High Integrity Pressure Protection System

Idea of work
Is a type of safety instrumented system (SIS) designed

to prevent over-pressurization of a plant, such as a chemical plant or oil refinery. The HIPPS will shut off the source of the high pressure before the design pressure of the system is exceeded

SIS
Safety Instrumented System (SIS) consists of an

engineered set of hardware and software controls which are especially used on critical process systems (on running an operational problem occurs the system may need to be put into a "Safe State" to avoid adverse Safety) An SIS is engineered to perform "specific control functions" to maintain safe operation of a process when dangerous conditions occur. SIS must be independent from all other controllers onthe same equipment to ensure SIS functionality is not compromised

 Also HIPPS is known for many years but according to

API215 & ASME standards PRV must be used in case of overpressure August 1996 ASME defined the conditions for which overpressure protection may be provided by a SIS instead of a pressure relief device as long as the SIS meets or exceeds the protection that would have been provided by the PRV The International Electro technical Commission (EC) introduced the IEC 61508 and the IEC 61511 standards in 1998 and 2003 which is also applicable to HIPPS.

HIPPS functional loop

Sensors that detect the high pressure (different type of

sensors is used to apply redundancy) a logic solver, which processes the input from the sensors to an output to the final element final elements, that actually perform the corrective action in the field by bringing the process to a safe state

Advantages
More safer and reliable in case of to chemical

reactions, multiphase fluids, or plugging than PRV reduce flare loading and prevent the environmental impact of pressure venting. the option of choice to help the need to replace major portions of the flare system in existing facilities when adding new equipment or units

Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of HIPPS is the careful design,

operation, maintenance, and testing to ensure standards compliance. Any justification for HIPPS must be thoroughly documented through a hazard analysis, The ability of the HIPPS to address overpressure is limited by the knowledge overpressure scenarios When a pressure relief device is not installed or is undersized, the HIPPS becomes the last line of defense whose failure results in vessel rupture

Safety integrity level

By applying hazard fault diagram to calculate probability of failure per year to know SIL

Example of applied HIPPS

Wellhead flow line protection

For many years wellhead downstream piping have

been designed according to MAWP (maximum allowable pressure ) expected to produced by the well In case of very high MWAP & after the introduction of electric submersible pumps (ESPs) in new and existing wells, The maximum discharge pressure have exceeded the MWAP A safe alternative and more econmical of replacing the pipes is the use of HIPPS, Its also easier