Software tools - for the lifecycle support of safety instrumented systems

The software tools that ensure lifecycle support of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) engineering and the configuration aids for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), are discussed. These software tools provide benefits such as more efficient approach to Hazard and Operability (HAZOP), reduction in the time taken by SIL determination, interactive and simplified design processes, optimal selection of the design elements, and reduced design time. HAZOP tolls include line and node tracking, ability to assign different safeguards, raising the actions during HAZOP, modular reporting structure to allow user defined operations, and export of HAZOP findings to spreadsheet or through database exchange. The tools for Saefty Instrumented System (SIS) level facilitate PLC configuration directly from a SIL determination and validate all the logical functionality from initiation through activation of the required final elements.