A Semi‐Quantitative Methodology for Chemical Process Resilience Assessment

Abstract

Resilience is a vital attribute of modern industrial systems, particularly in the chemical process industry, where complex dynamics and high‐risk operations require robust approaches to ensure safety, security, and operational continuity. This study presents a semi‐quantitative framework for resilience assessment that integrates safety and security considerations with key operational performance indicators related to productivity and quality. The framework relies on dynamic simulations to quantify resilience as a time‐dependent system response to disruptions and introduces a triangular visualization tool for integrated performance evaluation. The proposed methodology is applied to a continuous‐stirred tank reactor (CSTR) to assess its performance under both safety‐related incidents and security‐related threats. The integration of safety and security dimensions in resilience assessments provides a more holistic understanding of system robustness, enabling the identification of targeted improvement strategies to mitigate risks. The results highlight critical vulnerabilities, such as the impact of valve failures on production continuity and the consequences of cyberattacks on system stability. This novel approach not only enhances the understanding of system resilience but also provides practical and actionable insights to improve resilience in complex industrial environments.