Q & A: What is the Difference between Process shutdown and Emergency Shutdown?

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Q: What is the Difference between Process shutdown and Emergency Shutdown?

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A: Process shutdown (PSD) is defined as the automatic isolation and the activation of all parts of a process. During a PSD the process remains pressurized.

Basically, PSD consist of field mounted sensors. Valves and trip relays, a system logic unit for processing of incoming signals, alarm, and MHI units. The system is able to process all input signals and activating output in accordance with the applicable cause and effect matrix chart

Typical action from PSD systems are:

1. Shutdown the whole process
2. Shutdown part of the process
3. Depressurize/Blowdown parts of the process

The Emergency Shutdown (ESD) shall minimize the consequences of emergency situations, related to typically uncontrolled flooding, escape of hydrocarbons, or outbreak of fire in hydrocarbon carrying areas or areas which may otherwise be hazardous. Traditionally risk analyses have concluded that the ESD system is in need of a high Safety Integrity Level, typically SIL 2 or 3.

Basically, the system consists of field-mounted sensors, valves, and trip relays, system logic for processing of incoming signals, alarm, and HMI units. The system is able to process input signals and activating outputs in accordance with the Cause & Effect charts defined for the installation.

ESD can be automatically initiated by load shedding functions or manually by the operator through a push button on the panel. ESD will shutdown and isolate all designated process-related equipment, including inlet and outlet ESD valves. Depends on each project some plants will allow the power generation, utilities, and fuel gas system to keep running during this condition.

Typical action from the ESD system are:

The shutdown of part system and equipment
Isolate hydrocarbon inventories
Isolate electrical equipment
Prevent escalation of the event
Stop hydrocarbon flow
Depressurize/Blowdown parts of the process
Emergency ventilation control
Close watertight doors and fire doors

PSD vs ESD

Process shutdown (PSD) system is a part of the plant (facility) safeguarding system with a purpose to minimize the frequency and consequences of excursions outside the facility operating envelope.

The emergency shutdown (ESD) system is a part of the plant (facility) safeguarding system with a purpose to keep the process within the design envelope and to prevent the escalation of abnormal conditions into a major hazardous event.

PSD and ESD can be considered as effects, which are triggered by certain causes, the PSD and ESD are levels of a shutdown which discriminate between the seriousness of the causes leading to the appropriate effects.