SINTEF has developed a method for quantifying the reliability/availability of safety instrumented systems (SIS), called the PDS method. The method is widely used in the petroleum industry, but is also applicable to other business sectors.
The PDS method is in line with the main principles advocated in the IEC 61508 / 61511 standards, and is a very useful tool when implementing and verifying quantitative (SIL) requirements as described in these standards. The PDS data handbook is based on extensive experience with operation of instrumented safety systems in the Norwegian petroleum industry and presents data applicable for performing SIL analyses according to IEC 61508 / 61511.
PDS Forum is a co-operation between around 25 participants representing oil companies, drilling and well service companies, engineering companies, consultants, vendors and researchers, with a special interest in Safety Instrumented systems. The participants are meeting twice a year for workshops, presentations and technical discussion.
Next PDS forum: October 19. - 20., 2022
Most members of the PDS Forum are also members of CDS-forum, an Industry Forum for Cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
News
PDS Data Handbook - 2021 edition, Reliability Data for Safety Equipment
New SINTEF report (February 2021): "Guideline for follow-up of SIS in the operating phase". This report has been developed through the joint industry research project “Automized process for follow-up of safety instrumented systems” (APOS) and has been funded by SINTEF, the Research Council of Norway, the APOS project members and the PDS forum participants.
New SINTEF report (2016) "Guidance for barrier management in the petroleum industry" provides practical guidance on barrier management with focus on establishing systems and solutions for maintaining the function of the barriers.
The Norwegian Oil and Gas Association has provided funding to revise the 070 Guidelines for the Application of IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 in the petroleum activities on the continental shelf. The project is managed by SINTEF with technical and financial support from PDS forum and the industry. The work is due by end 2015.