The Flow Method: An Improved HAZOP Methodology

ABSTRACT: The traditional Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) is a widely accepted systematic methodology for hazard identification and risk analysis in the chemical process industry. However, the deviation-based approach in the traditional HAZOP method may be considered as counterintuitive, leading to fragmented reviews, time inefficiency, and increased fatigue in study teams. The Process Flow Failure Modes Analysis (PFFM) is one method in industry that has been proposed as an efficient alternative to HAZOP, but there are some limitations with PFFM as well. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an evolution to PFFM called the “Flow Method,” which combines additional tools along with an improved PFFM method to deliver streamlined, consistent, and thorough study results. This paper presents data on many study outcomes using the Flow Method as evidence of its efficacy.