New Algorithm May Lead To Safer, Greener Petrochemical Plants

Researchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU) develop a new algorithm that may help engineers at petrochemical plants make safer, greener design decisions, according to Texas A&M Today. The “one-stop” decision-making tool reportedly integrates relevant data and then points engineers to a design solution that will maximize profits while reducing environmental and hazardous impacts.

One important facet of the algorithm is that it takes the human element – man-machine interactions – into account in a way that is often overlooked by more complex algorithms, according to the article. Faulty man-equipment interactions reportedly often underlie chemical plant disasters.  The research was supported by funds from the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center.

Read the entire article here.