In a significant achievement, a team of three students from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) named Eureka clinched first place at the POISE Safety Competition 2024 held by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The competition, which took place on November 10, 2024, centered on empowering industrial innovation and supporting a sustainable green economy.

Eureka ITB’s winning proposal addressed a complex issue faced by urea plants during their startup processes: the carryover of carbamate solution. To solve this, the team used various risk management tools, such as Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Event Tree Analysis (ETA), Fishbone Diagram, Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and simulation software ALOHA. They also incorporated industry standards like OSHA 3132 1910.119 and ISO 45001:2018 into their analysis.

One of the team members, Brigita Cathleen, explained that their approach involved understanding both the technical and human factors that contribute to the carryover problem. "We aimed to identify the root cause, analyze potential consequences, and evaluate the environmental and human impact," she said. Their methodical, iterative process led them to propose solutions that could mitigate the risks associated with urea plant startups.

Mia Nuramalia Aim, another team member, highlighted the team's dedication to understanding the startup process itself. "Initially, we struggled with the process, but after spending time familiarizing ourselves, we identified the root causes using frameworks like FTA and Fishbone diagrams. Once we confirmed the causes, we developed practical recommendations," she added.

The key to their success, according to the team, was deep collaboration and constant discussion. They emphasized that iterating their analysis and ensuring all team members worked in sync were vital to the project's success.

The Eureka ITB team's victory at POISE 2024 is not just a triumph for the students but also a demonstration of how innovation and teamwork can offer sustainable solutions to complex industrial problems. Their success reflects the potential of young innovators to drive positive changes in line with green economy principles, a message that resonates with industries aiming for a sustainable future.

As the team looks to future competitions, they hope to inspire others to push the boundaries of innovation and make impactful contributions to Indonesia’s industrial and environmental landscape.