Emphasising the suitability of Hima-Sella’s solid-state logic solver for use in the nuclear industry
Safety systems specialist Hima-Sella’s Planar4 solid-state logic solver modules have secured approval from Sellafield Ltd for use in safety systems. Securing approval is a particularly rigorous process using the EMPHASIS Assessment methodology and included a Sellafield Ltd representative visiting HIMA in Germany where the Planar4 was designed and manufactured.
The Planar4 is a modular solid-state logic system, where each module within the system includes I/O and logic processing; interconnected using wiring techniques such as wire-wrap, solder or termipoint.
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All non Software- or processor-based modules are being evaluated for Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) for use in the nuclear industry (up to SIL 4 for all other industries).
The Software (processor) based Planar4 modules have also been subjected to the EMPHASIS assessment methodology. These modules have only been evaluated as suitable for SIL 1 in accordance with current Sellafield Ltd requirements. However, they can be re-evaluated to SIL 2 if required by Sellafield Ltd performing an additional Independent Confidence building measure such as ‘software evaluation’.
The EMPHASIS assessment methodology was developed as part of an R&D project by the UK Control and Instrumentation Nuclear Industry Forum (CINIF) with inputs from the Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR). It is considered to be the nuclear industry’s methodology for substantiation of SMART and Type ‘B’ devices. The EMPHASIS assessment allows OEMs to claim and demonstrate compliance with the international functional safety standard IEC 61508 for nuclear application. Upon successful completion of the assessment, the OEM will be granted approval for its equipment to be used in nuclear safety applications.
Eddy Turnock, Hima-Sella’s Sales & Marketing Director, comments: “Our Planar4 logic solver is the first solid-state safety system to be approved by Sellafield Ltd using the EMPHASIS assessment methodology and qualifies our product for use in the nuclear industry – which has exceptionally high safety standards and performance expectations.”
For more information contact:
Hima-Sella Ltd, Carrington Field St, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 3JN. UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 161 429 4500
www.hima-sella.co.uk
