Sneak Analysis

Supporting Techniques
Troubleshooting
Day1
 Definition for Sneak Analysis
• Sneak Analysis
A methodology for identifying design
A sneak is a design errors.
condition (possibly
in conjunction with SA good for identifying design errors.
a single-point It works best when applied in
failure) which gives conjunction with HAZOP.
rise to an
unintended event or It is very good for dealing with systems
which inhibits an which have multiple states- such as batch
intended event and semi batch plant
 Sneak Flow
• An example
A sneak flow is the unintended
transfer of material energy,
information, etc. which occurs
along an unintended path.
Either as a result of a
combination of intended
actions or as a single failure. Vessel A Vessel B
The figure right shows simple
Atmospheric 10 bar
example of a process sneak
flow. If both drain valves are Pressure Pressure
opened together, it is very
probable that there will be a
sneak flow from vessel B
(which contains nitrogen
tetroxide) to vessel A (which
contains naphtha) Drain valve A To drain Drain valve B
 Sneak Indication
• A Sneak Indication is a false or ambiguous indication of a
system condition. (watch Texas City Video- Catastrophic
• Accident)
The figure left, shows a
common example of a sneak
indication. The temperature Bottom of
transmitter is supposed to column
indicate liquid temperature-
yet it is not in contact with
the liquid. Whatever it is
indicating, it will be a
different temperature from
the liquid. This is a very Liquid level
common problem and has
lead to some very serious
accidents. Temperature Transmitter
 Sneak Circuit Analysis

SCA – Is a unique method of evaluating electrical circuits- SCA recognition

of topological patterns that are characteristic of all circuits and systems.

The purpose of this analysis technique is to uncover latent(sneak) circuits

and conditions that inhibit desired functions or cause undesired functions to
occur, without a component having failed.

The process is to convert schematic diagrams to topographical drawings and

search for sneak circuits.

This can be very labour intensive, so best to use the many software
programs that are an immense help.
 Sneak Circuit Analysis
An automobile circuit that contains a sneak circuit.

Battery The sneak path is through:-

*
Ignition switch

*
Directional switch

Flasher Module
* Brake light switch *
Brake & Parking Radio
Lights
*
 Sample Sneak Circuit Analysis
Topological Clue List

Topographical Figure Clues

1.Does the load perform the function commanded by the switch?
2.Are all labels compatible?
Straight line 2a 3.Can the switch operate inadvertently or at correct times?
4.Is the power available when required?

1. Do loads perform the functions commanded by their

respective switches?
Ground Dome 2. Are all labels compatible?
2b
3. Are both grounds compatible with each other
4. Are all components and grounds compatible with the power
source
1.Can a reserve current from one power branch provide power
Power Dome to a load in the other branch?
2c 2. Are both powers from the same bus, or is there a potential
power-to-power tie?
 Sneak Analysis
Topographical Diagrams
• 3 basic sneak circuit analysis- topographical diagrams

2a 2b 2c
 Sneak Analysis-Dataset
Maturity Rating
• Sneak Condition Dataset Evaluation.

A
Severity Class

A= Catastrophic B= Critical C= Marginal D- Minor E- Negligible