General applicability

This technical report covers the application of alarm management principles in ISA-18.2 to batch and discrete processes. The general principles and techniques described in this technical report are intended for use in the lifecycle management of an alarm system based on programmable electronic controller and computer-based human machine interface (HMI) technology. Use of this technical report should consider batch and discrete process alarms from all systems presented to the operator, which may include basic process control systems, annunciator panels, safety instrumented systems, fire and gas systems, and emergency response systems.

Purpose

This technical report addresses the specification, design, implementation, and management of alarms and alarm systems for batch and discrete processes. It explains how ISA-18.2 applies to batch and discrete processes and contains several examples. This technical report was written to provide guidance for the use of ISA-18.2 for batch and discrete processes with due consideration of other guidance documents that have been developed throughout industry. Alarms for batch and discrete processes are often associated with additional design, implementation, and management considerations compared to those for continuous processes. This technical report is intended to include these additional considerations.