Parallel HIPS Subsystems for Flow Line Overpressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in mitigating overpressure events in hydrocarbon-producing wells and flow lines, which can lead to environmental damage, infrastructure damage, and personnel risk, as existing systems lack effective methods for simulating and testing the integrity of high integrity protection systems (HIPS) under actual pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A high integrity protection system (HIPS) is implemented with a dual-subsystem configuration, where each subsystem is in parallel flow configuration, including surface safety valves, pressure sensors, and a logic solving processor, allowing for actual fluidic pressure testing to verify the system's integrity and functionality, including stroke and leak tests, to ensure the system can isolate the flow line when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a HIPS is implemented to prevent overpressurization, then safety and protection of downstream systems are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple subsystems and components
Solution Approach 1:
The HIPS is divided into multiple independent subsystems (first subsystem with first SSV, second subsystem with second SSV) that can operate autonomously. Each subsystem includes its own pressure sensors and logic solving processor, allowing distributed safety functions while maintaining overall system protection
Solution Approach 2:
The HIPS performs preliminary testing actions including stroke tests and leak tests on the safety valves before actual overpressure events occur. The system pre-conditions the valves by actuating them during normal operation to ensure they will function correctly when needed, rather than waiting for failure conditions
2Measurement precision
If actual fluidic pressure testing is conducted to verify system integrity, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but use of energy increases due to requiring second pressure sources
Solution Approach 1:
The HIPS conducts pressure testing periodically during normal operation rather than continuously. The second pressure source is activated at intervals to perform stroke tests and leak tests on the safety valves, then deactivated. This periodic testing approach provides necessary verification while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous testing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational pressure (from the first pressure source) to perform testing when possible, and the second pressure source serves the dual purpose of providing backup pressure and enabling testing. The system self-verify its integrity using resources already present in the operational environment
3Reliability
If dual subsystem configuration with parallel flow is implemented, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each subsystem is designed with identical local qualities and functions (pressure sensors, logic solving processor, safety valve), creating modular redundant units. This standardization allows complex redundancy to be achieved through repetition of proven, simplified modules rather than designing a complex monolithic system
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant safety function is segmented into separate subsystems that can be independently tested and maintained. The first subsystem and second subsystem are distinct entities with separate test procedures, allowing targeted maintenance without shutting down the entire protection system
Data Source
AI summary
A high integrity protection system includes a flow line including an inlet configured to be connected to a first source of pressure and an outlet configured to be connected to a downstream system. A first subsystem is installed on the flow line between the inlet and the outlet. A second subsystem is installed on the flow line between the inlet and the outlet, and the second subsystem is in a parallel flow configuration in relation to the first subsystem. The system includes a second source of pressure configured to be fluidically connected to the first subsystem and the second subsystem.