Abstract
Electrical power failures continue to represent a major threat to industrial operations. In industrial facilities handling hazardous substances, particularly those classified as Major Accident Hazard establishments, a total loss of electrical power is regarded as one of the most catastrophic initiating events. Such facilities should therefore be designed, constructed, and operated in a manner that minimizes the impact of this event and of similar disturbances. However, practical implementation of this principle is often insufficient or inconsistent.
The effects of power interruptions in industrial installations can simultaneously impact multiple pieces of equipment (e.g., reactors, boilers, pumps, agitators) and several process operations (e.g., cooling systems). This study examines recurrent causes of malfunction, the main characteristics of electrical power interruptions, and the accident scenarios that may be triggered by failures in both primary and redundant power supply systems. Drawing upon the institutional experience of the authors in Italy, the purpose of this work is to provide essential guidance to operators of industrial facilities aimed at: a) preventing electrical faults, enhancing personnel training, and protecting both electrical and non-electrical systems and operations; b) ensuring the availability and reliability of overpressure relief systems; c) performing systematic inspection and maintenance of electrical components; d) ensuring the independence of power supply sources and conducting periodic testing of switching and transfer operations between them.
