By migrating to this platform, plant operators fulfil all essential safety standards. The proprietary self-contained operating system of the safety controllers minimises the risk of cyberattacks

Hima exhibited its Smart Safety Platform under the motto "Discover Safecurity" at this year’s ACHEMA trade fair in Frankfurt (Germany) in June.

This is the world’s first integrated solution that combines safety and security by uniformly tailoring hardware and software to each other. That enables operators to significantly reduce the complexity of their systems and buy only what they actually need. The platform also supports integration of existing systems, enabling lower operating costs and very high security of investment.

The platform concept works this way: Hima and the user jointly select the appropriate hardware and software components and install them in the plants. Existing Hima solutions can continue to be used or be upgraded to the latest generation. By migrating to this platform, plant operators fulfill all essential safety standards. The proprietary self-contained operating system of the safety controllers minimises the risk of cyberattacks. Backward-compatible software and hardware updates make the system highly future-proof and keep plant safety and security constantly up to date.

The uniform hardware and software basis of the Smart Safety Platform reduces the effort and expense necessary for operation and maintenance of safety systems. It also simplifies extensions and system modifications. Both localised and centralised concepts can be implemented flexibly with the platform.

An important component of the Smart Safety Platform is Hima’s new HIQuad X safety system, which fills the gap between the high-performance HIMax and the HIMatrix, which is designed for smaller applications. All Hima controllers are now united in the new Smart Safety Platform. They can communicate with each other over SafeEthernet, and they have a uniform operating system and the same programming environment. Plant operators receive a scalable solution that enables them to meet the complete safety and security requirements of a full range of applications, from small individual systems to the complex architectures of large plants, in a need-oriented manner.

"In the year of our 110th anniversary, our Smart Safety Platform shows that we are still driving the safety market forward with innovative solutions for the digital industrial age," says Stefan Basenach, Group Vice President Segment Process of the Hima Group. "Digitisation creates entirely new requirements for plant operators in the chemical and petrochemical industry. They need solutions that not only protect plants and employees in the event of a disaster, but also effectively counter cyberattacks and boost the long-term profitability of plants. We have introduced this paradigm shift with the new technology platform – that is what we call ‘Smart Safety’," says Basenach.

2018 is a special anniversary year for Hima. For many decades, the safety specialist – founded in 1908 – has played a major role in shaping safety standards and has driven innovations to develop the market for industrial safety. Drawing on 110 years of experience, Hima develops solutions for the digital industrial age and is ready for the challenges of the future.

The Hima Group is the world’s leading independent provider of smart safety solutions for industrial applications. With more than 35,000 installed TÜV-certified safety systems worldwide, Hima qualifies as the technology leader in this sector. Its expert engineers develop customised solutions that help increase safety, cyber security and profitability of plants and factories in the digital age. For over 45 years, Hima has been a trusted partner to the world’s largest oil, gas, chemical, and energy-producing companies. These rely on Hima solutions, services and consultancy for uninterrupted plant operation and protection of assets, people and the environment. Hima’s offering includes smart safety solutions that help increase safety and uptime by turning data into business-relevant information. Hima also provides comprehensive solutions for the efficient control and monitoring of turbomachinery (TMC), burners and boilers (BMC) and pipelines (PMC). In the global rail industry, Hima’s CENELEC-certified SIL4 COTS safety controllers are leading the way to increased safety, security and profitability. Founded in 1908, the family-owned company operates from over 50 locations worldwide with its headquarters in Bruehl, Germany. With a workforce of approximately 800 employees, Hima generated a turnover of approximately $132 million in 2016.