November
2016
51
HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
H
igh integrity pressure protection systems,
more commonly referred to as HIPPS, are
designed to rapidly close block valves in the
event of an over pressure event in order to
protect personnel, the environment and downstream
equipment. The HIPPS will isolate the source of the
high pressure before the design pressure of
downstream equipment is exceeded.
HIPPS are a feasible and practical solution for the
following reasons:
n
The risk of over pressurisation.
n
Environmental restraints.
n
Extreme high pressures and flow rates.
In addition to the above practical benefits, HIPPS
also offer operators the following economic benefits:
n
Reduced cost and weight in the piping and other
downstream equipment from the HIPPS.
n
Increased capacity in the flow lines.
n
Reduced storage and transportation costs for flow
line media.
n
No requirements to upgrade the flare systems and
pressure relief manifolds.
Equally, and from an environmental perspective,
which is a particular concern for modern day
operators, HIPPS reduce and often completely
FEELING THE
PRESSURE
Mike Northwood, Paladon Systems,
UK,
explains how high integrity
pressure protection systems can help
downstream oil and gas operators
to improve plant processes and
increase efficiency.
