Session: Independent Protection Layers (IPL) Verification Fundamentals

Verification of Independent Protection Layers (IPLs) is critical to ensure credited safeguards are effective, independent, and available upon demand. Best practices involve verifying the IPL is in place in the field, achieves the design intent, is adequately maintained, and supported by operations. This session welcomes best practices on IPL verification including how to develop an IPL verification program, what activities are required, who executes them, frequency considerations, and how metrics are utilized to continually improve the IPL reliability. Verification of various kinds of IPLs may be considered, such as safety instrumented systems, BPCS and operator response to alarms, mechanical shutdown systems, and relief devices, among others.