entropy method

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a risk-management method used in industries promote the safety of processes and systems. Fuzzy multi-criteria decision methods are methods that choose the best option from several different criteria. The purpose of this article is to assess the risk using the FMEA method based on stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) - relative-entropy (RE) - VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in an urban gateway gas pressure reduction station.

In this descriptive-analytical study, SWARA fuzzy methods were used to determine the weight of risk factors, RE was used to weigh team members, and VIKOR was employed to rank failure modes, such that these modes were identified and evaluated based on the opinion of four experts with at least five years of experience. At the end, the sensitivity and comparative analysis of the proposed approach was performed.

Six failure modes were identified in the main equipment of Darveza Shahri gas pressure reduction station. The failure mode of the regulator, filter, and the odorize system ranked first, second, and third in terms of risk priority. The risk intensity index had a higher priority than other indices. Twelve sensitivity analysis tests were performed, and the failure mode of the regulator and the heater were the least and the most sensitive, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the sensitivity and comparative analysis supported the validity of the proposed approach.

According to the results of SWARA, RE and VIKOR fuzzy methods, the proposed approach eliminates the problem of the same weights of risk factors, the uncertainty in the data (experts' opinions) and the prioritization of failure modes, compared to the traditional FMEA method. It can also prioritize risks more effectively.