High Integrity Pressure Protection System

Substantial cost savings are now possible by derating the transportation flowline. Subsea HIPPS is a new technology which allows high pressure flowlines to be safely derated between the manifold and the host platform. HIPPS also adds an additional safety system by positioning barrier valves in-between the wellhead and the section of derated flowline (downstream to the host facility).

The system can be positioned on a subsea production manifold with discrete monitoring and control functions for the valves or, in the case of a satellite well, the HIPPS SCM and barrier valves could be mounted on a skid close to the wellhead. The primary feature of the control system is to monitor the pressure within the flowline and shut the barrier valves at a predetermined pressure. This is independent of any operator input and completely failsafe. Override of the valve is not possible unless the flowline pressure is below the 'safe' level.

COST SAVINGS

• Derated flowline reduces costs and schedule risk
• Reduced platform costs and installation costs
• Potential cost saving on topside piping system

MAIN FEATURES

• TUV DIN 19250 Classes 5, 6 and 7 safety standards rating.
• First system installed in the North Sea (in 110m of water)
• Installed system depth rated to 500m.
• Works in parallel with standard control and safety systems.
• Developed from field proven topside design.
• Fail- safe design, high reliability, no known unsafe failures.
• HIPPS Flowline Barrier Valves (to API subsea tree specification)
• Secondary Gate Valves used for testing and maintenance.
• ROV or diver installation/retrieval of SCM

HIPPS TYPICAL PIPELINE PRESSURE SCENARIOS

• Closed in tubing head pressure 9,000 psi
• Flowline rating pressure 5,000 psi
• Flowing pressure 1,500 psi
• HIPPS action point 3,000 psi

Kvaerner Oilfield Products, 1255 North Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77055. Tel: 713-685-5700; Fax: 713-685-5707.