During which stage of the process can the application of the ISD approach to distillation system designs be evaluated?

The application of the Inherently Safer Design (ISD) approach to distillation system designs can be best evaluated during the development stage. This stage is critical because it involves detailed planning and conceptualizing the design before any physical construction occurs. At this point, designers and engineers can assess various strategies for risk reduction and safety integration into the distillation process.

During the development stage, it is possible to analyze the potential hazards and assess how different design choices can mitigate them from a fundamental perspective. Engaging with ISD principles at this early stage allows for innovation and alternative methods to be explored effectively, thus making the systems inherently safer. Decisions made during this phase, such as material selection, process modification, and technology choices, can have lasting impacts on the safety profile of the distillation system.

As a result, this stage provides the most substantial opportunity to incorporate ISD principles before any irreversible commitments are made related to construction or implementation, ensuring that safety considerations are embedded into the design from its inception.