Less Errors with High performance HMI

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Monitor the process in a safe and modern way

Page last modified

April 11 2024

Safety is the most important aspect in the (chemical) industry. Nevertheless, incidents still occur, causing major financial consequences. In 26% of the cases, it concerns an operator error. A clear interface is crucial to limit the risks. Nowadays, most software and apps have a Human Centered Design. The new generation operators has grown up as digital natives. However, current process control interfaces are not modernized. They still use bright colors, which makes alarms less visible and more difficult to see from a glance. Also, when too much information is displayed there is a higher chance of message perception.

An answer to these developments is the High Performance Human Machine Interface (HMI). The operator interface to your control system is an important part of the operator’s ability to control the plant processes.

A well-designed graphic that encourages situational awareness allows for a more accurate and timely operator response. High performance shapes can enhance the performance of the operators by giving them visual references of the state of the process, allowing for issues to be detected in earlier stages.

Pros & Limitations

Use of neutral and saturated background to provide the operator with a calm rendering

Visibility of changes in the process are clearly indicated by alternating colors. Lines are muted in color and reduced in thickness to reduce distraction on the page

Only alarms use the saturated colors to emphasize changing process conditions. Other changes such as opening and closing valves also become more visible

HMI offThe process is shown in four different levels. Levels 1 and 2 provide a graphical overview of the process to increase situational awareness. Smart shapes provide control at a glance for deviating process conditions

Intuitive navigation provides easy access to levels 3 and 4 where images with the required level of detail are displayed. Conventional displays that many organizations still use only show levels 3 and 4

Using HTML5, the interface is visible on every screen. From a screen wall or monitor, to a tablet

To increase productivity of HMI, operators should be involved in the display design as they are the end users, but such inputs will raise overall costs

Specification

Specification Title	Specification Description
Areas of Application	Process control and safety in the industry (Chemicals, Pharmatical, Oil & Gas, Natural Gas, electric energy facilities).
Certifications / licenses	Build HMI Philosophy and Style Guide to align with industry standards, recommended best practices, and guidelines.
Capabilities	Human centered design, developed to meet the needs of the new generation of operators.
Compliance	ISA 101.1, API 1165, ISO 11064, EEMUA 201 and NUREG 700.
Integration	DeltaV DCS and SIS \| Using HTML5, the interface is visible on every screen (screen wall, monitor, tablet).