Overspeed protection systems play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of machinery in power plants and other critical industrial applications. In the past, ODSs were predominantly mechanical devices but nowadays, most overspeed systems are electronic in nature.
Read moreProof testing is a routine action that helps ensure the integrity (SIL level) of a safety instrumented system (SIS) throughout its lifecycle. Long proof test intervals are preferable to short proof test intervals because they reduce unnecessary downtime, especially if the proof testing can be aligned with a machine’s periodic maintenance procedures.
Read moreBecause the integrity of a safety-related system degrades over time, periodic testing (known as proof testing) is essential in order to detect hidden failures. So it is of crucial importance that all safety instrumented systems (SISs) have a maintenance plan in place to support their ongoing operation.
Read moreAccording to the API standard 670 for Machinery Protection Systems, an electronic overspeed detection system (ODS) consists of speed sensors, power supplies, output relays, signal processing, and alarm/shutdown/integrity logic. Its function is to continuously measure shaft rotational speed and activate its output relays when an overspeed condition is detected. API 670 defines multiple requirements […]
Read moreAn Overspeed Detection System (ODS) has one job and one job only – detect an overspeed event and initiate an emergency trip sequence.
Read more