industrial thermoprocessing equipment must meet stringent requirements in terms of plant and operational safety, functionality, availability and cost-effectiveness. The electrical and electronic equipment for these installations must comply with a number of relevant EC Directives and Standards. This article explains the context. It also explains the requirements on the design of protective systems and describes the necessary steps of risk assessment. In addition, the determination of so-called "SIL/PL levels" for safety functions is described.