ISA106 Overview
ISA106 is a series of standards and technical reports developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA) focused on automating procedures in continuous process operations. It provides a framework and best practices for designing and implementing automated procedures to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of continuous processes. This includes areas such as
startup,
shutdown, and
product grade changes.
Detailed Explanation
Focus on Continuous Processes
ISA106 specifically addresses the unique challenges of automating procedures in continuous process industries, which differ significantly from batch processes.
Key Areas
The standard addresses topics including:
- Modularization
- Exception Handling
- Lifecycle Management of automated procedures
Benefits
ISA106 provides a structured approach that leads to:
- Improved operational consistency
- Reduced reliance on manual procedures
- Enhanced process safety
Relationship to ISA88
ISA106 builds upon the principles of ISA88 (which was designed for batch process control) and adapts them to continuous process environments.
Importance for Knowledge Transfer
With many industries facing demographic shifts and an aging workforce, procedural automation:
- Captures and preserves operator knowledge
- Transfers experience into formal control systems
Practical Application
ISA106 provides a practical framework for implementing procedures in:
- Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS)
- Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
IEC 63661 Overview
IEC 63661 is a project related to “Procedure automation for continuous process operations”, currently in the development stage. The project is designated as prEN IEC 63661 and is being developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
- Current Stage: 10.99 (New project)
- Next Stage: 20.60 (Scheduled for December 23, 2025)
- Originator: ISRSM — isrsm.gov.mk
Project Details
prEN IEC 63661
This indicates it’s a preliminary draft of a European standard (EN) from the IEC.
Procedure Automation
This refers to the automation of processes in continuous industries such as:
- Chemical plants
- Oil refineries
- Power generation
Automation in these sectors enhances efficiency, safety, and consistency in long-running operations.
Current Stage: 10.99
This code signifies that the project is in its initial development phase, registered as a new work item.
Next Stage: 20.60
The next planned phase is Stage 20.60, expected to begin in late December 2025, marking the preparation of the working draft for discussion.
Originator: ISRSM
The project was initiated by ISRSM — the Institute for Standardization of the Republic of North Macedonia, a national standards organization.