A High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) is a system used to prevent the pressure in a pipeline from exceeding the maximum allowable operating pressure. A HIPPS is commonly installed in oil & gas export pipelines and sometimes in flowlines that need to be protected from exposure to high pressures. These pressures can originate from wells, which when enclosed can reach a Closed In Tubing Head Pressure (CITHP) that exceeds downstream pipeline specifications.
Functionally, a HIPPS is a very simple system: in case of high pressure, it closes one or more valves. These valves can be pneumatically or hydraulically driven.
A HIPPS is often considered an alternative to mechanical means, such as pressure relief valves, to prevent excessive pressures. The mechanical means required can be very costly compared to a HIPPS. Obviously, the requirements for both the SIL level and availability of the HIPPS are very high. For SIL levels up to SIL-3, we have a solution. We have supplied HIPPS systems for offshore installations, both installed on the platform and built into systems located on the seabed (subsea). We are familiar with the practical and environmental constraints caused by subsea installations as well as the effects of shock waves generated by the rapid closure of valves.
